Cherry Pie Bites
Golden, deep-fried dough balls stuffed with juicy cherry filling and rolled in cinnamon sugar.
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¾ cup whole milk, warm
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling Pick out 1–2 whole cherries per bite, plus a small spoonful of gel.
For Frying
- as needed neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower) Enough for at least 2 inches depth in your pot.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the warm milk, egg, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until a soft dough forms. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
Filling Preparation
- Spoon out whole cherries from the can and set aside, keeping some of the thick gel filling as well.
Forming Bites
- Divide the dough into about 16 equal pieces and flatten each piece into a small disc.
- Place 1–2 cherries and a tiny spoonful of filling in the center, bring the edges up around the filling, and pinch firmly to seal.
- Roll into a smooth ball ensuring the seam is tight.
Frying
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully lower 4–5 balls at a time into the hot oil and fry for 3–4 minutes, gently turning with a slotted spoon.
- Once deep golden, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate for 30 seconds.
- Roll the fried bites in cinnamon sugar while still hot.
Serving
- Serve warm and enjoy within 20-30 minutes for the best texture.
Notes
These are best eaten fresh. Store leftovers uncovered at room temperature for up to 4 hours to prevent sogginess. For optimal reheating, use an air fryer or oven and re-roll in cinnamon sugar after heating.