Cherry Pie Bites are a quick, homemade dessert that combines buttery crescent roll dough with sweet, juicy cherry pie filling and a simple powdered sugar glaze. Perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or a casual weeknight treat, these bite-sized cherry pies are ready in just 30 minutes. With a golden, flaky exterior and a warm, sweet cherry filling inside, this recipe delivers all the flavor of a classic cherry pie without the fuss of rolling a full crust or baking a large pie. These Cherry Pie Bites are ideal for dessert lovers who want a fun, easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for serving guests, preparing ahead of time, or enjoying as a simple indulgence at home.
Introduction
Cherry Pie Bites are one of those desserts that feel both festive and comforting. The inspiration behind this recipe comes from the desire to capture the sweet, tart flavor of cherry pie in a simple, approachable form that anyone can make at home. Instead of spending hours making pie dough and carefully assembling a large pie, these mini bites use ready-to-go crescent roll dough that bakes into golden, buttery cups around a sweet cherry filling.
These bite-sized desserts are perfect for occasions like holiday parties, potlucks, or casual family dinners. Their small size makes them easy to serve, fun to eat, and visually appealing on a platter. What sets Cherry Pie Bites apart is the combination of a flaky dough, warm cherry filling, and a drizzle of powdered sugar glaze that elevates the flavor and presentation without any complicated steps.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying a dessert recipe for the first time, Cherry Pie Bites are approachable, quick, and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute desserts.
- Sweet and buttery flavor: Golden crescent dough paired with classic cherry pie filling.
- Fun, bite-sized portions: Ideal for parties, snacks, or individual servings.
- Minimal ingredients: Only four simple ingredients deliver big flavor.
- Beginner-friendly: No special skills or techniques required.
- Customizable: Glaze, toppings, or filling variations make it versatile.
Ingredients Breakdown
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 12 Cherry Pie Bites
Ingredients
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
- 2 (8 oz) tubes crescent roll dough
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Ingredient Notes
- Cherry pie filling: Provides a sweet, juicy center for the mini pies. Canned filling is convenient and consistent.
- Crescent roll dough: Flaky, buttery dough that forms a golden crust around the filling.
- Powdered sugar and milk: Whisk together to create a smooth glaze that enhances flavor and presentation.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Standard 12-cup muffin tin
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Spoon for filling
- Small bowl and whisk for glaze
Optional:
- Piping bag for neater glaze drizzle
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare Dough
Unroll the crescent roll dough and separate it into individual pieces. Place each piece into a muffin tin cup, positioning the widest part at the bottom to form a small cup for the filling.
Step 3: Add Filling
Spoon cherry pie filling into each dough cup, using about 3–4 heaping tablespoons per cup. Some filling may overflow during baking, which is perfectly fine and gives the bites a rustic look.
Step 4: Fold Dough
Gently fold the corners of the dough over the cherry filling to enclose it as much as possible without covering all of the filling.
Step 5: Bake
Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 13–14 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6: Make the Glaze
While the bites are baking, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons milk in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the milk to achieve your preferred glaze consistency.
Step 7: Glaze the Bites
Drizzle the glaze over the warm Cherry Pie Bites using a spoon. Serve immediately or allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Mini fruit pies: Substitute cherry filling with blueberry, apple, or peach for variety.
- Chocolate cherry: Add a few mini chocolate chips to the filling before baking.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free crescent dough if available.
- Extra crunchy topping: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar or finely chopped nuts over the glaze before it sets.
- Make-ahead: Assemble the bites and store unbaked in the fridge, then bake when ready.
Flavor Profile
Cherry Pie Bites feature a combination of buttery, flaky dough and sweet, tart cherry filling. The glaze adds a smooth sweetness and visually appealing finish. Each bite offers a contrast between the crisp exterior and the soft, juicy filling, creating a dessert experience reminiscent of a classic cherry pie in miniature form.
