If you’re searching for a delightful treat that’s both charming and bursting with fruity goodness, you’ve got to try this Delicious Cherry Pie Bites Recipe. These mini marvels pack all the sweet, tangy flavor of a classic cherry pie into perfectly sized bites that are ideal for parties, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. The crisp golden crust paired with luscious cherry filling is simply irresistible, making these pie bites an instant favorite that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to whip up these irresistible cherry pie bites. Each one plays a vital role—from the buttery pie crust that provides a flaky base to the sweet cherry filling that delivers vibrant flavor and inviting color.
- Refrigerated pie crusts: Convenient and flaky, these form the golden, crisp shells for your mini pies.
- Cherry pie filling (about 21 oz): The star of the show, loaded with juicy cherries and sweetness.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling to the perfect consistency so it won’t be runny.
- Water: A small touch to blend with the cornstarch and cherry filling for smooth thickening.
- Sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top for a little sparkle and extra sweetness once baked.
How to Make Delicious Cherry Pie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Whether you grease your mini muffin tin or line it with mini muffin liners, make sure it’s ready to hold those delightful little pie shells without sticking.
Step 2: Cut the Pie Crusts
Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts carefully, then use a 2-inch cookie cutter or a glass to cut them into circles. These rounds will serve as the base and sides of your bite-sized pies, so try to keep them uniform for even baking and a neat presentation.
Step 3: Thicken the Cherry Filling
In a small saucepan, combine the cherry pie filling with cornstarch and water. Warm it over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. After 3 to 4 minutes, you’ll see the filling thicken to that perfect spreadable texture—let it cool slightly so it’s easier to handle later.
Step 4: Shape the Pie Crusts in the Tin
Press each pie crust circle gently into the cups of your mini muffin tin, molding them to fit snugly. This will create the hollow vessel to hold the thickened cherry filling, ensuring each bite is beautifully wrapped in flaky crust.
Step 5: Fill the Crusts
Using a spoon, add a small spoonful of your thickened cherry filling to each pie crust cup. Don’t overfill, or the filling might bubble over during baking. This step promises a burst of cherry sweetness in every bite.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Pop your muffin tin into the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the pie crust to turn a lovely golden brown and the filling to bubble gently, signaling that these tasty bites are perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
Step 7: Add a Sweet Sparkle and Cool
If you like, sprinkle sugar over the hot cherry pie bites right after baking for a touch of crunch and extra sweetness. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving so they hold their shape and are safe to eat.
How to Serve Delicious Cherry Pie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
A little goes a long way when garnishing these cherry pie bites. Consider a dusting of powdered sugar or a small dollop of whipped cream to add a creamy contrast. Fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts can also elevate the presentation and add layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
These little desserts beautifully complement a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. For a brunch or tea party, pair them with fresh fruit or a crisp green salad to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving these cherry pie bites on a vibrant platter with colorful napkins instantly brightens any occasion. For a festive twist, present them in decorative cupcake liners or arrange them alongside other miniature desserts to offer variety and charm at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep the cherry pie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This helps maintain their flaky crust and fresh filling without drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the pie bites after they have cooled completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months, perfect for quick desserts on busy days.
Reheating
To bring frozen or refrigerated pie bites back to life, warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes. This reheating method crisps the crust nicely while warming the filling without making it soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! You can prepare your own cherry filling by cooking fresh cherries with sugar and a thickener like cornstarch. Just ensure the mixture thickens enough to hold its shape inside the pie crust bites.
Is it possible to make these pie bites gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the regular pie crust with a gluten-free version available in most stores or homemade. Just be mindful of baking times as gluten-free crusts can sometimes bake faster.
Can I make these cherry pie bites vegan?
Definitely! Use a vegan pie crust and check that the cherry pie filling doesn’t contain animal-derived ingredients. Many refrigerated crusts and fillings have vegan-friendly options or recipes you can make from scratch.
How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?
Thickening the filling properly with cornstarch, as shown in the recipe, is key to avoiding soggy crusts. Also, baking the crust first for a few minutes before filling can help, but with mini pies, the filling thickening should be enough.
What other fillings work well for mini pie bites?
While cherry is a classic favorite, consider fillings like apple cinnamon, blueberry, peach, or even savory options like spinach and cheese for a twist. The method stays the same and it’s a fantastic way to customize your mini pies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about sharing these Delicious Cherry Pie Bites Recipe with friends and family. Small but packed with flavor, they are a wonderful way to celebrate the comforts of homemade baking. Give this recipe a try and delight in the smiles that come with every bite—these are sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire!
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Delicious Cherry Pie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Delicious Cherry Pie Bites are perfect mini treats featuring flaky pie crust filled with a thickened cherry filling. Ideal for parties or a sweet snack, they bake to golden perfection in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
Filling
- 1 can cherry pie filling (about 21 oz)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Topping
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with mini muffin liners to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Pie Crust Circles: Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts. Using a cookie cutter or a glass about 2 inches in diameter, cut out small circular pieces for the mini pies.
- Thicken Cherry Filling: In a small saucepan, combine the cherry pie filling, cornstarch, and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly to avoid soggy crusts.
- Assemble Pie Bites: Place each pie crust circle into the prepared mini muffin tin, gently pressing it against the bottom and sides of each cup.
- Add Filling: Spoon a small amount of the thickened cherry filling into each crust-lined muffin cup, filling them generously but not overflowing.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is bubbly and set.
- Add Topping and Cool: Remove the pie bites from the oven and optionally sprinkle the tops with sugar for added sweetness and crunch. Allow them to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before serving to let the filling set.
Notes
- Using mini muffin liners makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
- Allow the cherry filling to cool slightly before assembling to avoid a soggy crust.
- Sugar topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture and extra sweetness.
- These mini pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a toaster oven for a few minutes to enjoy warm.
