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Cherry pie bites transform the classic dessert into perfectly portioned, handheld treats that deliver all the flavor of traditional cherry pie with none of the mess. These simple, four-ingredient wonders wrap flaky crescent dough around sweet cherry filling, creating bite-sized pastries topped with a light glaze. Perfect for snacking, sharing, or satisfying sweet cravings without the commitment of a full slice of pie.
I first created these cherry pie bites when looking for a simpler way to share cherry pie with my children. Cutting a whole pie into tiny pieces worked, but always created a mess. These individually wrapped bites deliver the same delicious experience while being much easier to handle—no plates or forks required, and significantly less cleanup afterward!
Essential Ingredients
- Crescent roll dough: Creates a flaky, buttery pastry that bakes quickly
- Cherry pie filling: Provides sweet, fruity flavor and traditional pie experience
- Powdered sugar: Forms the base of a simple sweet glaze
- Milk: Thins the powdered sugar to create the perfect glaze consistency
Preparation Method
- Prepare for Baking:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Open one 8-count package of crescent roll dough and separate the dough along the perforated lines into 8 triangles. Lay each triangle flat on your work surface, ready for filling.
- Fill and Shape:
- Place 1-2 tablespoons of cherry pie filling onto the wide end of each crescent triangle. Be careful not to overfill, as this will cause the filling to leak during baking. Starting from the wide end with the filling, gently roll the dough toward the pointed end, enclosing the cherry filling completely. Slightly curve the rolled dough to form the traditional crescent shape, and pinch the edges firmly to seal in the filling. Place each rolled cherry bite on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 11-13 minutes, until the crescents have puffed up and turned a beautiful golden brown color. The short baking time ensures the outside becomes crisp and flaky while keeping the inside soft and the filling warm. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cherry pie bites to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before adding the glaze.
- Create the Glaze:
- While the pie bites are cooling, prepare a simple glaze by combining 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl. Start with just 1 tablespoon of milk and add more gradually until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency that's not too runny. The perfect glaze should coat the back of a spoon and drizzle off slowly.
- Finish and Serve:
- Once the cherry pie bites have cooled for about 10 minutes (they should still be slightly warm), drizzle the glaze over each one in a zigzag pattern. The slight warmth will help the glaze settle into a smooth finish. Allow the glaze to set for about 5 minutes before serving, which gives it time to firm up slightly for the perfect texture.
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My grandmother always said that the best desserts find the balance between effort and enjoyment. These cherry pie bites embody that philosophy perfectly. The first time I made them for a family gathering, they disappeared faster than any elaborate dessert I'd spent hours creating. Their simplicity is actually their strength—allowing the pure flavors of flaky pastry and sweet cherries to shine through without complication.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of warm and cold. Pair with fresh whipped cream for a lighter accompaniment. Arrange on a platter with fresh berries for a beautiful dessert display. Enjoy with hot coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat. Create a dessert bar with various pie fillings for guests to choose their favorites.
Storage Wisdom
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate in warm climates or to extend freshness up to 4 days. For make-ahead preparation, store unglazed bites and add fresh glaze just before serving. Reheat refrigerated bites in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore their fresh-baked warmth.
Creative Variations
- Fruity Favorites: Substitute the cherry filling with apple, blueberry, or strawberry pie filling for different flavor experiences.
- Cream Cheese Delight: Add a small dollop of softened cream cheese beneath the cherry filling for a cheesecake-like twist.
- Almond Cherry: Add a few drops of almond extract to the glaze and sprinkle with sliced almonds for a sophisticated flavor profile.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Replace or complement the glaze with melted chocolate for a decadent cherry-chocolate combination.
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I've served these cherry pie bites at family gatherings, children's parties, and as simple weeknight treats. What makes them truly special is how they transform an everyday dessert into something that feels both indulgent and approachable. Their handheld nature invites casual enjoyment, while the combination of flaky dough, sweet filling, and delicate glaze creates a dessert experience that's surprisingly sophisticated for something so simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use other pie fillings besides cherry?
- Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with any canned pie filling such as apple, blueberry, strawberry, or peach. You can even mix fillings for unique flavor combinations.
- → How do I know when the cherry pie bites are done baking?
- The cherry pie bites are done when the crescent dough is golden brown and fully baked through. The edges should be slightly crisp and the centers should be no longer doughy. This typically takes 13-14 minutes at 375°F.
- → Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
- Yes, you can make these a few hours ahead of time. For the best texture, wait to add the glaze until shortly before serving. You can reheat them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to warm them up before glazing and serving.
- → How can I jazz up the basic recipe?
- Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or almond extract to the cherry filling, or mix some lemon zest into the glaze. You could also top with sliced almonds before baking, or drizzle with melted chocolate after glazing for an extra special touch.
- → My cherry pie bites stuck to the muffin tin. How can I prevent this?
- Make sure to generously spray the muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray before adding the crescent dough. Alternatively, you can line the muffin cups with paper liners, though you may lose some of the crispy exterior. Let the bites cool for about 5 minutes before attempting to remove them from the tin.