Delicious Cherry Pie Bites

This cherry pie bite recipe transforms classic cherry pie into convenient, bite-sized treats that deliver all the flavor without the fuss of making a traditional pie. The crescent roll dough creates a flaky, buttery vessel for the sweet cherry filling, while a simple glaze adds the perfect finishing touch.

I first made these cherry bites when hosting a last minute game night with friends. They disappeared within minutes and now they've become my signature quick dessert whenever someone drops by unexpectedly.

Ingredients

• Cherry pie filling: Provides the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors; look for a quality brand with whole cherries for best results
• Crescent roll dough: Creates a flaky pastry shell without any of the work of homemade pie crust
• Confectioners' sugar: Forms the base of the smooth glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness
• Milk: Helps thin the glaze to the perfect consistency; adjust the amount based on how thick you prefer it

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Heat your oven to 375°F and generously spray a standard 12 cup muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. Make sure to coat both the bottom and sides of each cup thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Shape the Dough Cups:

Unroll both tubes of crescent dough and separate into triangles. Press each triangle into a muffin cup with the widest part at the bottom and the point hanging over the edge. Gently press the dough against the sides to create a cup shape that will hold the filling.

Fill with Cherry Goodness:

Spoon approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling into each dough cup. Be careful not to overfill as the filling may bubble over during baking. A slight mound in the center works perfectly.

Seal and Bake:

Fold the overhanging dough points toward the center, partially covering the filling but leaving some cherry visible in the middle. This creates a pretty presentation while keeping most of the filling contained. Bake for 13-14 minutes until the edges are golden brown and the dough is fully cooked.

Create the Glaze:

While the cherry bites bake, whisk together the confectioners sugar and milk in a small bowl. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more in tiny increments until you reach a pourable but not watery consistency. The perfect glaze should coat the back of a spoon.

Finish and Serve:

Let the baked cherry bites cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing them. A butter knife gently inserted along the edge helps loosen any stuck areas. Transfer to a wire rack and drizzle with glaze while still warm. The warm pastries will help the glaze set beautifully.

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My grandmother always said the secret to a good cherry dessert is balancing the sweetness with a hint of almond. While this recipe keeps things simple, I sometimes add a tiny drop of almond extract to the glaze for that special touch that reminds me of her famous cherry pies.

Make Ahead Instructions

These cherry bites can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake as directed, then store in an airtight container at room temperature. I recommend waiting to add the glaze until shortly before serving for the freshest appearance and texture. If you need to glaze them ahead of time, allow the glaze to set completely before storing to prevent sogginess.

Freezer Friendly Options

Baked and unglazed cherry bites freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. To serve, thaw at room temperature for about an hour and warm in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before glazing. The texture remains remarkably close to freshly baked, especially when reheated.

Perfect Pairings

These sweet treats pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages. For a casual dessert, serve with coffee or hot chocolate. For a more elegant presentation, offer alongside small glasses of dessert wine or cherry liqueur. My personal favorite combination is serving these warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, letting the cold, creamy ice cream melt slightly against the warm pastry.

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These cherry pie bites are a charming and easy way to enjoy traditional pie flavors with minimal effort.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade cherry filling instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade cherry filling works beautifully in these bites. Just make sure it's cooled completely before adding to the crescent dough. You'll need about 2½ cups of homemade filling to replace the 21-ounce can.

→ What other fruit fillings work well with this method?

These bites are versatile! Try blueberry, apple, peach, or strawberry pie fillings for delicious variations. You can even use chocolate hazelnut spread or cream cheese with a bit of jam for something different.

→ How do I store leftover cherry pie bites?

Store cooled cherry pie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm them briefly in the microwave before serving for the best texture and flavor.

→ Can I freeze these cherry pie bites?

Yes! Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh before serving.

→ Why did my cherry filling leak out during baking?

Some leakage is normal and adds to the rustic charm! To minimize it, make sure to fold the dough corners over the filling securely, avoid overfilling each cup, and ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking.

→ How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

For a thicker glaze, add more confectioners' sugar or reduce the milk. For a thinner, more drizzly consistency, add milk a few drops at a time until you reach your desired thickness. Vanilla extract or almond extract can also be added for extra flavor.