Cherry Pie Bites

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Miniature desserts have a special place in my heart, and these Cherry Pie Bites are the perfect bite-sized indulgence. They’re buttery, flaky, sweet, and just the right amount of tart—all in one adorable package. I love how quick they are to throw together, especially when I’m short on time but still want to bring a show-stopping treat to the table.

What makes them truly irresistible is the combination of golden puff pastry, glossy cherry pie filling, and that sweet drizzle of icing on top. Every bite delivers layers of crisp texture and bright, fruity flavor. I find these are always the first to disappear at brunches, potlucks, or any holiday dessert spread.

Why You’ll Love These Cherry Pie Bites

These little gems are everything you want in a dessert: quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. They use just a handful of ingredients, many of which you probably already have on hand. The texture is crisp on the outside with a soft, juicy center, and the cherry on top (literally) gives them a picture-perfect finish.

If you’re a fan of pastries or mini desserts, this recipe will hit the sweet spot. Plus, it’s easy to double the batch for larger gatherings, and they stay beautiful even after cooling, making them ideal for make-ahead dessert trays.

What Kind of Puff Pastry Should I Use?

I prefer using frozen puff pastry sheets for this recipe—they’re convenient and consistently deliver that flaky, buttery texture you want. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before working with them so they don’t crack when unfolding. You could also use crescent roll dough in a pinch, but the texture will be softer and less crisp than traditional puff pastry.

Options for Substitutions

You can definitely tailor this recipe to your tastes or dietary needs. Not into cherry? Try blueberry or apple pie filling instead—just make sure the fruit chunks aren’t too large. For a homemade touch, you can use your own pie filling recipe.

If you’re avoiding refined sugar, opt for a sugar-free pie filling and make your own icing with a natural sweetener. And for a more rustic look, skip the icing drizzle altogether and dust with powdered sugar before serving.

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Ingredients for These Cherry Pie Bites

• Puff Pastry Sheets: The base of these bites, puff pastry creates a light, golden, flaky texture that holds everything together.
• Cherry Pie Filling: Adds that sweet and tangy fruit center with vibrant color and juicy flavor. Use canned for convenience or homemade for a personal touch.
• Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top of the pastry for that shiny, bakery-style golden finish.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for the icing drizzle, it adds sweetness and a beautiful visual finish.
• Milk or Cream: A small amount mixed with powdered sugar to make the icing smooth and pourable.
• Vanilla Extract (optional): Adds a warm, aromatic note to the icing.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a mini muffin pan lightly with non-stick baking spray. This helps the bites release easily once baked. Allow your puff pastry to thaw just enough to unfold without cracking.

Step 2: Cut and Shape the Pastry

Unfold the pastry sheets and cut them into 2.5 to 3-inch squares. Gently press each square into the wells of the mini muffin tin, making a small cup. The edges can overhang slightly; they’ll puff up beautifully when baking.

Step 3: Fill With Cherry Pie Filling

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of cherry pie filling into each pastry cup. Try to include one whole cherry in each if possible—it looks more appealing and adds that classic cherry pie pop.

Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash

Beat an egg with a splash of water and brush the exposed edges of the puff pastry. This step ensures a glossy, golden crust after baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.

Step 6: Cool and Drizzle Icing

Allow the cherry pie bites to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or cream (and a drop of vanilla if using), then drizzle over the top of the cooled bites.

Step 7: Serve or Store

Once the icing sets, you can serve these immediately or store them for later. They taste just as amazing at room temperature as they do warm.

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How Long to Prepare the Cherry Pie Bites

Making these Cherry Pie Bites doesn’t take much time at all, which is one of the reasons I love whipping them up last minute for gatherings or surprise guests. From start to finish, you’re looking at under 30 minutes.

Prep Time: Most of the time goes into prepping the puff pastry and assembling the bites. Thawing the puff pastry takes about 10–15 minutes, and the cutting and filling process another 10 minutes.

Bake Time: Baking them takes 15 to 18 minutes. Cooling and drizzling icing adds another 5 minutes, especially if you want the icing to set before serving.

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Tips for Perfect Cherry Pie Bites

• Slightly thaw your puff pastry until it’s pliable, not soft—it will be easier to work with.
• Don’t overfill the pastry cups; too much filling can overflow and burn in the oven.
• For picture-perfect bites, try to place one whole cherry in the center of each cup.
• Use a piping bag or spoon to drizzle icing neatly for a clean finish.
• Let the bites cool slightly before removing them from the tin to keep them intact.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using frozen pastry without thawing: This will crack or tear when you try to shape it.
• Skipping the egg wash: You’ll miss out on that glossy, golden finish.
• Overbaking: Puff pastry can quickly go from golden to burnt, so watch closely after 15 minutes.
• Adding too much icing while warm: It’ll melt right off—cool them slightly first.
• Filling too early: If you fill the pastry and let it sit too long, the bottom can get soggy before baking.

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What to Serve With Cherry Pie Bites?

1. Fresh Whipped Cream

A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on the side adds a creamy contrast to the tart cherry filling.

2. Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve warm cherry bites with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dreamy dessert pairing.

3. Coffee or Espresso

The buttery pastry and sweet cherries go beautifully with a rich cup of coffee.

4. Sparkling Rosé or White Wine

For a brunch or festive occasion, serve these with a chilled glass of sparkling wine.

5. Chocolate Sauce Drizzle

If you want to really impress, drizzle a little warm dark chocolate over the top just before serving.

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Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: You can keep Cherry Pie Bites at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. They’re best enjoyed the same day while the pastry is crisp.

Refrigeration: If you want to store them a bit longer, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Note: the puff pastry may lose its crispiness slightly in the fridge.

Freezing: These bites freeze beautifully. Freeze in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to revive the crisp texture.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per cherry pie bite (approximate):

• Calories: 150
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 9g
• Protein: 1g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Cholesterol: 15mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the puff pastry from getting soggy?

Avoid letting the filling sit in the pastry too long before baking. Assemble just before putting them into the oven.

Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?

Absolutely! Just make sure the consistency isn’t too watery, or it may leak into the pastry.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake them ahead and store them, but they’re crispiest when served fresh. Reheat in the oven to bring back the texture.

Do I need to grease the muffin tin?

Yes, even if it’s nonstick, a light spray helps ensure nothing sticks and the bites come out cleanly.

Can I make a larger batch?

Definitely! Just double or triple the ingredients and bake in batches.

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Conclusion

Cherry Pie Bites are one of those recipes that deliver big results with minimal effort. They’re eye-catching, crowd-pleasing, and so simple to put together. Whether you’re making them for a party, brunch, or just a sweet moment for yourself, they always bring a smile. Once you make a batch, you’ll understand why these are a go-to favorite in my kitchen.

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