Quick Cherry Pie Bites

These cherry pie bites transform classic cherry pie into adorable handheld treats perfect for gatherings or satisfying your sweet tooth without committing to a whole pie. The buttery crescent dough creates a flaky nest for the juicy cherry filling, while the sweet glaze adds the perfect finishing touch.

I first made these for a last minute potluck when I was short on time but wanted to bring something homemade. They disappeared so quickly I had to make another batch the next day just for my family.

Ingredients

• Canned cherry pie filling: Gives these bites their signature flavor without any prep work
• Crescent roll dough: Provides a buttery flaky crust with zero effort
• Powdered sugar: Creates the perfect sweet glaze that hardens just enough
• Milk: Thins the glaze to the right consistency for drizzling
• Cooking spray: Ensures easy removal from the muffin tin

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep:

Heat your oven to 375°F and thoroughly coat each cup of your muffin tin with nonstick spray. Make sure to cover the sides as well as the bottom to prevent any sticking.

Prepare Dough Cups:

Unroll each crescent roll triangle and press it into a muffin cup with the widest part at the bottom. The points should extend up and over the edges of the cup. Press gently to create a well for the filling without thinning the dough too much.

Fill with Cherry Goodness:

Spoon approximately 3 to 4 tablespoons of cherry filling into each dough cup. The filling should be generous but not overflowing completely. Some juices will bubble during baking which creates that beautiful homemade look.

Create Pastry Tops:

Fold the pointed ends of the dough triangles over the filling toward the center. They won't cover completely and that is intentional. The partial coverage allows the filling to bubble up while still containing most of it.

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 13 to 14 minutes. Watch for the dough to turn a deep golden brown color which indicates it's cooked through and will be flaky.

Mix the Sweet Glaze:

While the bites are baking combine powdered sugar with milk starting with just one tablespoon. Add more milk a few drops at a time until you reach a consistency that will drizzle nicely but not be too runny.

Apply the Finishing Touch:

When the bites are fresh from the oven let them cool for just 1 to 2 minutes then drizzle the glaze over each one while still warm. This allows some glaze to melt into the pastry while the rest sets on top.

The first time I made these my son decided to help and accidentally dropped a whole can of cherries on our white kitchen rug. Instead of getting upset we turned it into a contest to see who could create the most artistic pie bite. That memory makes these taste even sweeter whenever I make them now.

Storage and Reheating

These cherry pie bites are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the pastry is at its flakiest and the glaze is still slightly warm. If you need to store leftovers place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage refrigerate for up to five days. To refresh them warm in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes which restores some of their original texture. Avoid microwaving as this can make the pastry soggy.

Customization Ideas

The beauty of this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Try blueberry apple or peach pie filling for different flavor profiles. For a more decadent version add a small cube of cream cheese to each cup before the fruit filling. During the holidays mix some cinnamon and nutmeg into apple filling for a festive spin or use strawberry filling and add chocolate drizzle for Valentine's Day treats. The versatility of this recipe makes it a year round favorite.

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Serving Suggestions

These cherry pie bites make a wonderful dessert served with vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert experience. For brunch gatherings place them on a tiered serving platter alongside fresh fruit for a beautiful presentation. They pair perfectly with coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. During the holidays add them to cookie platters for a different texture and flavor among traditional cookies. For kids parties serve them slightly warm with extra glaze on the side for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade pie filling?

Yes, homemade cherry pie filling works beautifully. Ensure it’s thick enough to prevent overflow during baking.

→ How can I make the glaze thicker?

Simply add more powdered sugar to the glaze until your desired consistency is achieved.

→ Do I need to grease the muffin tin?

Yes, lightly grease your muffin tin to ensure the bites don’t stick and are easy to remove.

→ Can I use other pie fillings?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with apple, blueberry, or even peach pie fillings for variety.

→ What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store the cherry bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.