Quick Cherry Pie Bites are little pockets of sweet cherry filling wrapped in flaky, golden pastry. They’re perfect when you want a dessert that feels like cherry pie but doesn’t need the time or effort to make a whole pie. Each bite gives you that lovely mix of tart cherries and buttery crust in a size that’s just right for snacking.
I love making these when I want something fast but special. They come together so easily, especially if you use store-bought pie dough. I usually keep a jar of cherry pie filling ready in the pantry, so these bites come together in no time. Plus, they’re great for sharing, whether it’s an impromptu get-together or a simple family dessert.
My favorite way to enjoy these is still a little warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple dusting of powdered sugar on top. They remind me of summer picnics and cozy afternoons. If you like, you can even add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey to make them your own. Quick, tasty, and always a crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Quick Cherry Pie Bites
Pie Crust: Refrigerated pie crust makes this recipe super quick and easy. If you prefer, you can use homemade pie dough or puff pastry for a flakier texture. Gluten-free dough also works well if you need a gluten-free option.
Cherry Pie Filling: Canned cherry pie filling is a convenient choice, but you can substitute with fresh or frozen cherries cooked down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch. For a twist, try raspberry or blueberry pie filling instead.
Sugar and Cinnamon: Sprinkling sugar on the crust adds a nice crunchy texture, and cinnamon gives a warm, cozy flavor. Both are optional, so feel free to skip or swap cinnamon for nutmeg or allspice if you like.
How Do You Get the Crust Crisp and Golden Without Soggy Bottoms?
Here’s how to make sure your pie bites have a perfectly crisp, golden crust every time:
- Grease your muffin tin well to help the crust release easily and bake evenly. Butter adds flavor, while spray is quick and neat.
- Press the dough gently but firmly into the muffin cups to prevent air pockets, which can cause uneven baking.
- Avoid overfilling with cherry filling to stop juices from overflowing and sogging the crust.
- Bake on the middle rack of your oven for even heat distribution and rotate the pan halfway through baking if needed.
Let the bites cool in the pan after baking to let the crust firm up before removing—this helps keep their shape and texture intact. These small steps make sure the pie bites come out just right every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mini muffin tin – I use this so the bites hold their shape and bake evenly.
- Rolling pin – makes it quick to flatten and roll out the dough smoothly.
- Cookie cutter or glass (about 2.5–3 inches diameter) – helps cut perfect circles for the crust.
- Silicone spatula or spoon – for scooping filling into each tart shell with minimal mess.
- Baking sheet – to place the muffin tin on for easier handling in and out of the oven.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap cherry pie filling for blueberry, raspberry, or apple filling for different fruity flavors.
- Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg into the filling for a warm, spicy twist.
- Sprinkle a little crushed graham crackers or streusel on top before baking for extra crunch.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or caramel after baking for a richer, sweet finish.
Quick Cherry Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie Bites:
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crust (2 crusts)
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for flavor)
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is quick and easy, taking about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. Add a cooling time of 10 minutes, and you’ll have tasty cherry pie bites ready in under 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking while baking.
2. Cut the Dough:
Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts on a clean surface. Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass about 2.5 to 3 inches in diameter, cut circles from the dough. Collect and re-roll any scraps to cut more circles.
3. Shape the Pie Bites:
Gently press each dough circle into the mini muffin tin cups, forming small tart shells that will hold the filling.
4. Add the Cherry Filling:
Spoon about one teaspoon of cherry pie filling into each tart shell. Be careful not to overfill to avoid spills while baking. If you like, sprinkle a little cinnamon over the filling for extra warmth.
5. Sprinkle Sugar and Bake:
Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of granulated sugar over the edges of the dough for a sparkling, crunchy finish. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
6. Cool and Serve:
Remove the pie bites from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Can I Use Frozen Pie Crust Instead of Refrigerated?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the frozen pie crust completely in the fridge overnight before using it. This will make it easier to roll out and shape without tearing.
How Do I Store Leftover Cherry Pie Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving to bring back their crispness.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble the pie bites and store them in the fridge, covered, for up to a day before baking. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
What If I Don’t Have a Mini Muffin Tin?
You can use a regular muffin tin or even a mini tart pan, but your pie bites may be larger or shape differently. Just adjust the amount of filling accordingly and watch the baking time closely.
