Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Cherry Pie Bites are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of cherry pie without the fuss of making a full-sized pie. The combination of the sweet cherry filling and the buttery, golden crust is irresistible. They’re perfect for serving at gatherings, and their individual size makes them great for portion control. Plus, they’re so easy to make—whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, these bites will become your go-to sweet treat!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

  • 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie crust, if preferred)

For the filling:

  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or fresh or frozen cherries, see variations)

  • 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, depending on sweetness of the cherry filling)

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken the filling)

For the topping:

  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

Directions

Prepare the pie crust:

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with paper liners.

  2. Roll out the pie crust: Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles large enough to fit into the cups of the mini muffin tin. Each circle should be about 3-4 inches in diameter, depending on the size of your tin.

  3. Place in muffin tin: Gently press the pie crust circles into the muffin tin, making sure they form a little cup shape.

Make the cherry filling:

  1. Prepare the filling: If you’re using canned cherry pie filling, just stir it a bit to ensure the cherries are evenly distributed. If using fresh or frozen cherries, combine them with sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and the mixture thickens. Let it cool slightly before using.

Assemble the pie bites:

  1. Fill the crusts: Spoon a generous amount of cherry filling into each pie crust, being careful not to overfill. Leave a little space at the top to allow the filling to expand as it bakes.

  2. Fold the crust: You can either fold the edges of the crust slightly over the filling to create a rustic look, or leave the edges exposed for a more traditional pie appearance.

Bake the pie bites:

  1. Brush with butter: Brush the exposed edges of the crust with melted butter for a golden finish. Sprinkle the tops of the pies with sugar and cinnamon, if desired.

  2. Bake: Bake the mini pies in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on them toward the end to ensure they don’t over-brown.

  3. Cool: Remove the Cherry Pie Bites from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and enjoy:

  1. Serve: Once cooled, these Cherry Pie Bites are ready to enjoy! They make the perfect individual-sized dessert for any occasion.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12-15 Cherry Pie Bites, depending on the size of your muffin tin. Prep time is about 10 minutes, with a baking time of 15-18 minutes. The total time to prepare and bake is around 30 minutes.

Variations

  • Fresh or frozen cherries: If using fresh or frozen cherries, you can make your own filling by combining the cherries with sugar, a bit of lemon juice, and cornstarch to thicken it.

  • Different fruit fillings: You can substitute cherry filling with other fruit fillings such as blueberry, apple, or peach for a variety of mini pies.

  • Add a crumble topping: For an extra touch, you can add a crumble topping made from butter, flour, sugar, and oats for some crunch.

  • Vegan version: Use a plant-based butter and a dairy-free pie crust for a vegan version of this recipe.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover Cherry Pie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you need to store them longer, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore some of the crispiness of the crust.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pie crust?

Yes, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust for a different flavor or make your own homemade pie crust if preferred.

2. Can I make these Cherry Pie Bites ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pies and store them in the fridge before baking. When ready to bake, simply follow the same instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if the pies are cold.

3. Can I freeze these Cherry Pie Bites?

Yes, you can freeze the baked pie bites. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to crisp up the crust.

4. How can I make the cherry filling thicker?

If you want a thicker filling, add a little more cornstarch to the fresh cherry filling or use a fruit preserve with less liquid. For canned cherry filling, simply let it cook down a bit longer before using.

5. Can I use canned cherry pie filling instead of fresh cherries?

Yes, canned cherry pie filling works great and saves time. Just stir it to ensure even distribution of the cherries and sauce.

6. Can I add more spices to the filling?

Yes, you can enhance the flavor with additional spices like nutmeg or cloves, depending on your preferences.

7. Can I make a bigger version of these Cherry Pie Bites?

Yes, you can use a standard pie pan to make one large pie. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as it will take longer to bake through.

8. How do I know when the crust is done?

The crust should be golden brown and crisp to the touch when fully baked. If the filling starts to bubble up around the edges, it’s a good indicator that the pies are ready.

9. Can I use a different fruit filling?

Absolutely! You can substitute the cherry filling with any fruit you like, such as blueberries, strawberries, or mixed berries. Adjust the sugar content depending on the sweetness of the fruit.

10. Can I add a lattice crust on top?

Yes, you can add a lattice crust on top of the pie bites for a decorative touch. Simply cut the pie crust into strips and weave them on top of the filled pie cups before baking.

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Bites are a simple yet delicious dessert that brings all the classic flavors of cherry pie into easy-to-eat, individual servings. Whether you’re making them for a party, family gathering, or just because you crave something sweet, these little bites of heaven are sure to delight! With a flaky, buttery crust, tangy cherry filling, and a dusting of sugar and cinnamon, these bite-sized treats will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.


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Cherry Pie Bites

Cherry Pie Bites

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  • Author: Alice
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12-15 pie bites
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Cherry Pie Bites are a fun and delicious twist on the classic cherry pie, offering bite-sized portions with a buttery, flaky crust and sweet, tangy cherry filling. These mini treats are easy to make, perfect for parties or a quick dessert craving. With just a few simple ingredients, these individual pies are sure to become a crowd-pleasing favorite!


Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie crust, if preferred)

For the filling:

  • 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or fresh or frozen cherries, see variations)

  • 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, depending on sweetness of the cherry filling)

  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken the filling)

For the topping:

  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted

  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

  • Prepare the pie crust:

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with paper liners.

    • Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out circles about 3-4 inches in diameter, depending on your muffin tin size.

    • Gently press the pie crust circles into the muffin tin, forming little cups.

  • Make the cherry filling:

    • If using canned cherry pie filling, stir it to ensure the cherries are evenly distributed.

    • For fresh or frozen cherries, combine them with sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and the mixture thickens. Let it cool slightly.

  • Assemble the pie bites:

    • Spoon a generous amount of cherry filling into each pie crust, being careful not to overfill. Leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion during baking.

    • You can either fold the edges of the crust over the filling for a rustic look or leave them exposed for a more traditional pie appearance.

  • Bake the pie bites:

    • Brush the exposed edges of the crust with melted butter for a golden finish. Sprinkle the tops of the pies with sugar and cinnamon, if desired.

    • Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-browning.

  • Cool and serve:

    • Let the Cherry Pie Bites cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.


Notes

Fruit variations: You can swap the cherry filling with blueberry, apple, peach, or mixed berry fillings for a different twist.Vegan option: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free pie crust for a vegan version of this recipe.Storage: Store leftover Cherry Pie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.

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