Mini Apple Pies
Craving a dessert that whisks you back to warm, sunlit kitchens filled with the scent of baked apples and spices? These Mini Apple Pies are the ultimate indulgence—simple to prepare and bursting with nostalgia. Picture flaky, golden crusts cradling a gooey, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, each bite sending you straight to memory lane. Ideal for cozy family gatherings or a delightful weeknight treat, these little gems are not just tasty; they’re a warm hug for your soul. Whipping up a batch of these mini desserts guarantees smiles all around, reminding us why homemade treats hold such a special place in our hearts.
Are you ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with the ultimate dessert?
Imagine a chilly evening where all you desire is the comforting aroma of freshly baked fruit pastries filling your home. What if I told you that you could create that experience in just under an hour? Everyone remembers those classic apple pies from childhood, but isn’t it even better when they come in handy, bite-sized portions? Mini Apple Pies are not only adorable but also perfectly portioned for sharing—or indulging all by yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You might wonder why these Mini Apple Pies are worth your time. Are they actually easy to make? Absolutely! With minimal ingredients and quick prep time, these charming little delights can be whipped up even on your busiest days. Packed full of fresh apples and wholesome spices, they feel indulgent yet comforting—ideal for impressing guests or just treating yourself.
You’ll also love that they are kid-friendly; making them together can turn into a fun family activity. Kids can help with the filling, rolling the dough, and even creating the decorative lattice top. In just a short while, you’ll have a delicious, homemade dessert that everyone will rave about!
Ingredients
To get started on these delectable Mini Apple Pies, gather the following ingredients:
All-purpose flour, for dusting
2 batches homemade pie dough or 2 store-bought crusts (preferably Pillsbury)
3 medium baking apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 large egg, beaten to blend
2 tsp. coarse sugar or sanding sugar
Vanilla ice cream, for serving
These straightforward ingredients can easily stir nostalgia and invoke scents that remind you of childhood dinners around the family table.
Timing
These Mini Apple Pies strike a perfect balance between fast and indulgent versus slow and luxurious. With a prep time of about 20 minutes and a baking time of 35-40 minutes, you can have these aromatic little wonders ready to serve in less than an hour. What’s not to love? The lightning-fast preparation means these pies can be made any day of the week for a special midweek treat or a leisurely weekend dessert.
Step-by-Step
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until it’s about 1/8" thick. Cut out 4 (7") circles and gently place them into 4 (4") mini pie pans. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pans, tucking any overhanging edges under and crimping for visual appeal. Pop them into the refrigerator to chill.
Cut 1/3" strips from the remaining dough, rerolling any scraps if necessary. Place the strips on the second prepared sheet and refrigerate them.
Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, toss your apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla, stirring until well combined. Distribute the apple filling evenly among the pie shells and brush the edges with beaten egg.
Lay 3 to 4 strips of dough vertically over the filling, alternating lifting them to create a beautiful lattice design. Trim any overhanging strips to be flush with the filling’s edge and crimp gently. Brush the lattice tops with more beaten egg, sprinkling with coarse sugar for an added touch.
Bake until golden brown and the filling is bubbling over the edges, about 35 to 40 minutes. After letting cool slightly, serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Each mouthful will explode with warm, spicy goodness that will leave you craving more!
Nutritional Information
If you’re counting calories, each Mini Apple Pie provides approximately 230 calories. These heavenly desserts are perfect for an occasional indulgence, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and comfort without completely straying from transparency in nutrition. Great for sharing or simply enjoying a few on your own, it’s okay to indulge every now and then!
Healthier Alternatives
For those looking to make a few healthier swaps, consider low-sugar options for the fillings. Try using applesauce in place of some sugar, or substitute various sweeteners as desired. For a dairy-free version, almond or coconut milk works well too.
Replace the butter in the pie crust with coconut oil for a tropical twist and accommodate those with dietary restrictions. A gluten-free flour blend will also give you that beloved flaky crust without compromising on taste.
Serving Suggestions
These Mini Apple Pies shine as the perfect dessert for family gatherings or holiday meals. They are equally delightful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, melting into the warm apple filling—an experience that engages all your senses.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for an aromatic touch and talk about comfort! Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a potluck, or just a Tuesday night, at-home outdoor picnics, sharing your mini masterpieces always creates a heartwarming atmosphere.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these common pitfalls when making Mini Apple Pies:
Overbaking—Keeping a close eye while baking is crucial. Remove them once they’re golden brown to maintain that delicate, flaky texture.
Texture Issues—Make sure your apples are finely chopped to keep them from overwhelming the crust.
Messy Filling—Don’t overfill the pies; remember that the apples will cook down, and a little overflow adds charm, but too much can create a mess.
Undercooked Dough—Blindly following baking times can lead to differing results based on your oven. Always check for that golden perfection.
Storing Tips
These delightful Mini Apple Pies can definitely be stored for later enjoyment! To freeze them, wrap individual pies in plastic wrap and then in foil to preserve freshness.
Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, the microwave works in a pinch, but you might lose some crust crispness with that option.
Tempt yourself to bake it right away
It’s time to ignite that kitchen magic and whip up these irresistible Mini Apple Pies! Perfect for desserts, gatherings, or just treating yourself, there’s no reason not to indulge in warm, gooey apple goodness today.
Let your inner baker rejoice, and you’ll soon find yourself working on this nostalgic recipe that stands out among the crowd. So, preheat your oven, gather up those ingredients, and get ready to impress everyone with your baking prowess!
FAQs
What type of apples work best for apple pie?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are ideal as they hold up well during baking.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! Store-bought crusts like Pillsbury are perfect for when you want convenience without sacrificing flavor.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the filling?
You can easily reduce the sugar by substituting applesauce or using alternative sweeteners as desired.
Can I freeze the Mini Apple Pies?
Yes! They can be frozen individually, wrapped well, and reheated as needed.
How do I make the crust flaky?
Ensure your butter is cold and keep your dough chilled until you’re ready to bake. Avoid overworking the dough to achieve that perfect, flaky texture.
PrintMini Apple Pies
Delicious bite-sized Mini Apple Pies filled with gooey, cinnamon-spiced apples and encased in flaky crusts, perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- 2 batches homemade pie dough or 2 store-bought crusts (preferably Pillsbury)
- 3 medium baking apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, beaten to blend
- 2 tsp. coarse sugar or sanding sugar
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough until it’s about 1/8″ thick. Cut out 4 (7″) circles and gently place them into 4 (4″) mini pie pans. Press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pans, tucking any overhanging edges under and crimping for visual appeal. Pop them into the refrigerator to chill.
- Cut 1/3″ strips from the remaining dough, rerolling any scraps if necessary. Place the strips on the second prepared sheet and refrigerate them.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, toss your apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla, stirring until well combined. Distribute the apple filling evenly among the pie shells and brush the edges with beaten egg.
- Lay 3 to 4 strips of dough vertically over the filling, alternating lifting them to create a beautiful lattice design. Trim any overhanging strips to be flush with the filling’s edge and crimp gently. Brush the lattice tops with more beaten egg, sprinkling with coarse sugar for an added touch.
- Bake until golden brown and the filling is bubbling over the edges, about 35 to 40 minutes. After letting cool slightly, serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
For healthier alternatives, consider low-sugar options or substituting with applesauce for some sugar. To make it dairy-free, use almond or coconut milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