Nutritional Overview
Estimated per Cherry Pie Bite:
- Calories: ~200–220
- Fat: 8–10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2–3g
Dietary Considerations: Contains gluten and dairy (from crescent dough). Best enjoyed as a treat in moderation.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Room temperature: Store baked Cherry Pie Bites in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 4 days; reheat in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes.
- Freezer: Freeze unbaked bites for up to 1 month. Thaw before baking and drizzle with glaze after reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade cherry pie filling?
Yes. Use fresh or cooked cherry pie filling. Ensure proper consistency to avoid a soggy dough base.
2. Can I make smaller or mini versions?
Yes. Use a mini muffin tin. Reduce baking time slightly, keeping an eye on the dough to prevent over-browning.
3. Can these be made dairy-free?
Substitute crescent roll dough with a dairy-free alternative and use non-dairy milk for the glaze.
4. How do I prevent dough from sticking?
Grease muffin tins well with nonstick spray, or line with parchment paper.
5. Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Assemble unbaked Cherry Pie Bites and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Glaze after baking.
Cooking Timeline
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 min | 15 min | 30 min | 12 |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm directly from the oven for the best flavor and texture.
- Arrange on a decorative platter and drizzle with additional glaze.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
- Perfect for party platters, dessert buffets, or casual family treats.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Cherry: Mix mini chocolate chips into the cherry filling before baking.
- Mixed Berry Bites: Substitute cherry filling with blueberry or raspberry preserves.
- Cinnamon Sugar Glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the powdered sugar for a spiced finish.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle crushed almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the glaze for added texture.
Ingredient Spotlight
Crescent Roll Dough
Provides a buttery, flaky crust with minimal effort. Keep chilled until ready to assemble for easier handling and cleaner folds.
Cherry Pie Filling
Delivers sweet, tart flavor and vibrant color. Canned cherry pie filling offers consistency and convenience, while fresh filling can elevate flavor for special occasions.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Fold dough gently to avoid tearing and allow filling to peek through.
- Bake on the center oven rack for even browning.
- Drizzle glaze while bites are still warm to ensure adhesion.
- Avoid overfilling cups to prevent excessive spillage and uneven baking.
Storage & Freezing Guide
- Room temperature: 2 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days; reheat briefly in the oven.
- Freezer: Up to 1 month for unbaked bites; thaw before baking.
- Reheating: Oven at 325°F for 5–7 minutes; glaze afterward for freshness.
Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200–220 |
| Protein | 2–3 g |
| Carbs | 30 g |
| Fat | 8–10 g |
Dietary Notes: Contains gluten and dairy; vegetarian-friendly.
Expanded Conclusion
Cherry Pie Bites are the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and presentation. These mini desserts bring the classic taste of cherry pie into a quick, approachable recipe that anyone can make. With golden, flaky dough, sweet cherry filling, and a smooth glaze, they’re ideal for parties, holidays, or simple family indulgences. Quick to prep, fun to serve, and easy to enjoy, this recipe is sure to become a staple for dessert lovers. Save, share, and return to this recipe whenever you want a bite-sized cherry pie treat that’s as delicious as it is effortless.
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Easy Cherry Pie Bites Recipe – Quick, Homemade Mini Desserts
Cherry Pie Bites are a quick and fun dessert made with crescent roll dough filled with sweet cherry pie filling and finished with a simple glaze. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet treat anytime.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
- 2 (8 oz) tubes crescent roll dough
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a standard muffin tin.
- Unroll crescent roll dough and place each piece into the muffin tin, widest part at the bottom.
- Spoon 3–4 heaping tablespoons of cherry pie filling into each dough cup.
- Gently fold dough corners over the filling to enclose as much as possible.
- Bake for 13–14 minutes until golden brown.
- Whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth to make glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over warm cherry bites and serve.
Notes
- Adjust milk in glaze for desired consistency.
- Serve warm for best taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
