Imagine the aroma of baked apples and flaky pastry mingling with the creamy decadence of melting vanilla ice cream—that’s exactly what makes Mini Apple Pie A La Mode a dreamy dessert you’ll want to make on repeat. These darling little pies pack all the flavor and nostalgia of a classic apple pie, but in perfectly portable, individual servings. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, looking for a showstopping finish to a family dinner, or simply craving a plate of old-fashioned comfort, Mini Apple Pie A La Mode is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings smiles, warmth, and a hint of indulgence to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mini Apple Pie A La Mode is that it comes together with just a handful of simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a unique role in building the pie’s flavor, structure, and tempting golden hue.
- Refrigerated pie crusts: Ensure flaky, buttery shells for your mini pies without starting from scratch.
- Fresh apples: Use 3 medium apples for a sweet-tart filling with delightful texture; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are personal favorites.
- Granulated sugar: Lends classic sweetness to balance the apples’ tart bite.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramel-like richness and depth to the filling.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling so each bite is perfectly gooey rather than runny.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses cozy spice that’s practically synonymous with apple desserts.
- Ground nutmeg: A pinch goes a long way, giving a gentle warmth and complexity to the apples.
- Lemon juice: Brightens flavors and keeps apples fresh and vibrant during baking.
- Unsalted butter: Little pats of butter add lusciousness and help brown the pie filling while it bakes.
- Egg (beaten): The perfect egg wash gives your mini pies that gorgeous golden finish.
- Vanilla ice cream: Don’t forget this essential topping; nothing says “a la mode” like a cool, creamy scoop atop your warm pie.
How to Make Mini Apple Pie A La Mode
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a standard muffin tin. On a floured surface, unroll your two pie crusts and cut out circles just big enough to snugly fit into each muffin cup. Gently press the dough into the muffin wells, creating neat, sturdy mini pie shells—the foundation for all that delicious apple filling.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine your diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Make sure every piece of apple gets a sweet-spicy coating. This mixture will bake down into the luscious, fragrant filling that makes Mini Apple Pie A La Mode irresistible.
Step 3: Fill and Dot with Butter
Divide the apple mixture evenly among the prepared mini pie shells, gently piling the juicy apples into each. Top each with a few little pieces of butter—this touch will melt into the filling and bring everything together in gooey, golden perfection.
Step 4: Top and Seal the Pies
Roll out your leftover crust and cut it into strips to weave a charming lattice over each pie—or simply use small rounds for a rustic, homestyle look. Gently crimp the edges to seal, and brush the tops with beaten egg for that classic bakery shine.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like pure happiness as the crusts turn golden and the filling bubbles. Let the pies cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes before carefully removing them.
Step 6: Serve Warm With Ice Cream (A La Mode!)
Arrange your warm mini pies on serving plates and immediately top each one with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of warm pie and cold, creamy ice cream is pure bliss, making Mini Apple Pie A La Mode an unforgettable treat everyone will love.
How to Serve Mini Apple Pie A La Mode
Garnishes
For a touch of extra flair, consider drizzling a little caramel sauce over your Mini Apple Pie A La Mode or giving each pie a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar right before serving. A fresh mint sprig or a handful of candied pecans on the plate add eye-catching detail and complementary flavor.
Side Dishes
If you want to make your dessert course a festive event, serve your Mini Apple Pie A La Mode alongside a bowl of warm apple cider or a mug of spiced chai tea. For something extra decadent, offer miniature cups of rich hot chocolate or a platter with sharp cheddar slices, which pair surprisingly well with apple pie.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow your guests, set up a DIY Mini Apple Pie A La Mode bar, offering different ice creams (think caramel or cinnamon!) and toppings like chopped toasted nuts, granola, or even bits of toffee. Serving the mini pies in their baking papers or in small mason jars also makes for a charming, rustic look that’s perfect for parties and potlucks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Mini Apple Pie A La Mode (a rare occurrence!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep on your counter for about a day, or up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just wait to add the ice cream until serving so the pies don’t get soggy.
Freezing
Mini apple pies freeze beautifully before you add the ice cream. Once cooled, wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and store them together in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months; perfect for grabbing that last-minute dessert fix when cravings hit.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the mini pies in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped. Microwave works for speed, though the crust won’t be quite as crisp. Always top with fresh vanilla ice cream right before serving for the full Mini Apple Pie A La Mode experience.
FAQs
What apples are best for mini apple pies?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are tried-and-true options because they hold their shape and balance tartness with just enough sweetness, making the filling for Mini Apple Pie A La Mode beautifully textured and flavorful.
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade crust recipe, go for it. Homemade crust can add an extra layer of buttery richness to your Mini Apple Pie A La Mode, though store-bought works wonderfully for convenience.
How do I prevent my mini pies from sticking to the pan?
Lightly greasing the muffin tin before adding the crusts is key, and it helps to let the pies cool for several minutes before removing. Using muffin liners or parchment circles in the bottom of each cup can provide extra insurance.
Can I use different fruits with this recipe?
Yes! Once you’ve mastered Mini Apple Pie A La Mode, try swapping the apples for pears, peaches, or even a mix of berries for a fun twist. Just be sure to adjust sugar amounts according to the fruit’s sweetness.
Is it possible to make Mini Apple Pie A La Mode ahead of time?
Definitely—you can bake the mini pies a day in advance and simply warm them in the oven before serving. The ice cream should always be added at the last minute for the ultimate hot-and-cold effect.
Final Thoughts
Now you’re fully equipped to bake up a batch of Mini Apple Pie A La Mode that’ll make any occasion a little more special. The inviting scent, adorable size, and dreamy blend of warm pie with cold ice cream are truly hard to resist. If you’re ready to share smiles and bring people together, go ahead—grab your muffin tin and start making Mini Apple Pie A La Mode today!
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Mini Apple Pie A La Mode Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These adorable Mini Apple Pies A La Mode are the perfect individual dessert for any occasion. Flaky pie crusts hold a sweet and spiced apple filling, topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
Additional:
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a muffin tin.
- Prepare the crusts: On a lightly floured surface, unroll the pie crusts and cut out circles. Press gently into muffin cups to form mini pie shells.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, combine diced apples, sugars, flour, spices, and lemon juice. Fill each pie shell with the apple mixture.
- Add toppings: Dot each pie with butter. Create a lattice or top crust for each pie and crimp the edges. Brush with beaten egg.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow to cool before removing from tin. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are recommended.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra decadence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie with ice cream
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
