Delicious Cherry Pie Bites

These irresistible cherry pie bites transform classic cherry pie flavors into convenient, portable treats that are perfect for any occasion. The flaky crescent roll dough cradles sweet cherry filling, creating delightful miniature pastries that capture all the comfort of homemade pie without the fuss.

I first created these cherry bites when I needed a last-minute dessert for an impromptu family gathering. They were such a hit that my nieces and nephews now request them by name whenever they visit, calling them "tiny cherry pockets of happiness."

Ingredients

• Cherry pie filling: Provides the perfect sweet and tart flavor balance. Look for brands with whole cherries and minimal additives for best results.
• Crescent roll dough: Creates a flaky, buttery crust without any pastry-making skills required. Store in refrigerator until ready to use for easiest handling.
• Confectioners' sugar: Forms the base of the simple glaze. Sift it first to ensure no lumps for the smoothest finish.
• Milk: Thins the glaze to perfect drizzling consistency. Whole milk creates a richer glaze, but any variety works well.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:

Heat your oven to a precise 375°F and coat your muffin tin thoroughly with cooking spray, making sure to cover the sides and bottom of each cup. This temperature creates the perfect environment for the dough to rise and brown while the filling warms through without burning.

Create Dough Cups:

Carefully unroll each crescent roll triangle and gently press it into a muffin cup, allowing the points to hang over the edges. The dough should form a small cup shape with the widest part at the bottom creating a stable base. Avoid stretching the dough too thin to prevent tears.

Add Cherry Filling:

Spoon approximately 3-4 tablespoons of cherry filling into each dough cup, distributing the cherries and gel evenly. The filling should come almost to the top of the dough cup but leave enough space to fold over the edges. Some cherry juice might bubble over during baking, which adds to their rustic charm.

Fold and Bake:

Carefully bring the overhanging dough points toward the center, gently overlapping them to partially cover the filling. The dough won't completely cover the cherries, creating attractive red centers. Place in the preheated oven and bake for exactly 13-14 minutes until the dough turns a rich golden brown and feels firm to the touch.

Create Glaze:

While the cherry bites bake, whisk together confectioners' sugar and milk in a small bowl until completely smooth. Start with one tablespoon of milk and gradually add more until you reach a consistency that will coat the back of a spoon but still flow freely. Too thick and it won't drizzle properly, too thin and it will run off completely.

Finish and Serve:

Allow the baked cherry bites to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then carefully remove them using a butter knife around the edges if needed. Transfer to a cooling rack and drizzle the glaze generously over the still-warm bites, allowing it to set slightly before serving for the perfect sweet finish.

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The cherry filling has always been my favorite part of this recipe. My grandmother used to make cherry pie every summer with fresh cherries from our backyard tree, and these bites bring back those wonderful memories while being much simpler to prepare.

Make-Ahead Options

These cherry bites can be completely prepared up to a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. To refresh them, warm in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes before serving. The glaze will soften slightly but still maintain its sweet finish. For longer storage, freeze the unglazed baked bites for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature before warming and glazing.

Creative Variations

While cherry filling creates a classic flavor, this versatile recipe works beautifully with other pie fillings too. Apple pie filling with a sprinkle of cinnamon in the glaze creates a delightful fall treat. Blueberry filling with a touch of lemon zest in the glaze offers a bright summer option. You can even try chocolate hazelnut spread with a dash of orange extract in the glaze for a decadent twist that children and adults alike will adore.

Serving Suggestions

These cherry bites shine as part of a dessert buffet or brunch spread. For an elevated presentation, dust with additional confectioners' sugar just before serving and garnish with fresh mint leaves. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat, or with vanilla ice cream for a more substantial dessert. Consider serving them slightly warm with the ice cream melting around the edges for a memorable finale to any meal.

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These cherry bites are sure to become a family favorite for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade cherry filling instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade cherry filling works wonderfully in these bites. Cook fresh or frozen cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened, then cool completely before using. This gives you control over sweetness and allows you to add personal touches like lemon zest or almond extract.

→ 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. For best texture, warm them slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving. These bites can also be frozen for up to 3 months and thawed at room temperature.

→ Can I use other fruit fillings?

Yes! These versatile bites work wonderfully with various fruit fillings. Try blueberry, apple, strawberry, or mixed berry pie fillings for delicious variations. You can even experiment with combinations like peach and raspberry for unique flavor profiles.

→ What's the best way to drizzle the glaze evenly?

For perfect glaze application, place the cooled glaze in a small zip-top bag and snip a tiny corner. This creates an improvised piping bag that gives you more control for even, attractive drizzles. Alternatively, use the tines of a fork dipped in glaze to create delicate drizzled lines.

→ Can I prepare these cherry pie bites ahead of time?

You can assemble these bites up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them unbaked. Simply cover the muffin tin with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake as directed, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time. For best results, add the glaze just before serving.

→ Why did my cherry filling leak out during baking?

Some leakage is normal and adds to the rustic charm! To minimize this, ensure you're folding the dough corners over the filling properly, and avoid overfilling each cup. Using slightly less filling or chilling the assembled bites for 15 minutes before baking can also help maintain their structure.