Sometimes, the best desserts are the simplest ones. Cherry Pie Bites embody this philosophy beautifully. These tiny, handheld wonders are like mini versions of your favorite cherry pie, designed for convenience and maximum enjoyment. They’re perfect for any occasion—be it a casual family dinner, a festive gathering, or a sweet treat to brighten up your day.
I first encountered Cherry Pie Bites at a summer potluck. Amidst a spread of elaborate dishes, these little morsels stood out, catching everyone’s attention with their enticing aroma and vibrant color. The best part? They were incredibly easy to make, yet they delivered a burst of cherry goodness in every bite. The ease of preparation and the delicious end result made them an instant favorite, and I knew I had to share this simple recipe with others.
Ingredients
1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
2 tubes (8 ounces each) crescent roll dough
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the crescent dough to a perfect golden brown. While the oven is heating, prepare your muffin tin. Lightly grease each cup with cooking spray or butter to ensure the Cherry Pie Bites come out easily after baking.
2. Unroll the Crescent Dough
Carefully unroll the crescent roll dough on a clean surface. You will notice that the dough is already perforated into triangles, which makes it easy to work with. To fit the dough into the muffin tins, gently stretch and press each triangle into the bottom and sides of each cup of the muffin tin, forming a small cup shape. Make sure the dough is evenly distributed and covers the bottom and sides of the tin. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—these bites will look charmingly rustic.
3. Add the Cherry Pie Filling
Spoon a generous scoop of cherry pie filling into each dough-lined muffin cup. The filling will spread and bubble as it bakes, so don’t overfill to avoid any spills. You want just enough filling to ensure each bite has a delightful burst of cherry flavor. Aim for about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons of filling per cup, depending on the size of your muffin tin and how much dough you used.
4. Fold the Dough
Gently fold the edges of the crescent dough over the cherry filling. You can bring the corners of the dough towards the center, creating a rustic, pie-like appearance. Don’t worry about sealing the dough completely; a little bit of the cherry filling peeking out will give your bites a more appealing look and a hint of what’s inside.
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven. The Cherry Pie Bites are ready when the dough has turned a lovely golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbly and slightly caramelized.
6. Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let the Cherry Pie Bites cool in the tin for a few minutes. This cooling period allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to remove the bites without them falling apart. Use a small spatula or butter knife to carefully lift the bites out of the tin. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, you can dust them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Variations and Substitutions
Fruit Fillings: While cherry pie filling is classic, feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings. Blueberry, apple, or peach fillings can be delicious alternatives, offering a variety of flavors for different tastes.
Dough Alternatives: If you prefer a different type of dough, you can use pie dough or phyllo dough as a substitute for crescent roll dough. Pie dough will give you a more traditional pie crust texture, while phyllo dough will create a flakier, lighter bite.
Add-ins and Toppings: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of glaze on top of the cherry filling before baking. You can also top the bites with a streusel topping made from butter, flour, and sugar for a crunchy, sweet finish.
Mini Muffin Tin: If you want to make bite-sized treats perfect for parties or gatherings, use a mini muffin tin. Adjust the baking time to 8-10 minutes, and watch carefully to avoid over-browning.
Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free crescent roll dough or pie crust. Just make sure the fruit filling is also gluten-free.
Summary
Cherry Pie Bites are the epitome of simple indulgence. Their combination of sweet cherry filling and buttery, flaky dough creates a delightful treat that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert to whip up for a family dinner or a crowd-pleaser for a party, these bites are sure to impress.
What makes this recipe particularly appealing is its ease of preparation and the minimal ingredients required. You don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a dessert that looks and tastes like it took much more effort. Plus, the ability to customize the filling and dough makes it a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit various preferences.
Enjoy these Cherry Pie Bites warm from the oven, or let them cool and enjoy them as a sweet snack throughout the day. They are perfect for sharing, and each bite promises a burst of cherry goodness that’s bound to leave everyone with a smile. Happy baking, and may these Cherry Pie Bites bring joy to your kitchen and your table!