There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Cherry Pie Bites wafting through the kitchen. Imagine the sweet, tart cherries enveloped in flaky pastry, a symphony of flavors and textures that instantly conjures happy memories. These delightful morsels are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or simply indulging in a cozy night at home with friends.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Cherry Pie Bites</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen cherries for Cherry Pie Bites?
- How do I know when my Cherry Pie Bites are done?
- Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Let’s be real—if you’ve ever had to face the daunting task of making an entire cherry pie from scratch, you know it can be about as appealing as running a marathon on a hot day. That’s where these Cherry Pie Bites come in. They’re the answer to your dessert dilemmas—easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and sure to impress everyone at the dessert table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cherry Pie Bites are simple to whip up and require minimal ingredients while delivering maximum flavor
- Their vibrant red color and golden crust make them visually stunning for any gathering
- Perfect for parties or family movie nights, they also freeze well for future cravings
- Enjoy them warm or chilled, with ice cream or just as they are
I recall the first time I made these little beauties for my family’s annual summer barbecue. My cousin couldn’t stop raving about them, claiming he’d marry me for just one more bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cherries: Choose ripe cherries for sweetness; pitting them is easier if you use a cherry pitter.
- Puff Pastry Sheets: Thaw these before using; they create a light, flaky texture that pairs perfectly with the cherries.
- Sugar: A basic ingredient that enhances the natural sweetness of the cherries without overpowering their flavor.
- Cornstarch: This thickener helps achieve that perfect filling consistency; no one wants a soupy cherry bite.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a splash adds depth to your filling; it’s like giving your cherries a warm hug.
- Egg Wash: Mix an egg with water to brush on top; it gives your bites that beautiful golden finish when baked.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cherry Pie Bites
Prepare Your Cherries: Start by washing and pitting your fresh cherries. Chop them into halves or quarters depending on your preference—this will help create that lovely filling.
Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well mixed, making sure those juicy cherries get coated.
Roll Out Your Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your puff pastry sheets into squares about 4×4 inches each. The thinner you roll it, the flakier it will be after baking!
Fill and Fold: Place a spoonful of cherry filling in the center of each pastry square. Fold over diagonally to form triangles and press down on edges with a fork to seal them tightly—no escaping filling allowed!
Brush with Egg Wash and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush each triangle with egg wash for that gorgeous color. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and heavenly aromas fill your kitchen.
These Cherry Pie Bites are not only scrumptious but also quick to prepare. You’ll find yourself making them again and again!
Content
Fresh cherries are best for this recipe; they provide that sweet, juicy burst. I learned the hard way when I used canned cherries once and regretted it immediately. The texture is just… sad.
The dough should be chilled before using. It helps keep those edges crisp and flaky. I forgot this once and ended up with a soggy mess that looked like a crime scene on my baking sheet.
You Must Know
- Don’t skip the egg wash!
- A little brush of egg makes your Cherry Pie Bites golden brown and irresistibly shiny
- My friends couldn’t stop raving about how they looked like miniature works of art—who knew my baking skills could impress anyone
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the filling first while the dough chills in the fridge. Once that’s done, roll out the dough, fill those little circles, seal them tight, and bake until golden.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to spice things up by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling. You can even swap out cherries for blueberries or raspberries for a fun twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store your Cherry Pie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a 350-degree oven for about 5-7 minutes until warm and crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cherries for maximum flavor; avoid canned as they can ruin texture
- Chill your dough to ensure flakiness, and don’t skip the egg wash for a beautiful finish
Sometimes, I whip these up when I’m feeling nostalgic about family BBQs in summer. Everyone would gather around, and I’d proudly serve my Cherry Pie Bites, basking in compliments like they were candy-coated confetti.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries for Cherry Pie Bites?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid first.
How do I know when my Cherry Pie Bites are done?
They should be golden brown and slightly puffed when ready.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just wrap it tightly and refrigerate overnight before use.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cherry Pie Bites
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Cherry Pie Bites are a delightful twist on traditional cherry pie, perfect for any occasion. With a flaky pastry shell enveloping sweet, tart cherries, these bites are easy to make and will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether served at summer picnics or cozy movie nights, they deliver a burst of flavor in every mouthful. Quick to prepare and visually stunning, these treats are sure to impress your guests and create lasting memories.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 package (17.3 oz) puff pastry sheets (2 sheets)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine chopped cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- On a floured surface, roll out each puff pastry sheet into 4×4 inch squares.
- Place a spoonful of cherry filling in the center of each square. Fold diagonally to form triangles and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush each triangle with the egg wash and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Cherry Pie Bite (32g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
