Quick Cherry Pie Bites

I'd been searching my apartment for twenty minutes before I finally found my mini muffin tin wedged behind the slow cooker I swore I used weekly. This was the exact moment my best friend texted she was bringing her new boyfriend over in an hour, and I had nothing that said I'm casual and impressive without trying too hard. That buttery, cinnamon sugar scent filling the kitchen while these baked completely saved my evening.

My sister called me midway through rolling out the dough circles, laughing about how I'd burned myself on a toaster oven in college. These cherry pie bites were the thing that finally proved to her family dinner that I could actually bake something edible. Now she requests them for every gathering, and I've learned to double the recipe because they disappear embarrassingly fast.

Ingredients

• Refrigerated pie dough: This shortcut is worth keeping in your fridge for emergency dessert situations.
• Cherry pie filling: Choose a brand with visible cherry chunks for better texture in every bite.
• Granulated sugar and cinnamon: This simple topping creates that bakery style finish everyone notices.
• Beaten egg: The egg wash makes the pastry turn that gorgeous golden brown we all want.

Instructions

Prep your oven and pan:

Get everything ready before you start working with the dough since it warms up quickly and becomes tricky to handle.

Cut and shape the pastry:

Press those dough circles gently but firmly into the muffin wells, thinning the edges slightly so they don't get too thick and doughy after baking.

Fill and finish:

Spoon the cherry filling carefully so you don't overfill, then add that cinnamon sugar topping right before they go into the oven.

Bake to golden perfection:

Let them cool in the tin for those five minutes or you'll lose half the cherry filling when you try to move them too soon.

Save

Last Christmas, my niece decided these were her special contribution to dessert and stood proudly by the platter telling everyone she helped make them. That small moment of her taking ownership of something in the kitchen made these bite size treats feel like so much more than just sugar and flour.

Switch Up The Filling

Blueberry works beautifully here, and apple pie filling with an extra sprinkle of nutmeg gives these a cozy autumn vibe. I've even used lemon curd topped with fresh berries when I wanted something lighter and more sophisticated for a brunch gathering.

Make Ahead Strategy

You can assemble these completely and freeze them raw on the baking sheet, then transfer to a bag and bake straight from frozen. Just add an extra three to four minutes to the baking time, and nobody will know you didn't make them fresh that afternoon.

Serving Suggestions

A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving makes these look professionally finished. A tiny dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside them elevates the whole experience.

• Set out toppings so guests can customize their own bites.
• These pair surprisingly well with afternoon coffee or tea.
• Consider making two different fillings for variety at parties.

Save

There's something about miniature desserts that makes people smile before they even take a bite. These cherry pie bites have become my go to whenever I need to show up with something sweet and impressive.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Fresh cherries work beautifully. Cook pitted cherries with a tablespoon of sugar and cornstarch until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Cool slightly before filling the pastry cups.

→ How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?

Avoid overfilling the cups—one tablespoon of filling per pastry is perfect. Also, ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking, which helps seal the pastry quickly.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

Bake and cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Refresh in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore crispness before serving.

→ What other fruit fillings work well?

Blueberry, apple, peach, and even lemon curd make excellent alternatives. Adjust baking time by 1-2 minutes depending on the filling's moisture content.

→ Do I need the egg wash?

The egg wash creates a golden, glossy finish but is optional. The bites will still taste delicious without it—just expect a slightly paler pastry color.

→ Can I freeze these cherry bites?

Freeze baked, cooled bites in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature for 2 hours or warm in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes.