Cherry pie bites are a delightful treat that brings back memories of summer picnics and family gatherings. The sweet and tart cherry filling wrapped in a flaky crust is simply irresistible. I remember the first time I made these little gems; my kitchen smelled heavenly, and I couldn’t wait to share them with my friends. If you’re looking for a fun and easy dessert that everyone will love, this Cherry Pie Bites Recipe is just what you need.
Why Cherry Pie Bites?
Cherry pie bites are perfect for any occasion. They are small enough to be enjoyed as a snack, yet delicious enough to be served at parties. These bites are easy to make and even easier to eat. Plus, they are a fantastic way to use fresh cherries when they are in season.
Ingredients for Cherry Pie Bites Recipe
To whip up these cherry pie bites, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade if you prefer)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
How to Make Cherry Pie Bites
Making cherry pie bites is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through it.
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling
Start by washing and pitting the cherries if you are using fresh ones. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the mixture starts to bubble and thicken, about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pie Crust
If you are using refrigerated pie crusts, take them out of the fridge and let them sit for a few minutes. Roll out the crust on a lightly floured surface. If you made your own crust, roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick.
Step 3: Cut the Dough
Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough. The size of the circles can vary depending on how big you want your bites. I usually go for about 3 inches in diameter. You can re-roll the scraps to get more circles.
Step 4: Fill the Dough Circles
Place a small spoonful of the cherry filling in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill them, as this can make sealing difficult.
Step 5: Fold and Seal
Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
Step 6: Brush with Egg Wash
Place the sealed cherry pie bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg to give them a beautiful golden color when baked. Sprinkle some coarse sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch.
Step 7: Bake the Bites
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the cherry pie bites for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cherry pie bites from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. They can be served warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Cherry Pie Bites Recipe
To ensure your cherry pie bites turn out perfectly, here are some helpful tips:
- Choose the Right Cherries: Fresh cherries are best, but frozen ones work well too. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
- Don’t Overfill: It’s tempting to add more filling, but too much can cause the bites to burst open while baking.
- Seal Well: Make sure to seal the edges properly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Experiment with Spices: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can give your cherry filling an extra layer of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Cherry pie bites are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your dessert experience:
- Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side complements the warm cherry filling perfectly.
- Drizzle with Glaze: A simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk can add sweetness and a nice finish.
- Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream can make these bites even more indulgent.
Storage Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:
- Room Temperature: Cherry pie bites can be kept at room temperature for a day or two in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked bites. Just assemble them and place them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Variations of Cherry Pie Bites Recipe
There are many ways to customize your cherry pie bites:
- Mixed Berry Bites: Substitute cherries with a mix of berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
- Chocolate Cherry Bites: Add a few chocolate chips to the cherry filling for a decadent twist.
- Almond Cherry Bites: Incorporate almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty flavor.
Why You’ll Love Cherry Pie Bites Recipe
Cherry pie bites are a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The flaky crust, combined with the sweet and tart cherry filling, makes for a perfect dessert. They are easy to make, fun to eat, and can be enjoyed in many different ways.
Whether you are hosting a gathering or just want a sweet treat for yourself, these cherry pie bites are sure to impress. I can assure you that once you make them, they will quickly become a favorite in your home.