Description
These Cherry Pie Bites are delightful bite-sized pastries filled with a sweet cherry filling, perfect for a quick dessert or snack. Made with flaky puff pastry and a mix of cherry pie filling, lemon juice, and vanilla, these treats are baked until golden and sprinkled with coarse sugar for a crispy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Puff Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry
Cherry Filling
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Egg Wash and Topping
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet and cut it into 12 equal squares to create the base for the cherry pie bites.
- Make Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, cornstarch, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth, ensuring the filling is well blended and slightly thickened by the cornstarch.
- Fill Pastry Squares: Place about 1 teaspoon of the cherry filling in the center of each pastry square, being careful not to overfill to prevent leakage.
- Apply Egg Wash to Edges: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water to make an egg wash; brush the edges of each pastry square which helps to seal the pastry securely.
- Form Bites: Fold each square into a bite-size packet, pressing the edges to seal completely and trap the filling inside.
- Arrange and Decorate: Arrange the filled bites seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with egg wash, and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a glossy, crunchy finish.
- Bake: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown, indicating the bites are cooked through and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before serving to let the filling settle and prevent burns.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh or frozen cherries if you prefer to make your own filling.
- Ensure the puff pastry is well chilled before rolling for best puff and flakiness.
- If the pastry begins to puff unevenly, gently pierce the top to release steam.
- These bites can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or frozen before baking for up to 1 month.
- For a dairy-free version, use a suitable vegan puff pastry and substitute egg wash with plant-based milk mixed with maple syrup.
