If you’re looking for a delightful and easy-to-make dessert, these Easy Cherry Pie Bites are a perfect choice. Sweet, delicious, and bite-sized, these mini pies are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Recently, I decided to give them a try, and they turned out to be a huge success – so much so that my husband sneaked an extra one after finishing the first! These cherry pie bites are not only scrumptious but also incredibly simple to prepare, making them ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 can of cherry pie filling (21 oz)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar for sprinkling
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the pie crusts: Roll out each pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles slightly larger than the diameter of each muffin cup.
- Line each muffin cup with a pie crust circle, gently pressing the dough into the bottom and sides of the cup. Leave a little bit of overhang on each side.
- Fill each pie crust-lined muffin cup with cherry pie filling. Spoon about 1-2 tablespoons of filling into each cup, depending on how deep your muffin tin is and how much filling you prefer.
- Create lattice tops or cover: Cut strips or small circles from the remaining pie crust dough. Create lattice tops, if desired, by weaving the strips over the filled muffin cups. Alternatively, you can cover each cup with a small circle of dough or leave them open-faced.
- Optional: Sprinkle the tops of the cherry pie bites with granulated sugar for a bit of sweetness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes, then carefully remove each cherry pie bite from the tin and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious cherry pie bites made in a muffin tin!
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
- Serve Warm or Room Temperature: Cherry Pie Bites can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Garnish: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top for a touch of elegance, or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Presentation: Arrange the pie bites on a decorative platter for a beautiful presentation at parties or gatherings.
- Pairing: These bites pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect dessert for afternoon tea or brunch.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature:
- Short-Term Storage: If you plan to consume the pie bites within a day, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container.
- Refrigeration:
- Extended Storage: Store any leftover pie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. This helps keep the crust crisp and the filling fresh.
- Freezing:
- Cool Completely: Allow the pie bites to cool completely at room temperature before freezing.
- Wrap Individually: Wrap each pie bite in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Store in Freezer Bags: Place the wrapped pie bites in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the pie bites in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating Tips
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie bites on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through and the crust is crisp.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, place a pie bite on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds or until warm.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Easy Cherry Pie Bites remain fresh and delicious, whether you’re serving them right away or enjoying them later.
Variations:
- Blueberry Pie Bites:
- Blueberry Filling: Substitute the cherry pie filling with blueberry pie filling for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the filling for a refreshing twist.
- Apple Pie Bites:
- Apple Filling: Use apple pie filling instead of cherry. For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top before baking.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce after baking for a decadent treat.
- Peach Pie Bites:
- Peach Filling: Replace cherry pie filling with peach pie filling.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle the tops with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking.
- Raspberry Pie Bites:
- Raspberry Filling: Use raspberry pie filling in place of cherry.
- White Chocolate: Drizzle with melted white chocolate after baking for a gourmet touch.
- Mixed Berry Pie Bites:
- Mixed Berry Filling: Combine cherry, blueberry, and raspberry pie fillings for a mixed berry medley.
- Crumb Topping: Instead of lattice or solid tops, sprinkle a simple crumb topping made from flour, sugar, and butter.
- Nutella and Banana Pie Bites:
- Nutella and Banana Filling: Spread a layer of Nutella and add banana slices in place of cherry filling.
- Hazelnuts: Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts on top for added crunch.
- Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Bites:
- Strawberry Rhubarb Filling: Use strawberry rhubarb pie filling.
- Almonds: Sprinkle slivered almonds on top before baking for a nutty flavor.
- Pumpkin Pie Bites:
- Pumpkin Filling: Substitute cherry filling with pumpkin pie filling.
- Spices: Add a pinch of pumpkin pie spice to the filling for extra flavor.
- Chocolate Cherry Pie Bites:
- Chocolate and Cherry Filling: Mix chocolate chips with cherry pie filling.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate after baking.
- Lemon Curd Pie Bites:
- Lemon Curd Filling: Use lemon curd instead of cherry pie filling.
- Meringue Top: Add a small dollop of meringue on top and bake until lightly browned for a lemon meringue pie bite.
These variations allow you to customize the Easy Cherry Pie Bites to suit different tastes and preferences, making them a versatile dessert option for any occasion.
FAQs:
- Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated pie crusts?
- Yes, you can use homemade pie crust if you prefer. Just roll it out to the same thickness as the refrigerated crusts and follow the same instructions for cutting and lining the muffin tin.
- Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
- Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Simply cook the cherries with some sugar, cornstarch, and a bit of lemon juice until they are thick and bubbly to create your own pie filling.
- How do I prevent the filling from bubbling over?
- Avoid overfilling the pie crusts. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of filling into each muffin cup, leaving a little space at the top to prevent the filling from bubbling over during baking.
- Can I make these cherry pie bites in advance?
- Yes, you can make them a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm them slightly in the oven.
- How do I store leftover cherry pie bites?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them as described in the storage tips.
- Can I freeze cherry pie bites?
- Yes, you can freeze cherry pie bites. Allow them to cool completely, wrap each bite in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- What other fillings can I use for these pie bites?
- You can use any pie filling you like, such as apple, blueberry, peach, or raspberry. You can also experiment with custard, Nutella and banana, or pumpkin pie filling for different flavors.
- How can I make these pie bites healthier?
- To make them healthier, use a whole wheat pie crust, reduce the sugar in the filling, and choose pie fillings with no added sugar. You can also add a sprinkle of oats or nuts on top for extra nutrition.
- Can I use a different type of sweetener for the filling?
- Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners like honey, agave syrup, or a sugar substitute in your homemade filling if you’re making it from scratch. Just adjust the amount to taste.
These Easy Cherry Pie Bites are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. Their bite-sized form makes them ideal for serving individually, and the combination of flaky crust and sweet cherry filling is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert for a family gathering or a fun treat to make with kids, these mini pies are sure to delight. Adjust the filling amount and crust size to fit your personal preference and the size of your muffin tin, and enjoy a homemade dessert that’s both simple and satisfying. Give these cherry pie bites a try, and watch them disappear as quickly as they did in my household!