These cherry pie bites are a tiny, tender pastry filled with sweet-tart cherry filling. They bake up golden and flaky, smelling warm and fruity. Each bite gives a soft, juicy center and a crisp crust. They are quick to make with store-bought pie crusts and taste like a mini slice of cherry pie in every bite.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Servings: 12 bites
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
Per serving (approximate)
- Calories per serving: 92 kcal
- Protein: 1.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fat: 3.0 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
Why Make This Cherry Pie Bites
These cherry pie bites are fast, fun, and crowd-pleasing. They use a simple cherry filling and ready-made pie crusts, so you skip long crust work. They are great for parties, school snacks, or a quick dessert after dinner. The bites combine flaky pastry and warm, slightly sticky cherry filling. The aroma while baking is sweet and inviting. They are easy to scale and easy to customize.
How to Make Cherry Pie Bites
This recipe uses a short prep, a quick bake, and simple folding to seal juicy filling inside flaky pastry. Follow the steps below for best results. Use chilled crusts and a light dusting of powdered sugar after baking for a pretty finish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package pre-made pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Thaw pie crusts if they are frozen, but keep them cold enough to handle easily.
Step 2: Mixing
In a bowl, mix together the chopped cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until well combined. The cornstarch will thicken the filling as it bakes. Set the filling aside for a few minutes to allow the sugar to draw juices from the cherries.
Step 3: Cooking
Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and cut them into squares (about 3-inch squares for 12 bites). Place a spoonful of cherry filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners of each square over the filling to form bites and press or crimp the edges to seal. Brush the top of each bite with the beaten egg to get a golden color. Place the bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling slightly.
Step 4: Finishing
Allow the cherry pie bites to cool slightly on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and dust lightly with powdered sugar before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Cherry Pie Bites
Serve these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair well with coffee or tea. For a breakfast twist, serve with yogurt and fresh cherries. For parties, arrange on a platter and garnish with extra powdered sugar and a few fresh whole cherries for color.
How to Store Cherry Pie Bites
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Reheat briefly in a warm oven to refresh the crust.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–8 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze baked bites in a single layer on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bites
- Use firm, chilled pie crusts so they hold shape when folded.
- Don’t overfill. Too much filling can leak during baking.
- If your cherries are very juicy, add an extra 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch to prevent soggy centers.
- Brush egg wash lightly to avoid burning the pastry edges.
- Let bites cool briefly before dusting powdered sugar, or it will melt.
- For an evenly browned top, rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking.
- Use fresh or frozen cherries (thawed and drained). If using canned cherries, reduce added sugar.
Delicious Variations
- Almond Cherry: Add 1/4 tsp almond extract to the filling and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
- Citrus Zest: Stir 1 tsp lemon or orange zest into the filling for brightness.
- Chocolate Cherry: Add a small piece of dark chocolate on top of the filling before folding for a chocolate-cherry twist.
- Savory-Sweet: Add a small pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm spice profile.
- Mini-Hand Pies: Cut smaller squares for bite-sized appetizers or larger squares for hand pies.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use frozen cherries?
- Yes. Thaw and drain frozen cherries first. If they release a lot of juice, pat dry slightly and add an extra 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch to prevent a soggy filling.
-
How many bites does one package of pie crust make?
- It depends on square size. Cutting 3-inch squares usually yields about 12 bites per standard two-crust package. You can make more smaller bites or fewer larger ones.
-
Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes. Bake, cool, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a warm oven for best texture. You can also freeze baked bites for up to 1 month.
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What can I use instead of cornstarch?
- Use an equal amount of arrowroot powder or instant clearjel. Flour will work but may need a tiny bit more and may yield a slightly cloudier filling.
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How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
- Don’t overfill, press and seal edges well, and chill the assembled bites briefly before baking so the crust firms up. A tight seal keeps the filling inside.
-
Can I skip the egg wash?
- Yes. The egg wash gives a glossy, golden finish, but you can brush with milk or melted butter instead for a softer shine.
Conclusion
These cherry pie bites are a simple, tasty treat that tastes like homemade cherry pie in mini form. They bake quickly, smell amazing, and are easy to tweak with different flavors. If you want another reference or a similar version, see this recipe for extra ideas from Cherry Pie Bites – The Country Cook. Give them a try — they make any day feel a little sweeter.
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Cherry Pie Bites
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tiny, tender pastries filled with sweet-tart cherry filling that bake up golden and flaky.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package pre-made pie crusts
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Thaw pie crusts if they are frozen, but keep them cold enough to handle easily.
- In a bowl, mix together the chopped cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract until well combined. Set the filling aside for a few minutes.
- Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface and cut them into squares (about 3-inch squares for 12 bites). Place a spoonful of cherry filling in the center of each square. Fold the corners over the filling to form bites and press or crimp the edges to seal. Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Place the bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. Allow bites to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.
Notes
For a sweeter finish, dust with powdered sugar right before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 92
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1.2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
