Cherry Pie Bites

Oh, prepare yourselves for a little burst of joy in every bite! These Cherry Pie Bites are an absolute game-changer – perfectly portioned, delightfully sweet, and bursting with the vibrant flavor of ripe cherries. Imagine a buttery, flaky crust wrapped around a gooey, intensely fruity cherry filling, all baked to a golden perfection. They’re irresistible, offering that classic homemade cherry pie comfort without the fuss of slicing just grab and savor! These bites are ideal for parties, picnics, or simply a sweet treat whenever the craving strikes, providing a delightful balance of tender fruit and crisp pastry that will truly sing on your palate.

Why We Love This Cherry Pie Bites

What makes these Cherry Pie Bites truly stand out is their charming individuality. Unlike a traditional pie where you meticulously slice, these are inherently personal, making them incredibly appealing and easy to enjoy. The sheer convenience of a bite-sized dessert means no plates, no forks, just pure, unadulterated pleasure in the palm of your hand. They encapsulate all the beloved qualities of a classic cherry pie – the sweet-tart filling, the tender pastry – but in a format that feels fresh, fun, and utterly modern.

The flavor profile here is a delightful dance of sweet, juicy cherries with just a hint of almond and lemon to brighten everything up. The texture is a dream: a delicate, flaky pastry that shatters gently with each bite, yielding to a warm, bubbling, slightly thickened cherry interior. We use a secret ingredient in our crust that gives it an unparalleled flakiness, making these bites superior to any store-bought alternative. They’re simply divine, offering a homemade taste that’s both comforting and gourmet.

These Cherry Pie Bites are versatile marvels. They’re perfect for grand celebrations, from holiday parties to summer barbecues, looking absolutely adorable on a dessert platter. But they’re just as wonderful for a quiet evening treat, a lunchbox surprise, or a thoughtful hostess gift. The individual portions make snacking guilt-free (or at least, easier to justify!), and their charming appearance never fails to elicit smiles. They truly are a testament to how small treats can deliver monumental joy.

An Unforgettable Culinary Experience

Get ready for a sensory explosion with every single Cherry Pie Bite! From the moment you pull these golden beauties from the oven, the aroma of warm, sweet cherries and buttery pastry fills your kitchen, creating an atmosphere of pure bliss. That first glance reveals their perfectly golden-brown crust, often with little peek-a-boo glimpses of the ruby-red cherry filling, promising deliciousness within. They are miniature edible jewels, begging to be picked up and enjoyed.

Then comes the taste – oh, the taste! The initial crispness of the pastry as you sink your teeth in is utterly satisfying, followed by the soft, yielding texture of the rich cherry filling. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors: the delicate crunch, the tender fruit, the sweet-tart burst of cherry, and the subtle, comforting embrace of the buttery crust. The almond notes subtly enhance the cherries, elevating this from a simple fruit pastry to a truly gourmet experience that’s impossible to resist.

These bites are undeniably addictive, and it’s easy to see why people can’t get enough. Their handheld nature makes them incredibly approachable and easy to enjoy, perfect for mingling at parties or indulging in a quick, satisfying treat. They’re fantastic for brunch, ideal for an afternoon pick-me-up, or the ultimate sweet ending to any meal. They linger in your memory, a testament to the joy of simple, perfectly executed flavors, leaving you craving another bite long after the last one is gone.

Use High Quality Ingredients for Cherry Pie Bites

The secret to truly exceptional Cherry Pie Bites, much like any stellar baked good, lies unequivocally in the quality of your ingredients. While it might seem subtle, using premium components elevates these humble bites from good to absolutely phenomenal. We’re talking about the difference between a passable pastry and one that boasts incredible flakiness and deep, rich flavor, or a filling that’s merely sweet versus one bursting with vibrant, authentic fruit taste and aroma.

When it comes to the pie crust, a high-quality, unsalted butter is paramount. It’s not just about fat content; it’s about the butter’s pure flavor and how it interacts with the flour to create those coveted flaky layers. Cheaper butters can contain more water, leading to a less tender and flaky crust. For your cherries, opt for fresh, ripe, sweet cherries when in season, or a premium brand of frozen or canned cherries (in water, not syrup!), ensuring they are plump and full of natural sweetness and tartness, not just sugary syrup.

