Why You’ll Love These Cherry Pie Bites
When you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to commit to making an entire pie, these Cherry Pie Bites are the perfect solution. They combine flaky crescent roll dough with tart-sweet cherry filling and a creamy cheese mixture that makes each bite absolutely divine.
I love how these come together in minutes, not hours. No rolling out dough or crimping edges—just fold, seal, and bake.
The contrast between the golden, buttery exterior and the warm, jammy center? Magical. Plus, they’re portion-controlled, which means no more cutting uneven slices or dealing with soggy leftovers.
What Ingredients are in Cherry Pie Bites?
These Cherry Pie Bites are a delightful combination of store-bought shortcuts and homemade touches.
What makes them so appealing is how the tart cherries contrast with the sweet, creamy filling, all wrapped in golden, flaky dough.
I’ve found that having quality ingredients on hand transforms this simple recipe into something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when really it’s just a matter of smart assembly.
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (8-count)
- 1 can cherry pie filling (about 21 oz)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon non-alcoholic vanilla
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (optional, for glaze)
- 1-2 teaspoons milk (optional, for glaze)
When shopping for these ingredients, the cherry pie filling makes all the difference.
You can certainly use the standard canned variety, but if you want to elevate these bites, look for a premium brand with whole cherries and less gel.
The cream cheese should be fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in your creamy filling.
And while the coarse sugar topping is listed as optional, it adds a wonderful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling and flaky dough.
Trust me, that textural element takes these little treats from good to memorable.
How to Make These Cherry Pie Bites
Making these cherry pie bites is wonderfully straightforward, starting with preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes cleanup so much easier. Who’s time for scrubbing baking sheets when there are treats to be enjoyed?
Next comes the simple filling preparation. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of non-alcoholic vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Then, unroll your 8-count package of refrigerated crescent roll dough and separate it into triangles. Place about ½ teaspoon of your cream cheese mixture right in the center of each triangle, and top it with 1-2 cherries from your 21-ounce can of cherry pie filling, along with a little of the sauce. The trick here isn’t to overfill, which can make sealing difficult, but you still want enough filling to get that burst of cherry flavor in every bite.
Now for the folding—this is where a bit of patience pays off. Fold the corners of each dough triangle over your cherry filling, pinching the edges to seal them closed. Don’t worry if a bit of filling peeks out; that actually creates a lovely rustic look.
Once all your bites are sealed, place them on your prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of coarse sugar for that bakery-style finish.
Pop them in the oven for 10-12 minutes, watching for that perfect golden-brown color. If you’re adding the optional glaze, mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1-2 teaspoons of milk while the bites are cooling, then drizzle it over the top for an extra touch of sweetness that makes these little treats absolutely irresistible.
Cherry Pie Bites Substitutions and Variations
Although the recipe calls for cherry pie filling, you can easily customize these adorable little treats to suit your taste preferences or whatever you happen to have in your pantry.
I’ve made these with blueberry, apple, and even strawberry filling when cherries weren’t an option.
For a tangier flavor, try mixing in some lemon zest with your cream cheese.
Want something more decadent? Dark chocolate chips hidden beneath the fruit filling will melt into gooey perfection.
And don’t feel tied to crescent rolls—puff pastry works wonderfully too, creating extra-flaky layers that shatter delightfully with each bite.
What to Serve with Cherry Pie Bites
Pairing suggestions for these cherry pie bites can transform them from a simple snack into a proper dessert experience.
I love serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the warm, flaky bites against cold, creamy ice cream is pure magic.
A dollop of fresh whipped cream works beautifully too, or try a drizzle of chocolate sauce for indulgence.
For drinks, coffee balances the sweetness perfectly, while hot chocolate makes a cozy winter combo.
In summer? Iced coffee or cold milk hits the spot.
Need something fancy? Serve with mascarpone or crème fraîche for an elevated touch.
Final Thoughts
These cherry pie bites have become one of my favorite go-to treats when I need something quick but impressive.
The combination of flaky crescent dough, tart cherries, and that subtle cream cheese layer creates pure magic in just minutes.
I love how versatile they are—perfect for brunches, afternoon tea with friends, or midnight snacks when those sweet cravings hit.
The best part? You can customize them with different pie fillings to suit your mood or the season.
Trust me, once you’ve made these adorable little bundles of joy, they’ll become your signature dessert too.
Cherry Pie Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Unroll crescent roll dough and separate into triangles.
- Place ½ teaspoon of cream cheese mixture in the center of each triangle.
- Top with 1-2 cherries from the pie filling, along with a little sauce.
- Fold the corners of each dough triangle over the cherry filling, pinching edges to seal.
- Place sealed bites on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- If adding glaze, mix powdered sugar with milk while bites are cooling, then drizzle over the top.
