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Cherry Pie Bites are the ultimate fuss-free, bite-sized dessert that brings all the nostalgia of homemade cherry pie—without the mess. Made with crescent roll dough, cherry pie filling, and a sweet powdered sugar glaze, these little treats are golden, gooey, and irresistibly easy to whip up. Perfect for potlucks, afternoon snacks, or satisfying a quick dessert craving, they’re a hit with both kids and adults.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
2 tubes (8 oz each) crescent roll dough
1 cup confectioners’ sugar
1–2 tbsp milk (adjust for glaze consistency)

Directions

1. Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a standard muffin tin with nonstick spray.

2. Arrange Dough
Unroll crescent dough and press each triangle into the muffin tin, wide end at the bottom to form a cup.

3. Fill with Cherry Pie
Add 3–4 heaping tablespoons of cherry filling into each dough cup.

4. Fold and Bake
Fold the corners of the dough gently over the filling.
Bake for 13–14 minutes or until golden brown.

5. Make the Glaze
While baking, whisk powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp milk until smooth.

6. Cool and Glaze
Let cherry bites cool slightly, then drizzle glaze over the top.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrients (Approximate for entire batch)

Calories: 1500–1800 total
Protein: 15–20g
Fat: 70–90g
Carbohydrates: 220–250g

A Shortcut to Classic Flavor

Traditional cherry pie is a beloved dessert, but it can be time-consuming to make from scratch. These Cherry Pie Bites offer a convenient alternative, using refrigerated crescent dough and canned cherry pie filling to deliver a similar taste and texture in a fraction of the time. The dough bakes into a soft, flaky cup that perfectly cradles the warm cherry filling, creating that classic combination of tart, sweet, and buttery in every bite. The glaze adds a touch of elegance, making these little pies look as good as they taste.

Why They’re a Crowd Favorite

What makes Cherry Pie Bites so popular—beyond their obvious deliciousness—is how effortlessly they fit into any setting. Their compact size makes them ideal for buffets, snack tables, or lunchbox treats. They require minimal ingredients, no special equipment, and less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Plus, they’re easy to serve and even easier to eat—no forks or plates required. From picky kids to dessert-loving adults, everyone enjoys the simple pleasure of warm cherries wrapped in golden dough with a sweet glaze.

The Role of Crescent Dough

Crescent roll dough is the unsung hero of this recipe. Its light, buttery layers mimic the effect of homemade pastry with none of the extra work. It’s versatile, easy to shape, and reliably bakes into a golden, fluffy shell that complements the tart cherry filling perfectly. When pressed into a muffin tin, it forms individual crusts that hold their shape and crisp beautifully around the edges while staying soft inside. This dough is the key to transforming this into a low-effort, high-reward dessert.

Cherry Filling: A Classic Favorite

Cherry pie filling brings the vibrant flavor and glossy appearance that defines these treats. Sweet and slightly tart, it contrasts beautifully with the richness of the dough and sweetness of the glaze. While the canned version works perfectly here for convenience, you can also upgrade the flavor by mixing in a splash of almond extract or a few fresh or frozen cherries for added depth. The bright red color also adds a festive, eye-catching pop, making these bites perfect for holiday gatherings or Valentine’s Day desserts.

Powdered Sugar Glaze: The Finishing Touch

A simple glaze made from confectioners’ sugar and milk adds the perfect sweet finish to each bite. It’s light and glossy, hardening just enough to create a delicate shell over the top. The drizzle enhances the flavor without overpowering the cherries or the dough, and visually elevates the appearance with a bakery-style touch. You can adjust the consistency to your liking—thicker for a more defined look, or thinner for a subtle sheen. It’s also a great opportunity to customize with a dash of vanilla extract or lemon zest.

Quick and Easy Dessert for Any Occasion

One of the best things about Cherry Pie Bites is their versatility. They work just as well for casual snacks as they do for elegant dessert trays. Serve them warm for that comforting, just-baked feel, or let them cool completely for a neat, transportable treat. They’re ideal for bake sales, brunches, baby showers, or just as a sweet weekend baking project. Because they’re small and self-contained, they’re also a great option for sharing—everyone can enjoy their own little cherry pie without slicing or serving.

Customizations and Variations

These little pie bites are endlessly adaptable to your preferences:

Fruit Swaps: Use blueberry, apple, peach, or raspberry pie filling for different flavor options.
Dough Alternatives: Swap crescent roll dough for puff pastry squares or biscuit dough for a twist in texture.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts or toasted coconut on top of the glaze.
Mini Cheesecake Filling: Add a teaspoon of sweetened cream cheese under the cherry filling for a cherry cheesecake-inspired version.

With just a few tweaks, you can create your own signature mini pies that cater to any palate.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Cherry Pie Bites are best served warm, but they also store well if made ahead:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave before serving to bring back their soft, gooey texture.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed bites for up to a month. Reheat from frozen in a 325°F oven until warmed through, then glaze just before serving for the best texture and presentation.

These storage-friendly qualities make them a great option for party prep or make-ahead dessert planning.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry Pie Bites are delightful on their own but even better with some thoughtful pairings:

Serve alongside whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert.
Pair with hot coffee, tea, or milk for a cozy snack.
For brunch, serve on a platter with fruit skewers, muffins, and mini quiches for a well-rounded spread.

Their compact size makes them easy to serve in large batches, and they’re just as welcome at a morning meeting as they are at a dinner party.

Conclusion

Cherry Pie Bites are a delightful reminder that dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious. With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes of effort, you can enjoy all the cozy charm of cherry pie in an easy, handheld form. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just indulging in a sweet treat for yourself, these bite-sized pastries deliver big flavor, warm nostalgia, and irresistible appeal. Once you try them, you’ll find endless reasons to bake up another batch—because sometimes, the best things really do come in small packages.