Don’t overlook the smaller players either. A good quality almond extract, not an imitation, makes a world of difference, enhancing the cherries without overpowering them. Fresh lemon zest provides an essential brightness that awakens all the other flavors. Using unbleached all-purpose flour for the crust contributes to better texture and flavor. Selecting the best ingredients isn’t just a suggestion here; it’s a foundational step to achieving Cherry Pie Bites that are truly special and memorable, ensuring every bite is a testament to thoughtful preparation and superior taste.

Ingredients You Need

Cherry Pie Bites Recipe

• All-purpose flour
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Salt
• Ice water
• Fresh or frozen cherries
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice
• Almond extract
• Cinnamon
• Egg
• Milk

Simple Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

How to Make The Best Cherry Pie Bites with Glaze!

Begin by preparing your pie dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, a touch of granulated sugar, and salt. Now, the key to flakiness: cut in very cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix! Form the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days. This chilling step is crucial for a tender, flaky crust. While your dough chills, prepare the cherry filling. In a saucepan, combine pitted cherries (if using fresh or frozen, no need to thaw frozen ones first!), granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the cherries release their juices, about 8-10 minutes. The filling should be bubbly and glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool completely; a lukewarm filling will soften your pastry too much. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled dough into a thin rectangle, about 1/8-inch thick. Using a 3-inch round or square cutter (or even a glass rim!), cut out as many shapes as you can. Repeat with the second disc of dough. Any leftover scraps can be gently re-rolled once, but avoid overworking the dough. Place about a tablespoon of cooled cherry filling in the center of half of your dough cutouts. Moisten the edges with a little water or an egg wash, then top with another dough cutout. Gently press the edges to seal, then crimp with a fork for a classic pie-bite look and to ensure no filling escapes. Repeat with remaining dough and filling. Arrange the sealed pie bites on your prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with a tablespoon of milk to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the tops of each pie bite with the egg wash; this will give them that beautiful golden sheen. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

How to Make the Simple Glaze

Creating our simple yet utterly delicious glaze is a breeze and adds that perfect finishing touch. In a small bowl, combine two cups of powdered sugar, gradually adding one tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency. You’re looking for a smooth, pourable glaze that isn’t too thin but still drizzles easily. Stir in about a quarter teaspoon of vanilla extract and a tiny pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. The salt is a secret ingredient here, truly waking up the flavors! If it’s too thick, add a few more drops of milk; too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. It should be opaque and stick pleasingly to a spoon. Drizzle generously over the cooled Cherry Pie Bites, allowing it to set for a few minutes before serving.

Drizzle the Cherry Pie Bites

Once your glorious Cherry Pie Bites have cooled completely on a wire rack, it’s time for the grand finale: a generous drizzle of that dreamy vanilla glaze. Use a spoon or a whisk to artfully “paint” zigzag lines of glaze over each bite, allowing it to cascade gracefully down the sides. For a more uniform look, you could dip the tops of each bite directly into the glaze. The opaque white glaze against the golden-brown crust and glimpses of cherry creates a stunning visual appeal, turning these simple bites into true showstoppers. Let the glaze set for about 10-15 minutes before arranging them on a platter for serving, ensuring a picture-perfect presentation every time.

More Festive Decorating Ideas!

Beyond the simple glaze, these Cherry Pie Bites offer a fantastic canvas for creative decoration. For a touch of sparkle, sprinkle edible glitter or coarse sanding sugar on the wet glaze before it sets. During the holidays, consider using festive cookie cutters like stars or snowflakes for your dough shapes, and perhaps a dash of green sugar sprinkles for a festive pop. For a rustic charm, skip the top crust on a few bites and create a small lattice design, showcasing the vibrant cherry filling. You can also vary your glaze: try a lemon glaze for a brighter note, or a chocolate drizzle for an decadent twist. A dusting of powdered sugar (as an alternative to glaze) gives a snow-kissed, elegant finish, especially if serving with a side of fresh mint leaves for a color contrast. Think seasonally – red and white for Christmas, red and blue for patriotic celebrations. The possibilities are endless!

Storing Cherry Pie Bites

To keep your delightful Cherry Pie Bites fresh and delicious, proper storage is key. At room temperature, if unglazed, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If they are glazed, allow the glaze to fully set before storing, then place them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day to prevent sticking. For longer freshness, particularly if your home is warm, refrigerate the glazed or unglazed bites in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This will help maintain the pastry’s crispness and the filling’s integrity. While not ideal for freezing after glazing (as the glaze can become watery upon thawing), unglazed, baked Cherry Pie Bites can be frozen for up to 1 month. To freeze, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat frozen bites in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or simply allow refrigerated bites to come to room temperature for optimal enjoyment.

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