There’s something absolutely magical about miniature desserts. They’re cute, perfectly portioned, and packed with flavor in every bite. Cherry Pie Bites are one of those irresistible treats that are not only easy to make but also delightfully delicious. These little pastries combine the classic flavors of cherry pie with the convenience of bite-sized portions, making them perfect for any occasion.
I remember the first time I made these Cherry Pie Bites was for a potluck dinner. I wanted to bring something that was both impressive and easy to share. These little bites were a hit! Everyone loved the flaky crescent dough combined with the sweet and tart cherry filling. They disappeared so quickly that I knew I had to make them a regular feature in my dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
2 tubes (8 ounces each) crescent roll dough
The Role of Each Ingredient
Cherry Pie Filling: The star of the recipe, cherry pie filling provides a sweet and tart flavor that’s classic and delicious. The filling is ready-made, saving time and ensuring consistency.
Crescent Roll Dough: This dough is buttery, flaky, and easy to work with, providing the perfect base and covering for the cherry filling. The convenience of pre-made crescent dough makes the recipe quick and straightforward.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set the Temperature: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is crucial as it ensures the oven reaches the right temperature for baking the Crescent dough evenly.
Prepare the Muffin Tin: While the oven is heating, get your muffin tin ready. There’s no need to grease the muffin tins if using non-stick, but you can lightly spray them with non-stick spray to ensure the bites don’t stick.
Prepare the Crescent Dough
Unroll the Crescent Dough: Open the tubes of crescent roll dough and unroll the dough sheets. Separate the dough into individual triangles as per the perforations.
Arrange in Muffin Tins: Place each triangle of dough into a muffin tin cup. Press the dough down gently and allow the corners to overhang the edges. This will create a small cup to hold the filling.
Add the Cherry Filling
Scoop the Filling: Using a spoon, add a generous scoop of cherry pie filling into each muffin tin lined with dough. Make sure each cup has a good amount of cherries along with the syrupy filling for the best flavor.
Fold and Bake
Fold the Dough: Gently fold the overhanging corners of the dough over the cherry filling, pinching them together slightly in the center. This will partially enclose the filling and create a nice, rustic look.
Bake the Bites: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 12 minutes. You’ll know the bites are done when the dough turns a lovely golden brown. Be sure to keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven.
Cool and Serve
Cool the Bites: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the cherry pie bites cool in the tin for a few minutes. This allows them to set and makes it easier to remove them without breaking.
Serve: Carefully remove the bites from the muffin tin and place them on a serving plate. They can be served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled. For an added touch, you can dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Variations and Substitutions
These Cherry Pie Bites are versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
Different Fillings: Substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit fillings like apple, blueberry, or peach. You can also mix fillings to create unique flavor combinations.
Cream Cheese Addition: Add a small dollop of sweetened cream cheese beneath the cherry filling for a creamy twist. Mix cream cheese with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract before adding it to the dough.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, over the cherry filling before folding the dough. This adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling for a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for fall.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crescent roll dough to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities. Ensure the cherry pie filling is also gluten-free.
Sugar-Free: Opt for a sugar-free cherry pie filling for a lower-sugar version of this treat.
Conclusion
Cherry Pie Bites are the perfect dessert for any occasion. Their small size makes them easy to serve and eat, while their delicious flavor is sure to impress. The combination of flaky crescent dough and sweet-tart cherry filling is a match made in heaven. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe means you can whip these up quickly and with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a party, attending a potluck, or just craving a sweet treat, these Cherry Pie Bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful bites with your loved ones!