If you’ve ever wished for the delight of a classic apple pie but in a perfectly portioned, hand-held treat, these Mini Apple Pies will become your new obsession. Each bite is layered with tender spiced apples, a golden flaky crust, and just the right touch of sweetness. They’re ideal for gatherings, late-night snacks, or an after-dinner dessert—basically, any excuse is a good one to make a batch! Let’s dive into the magic of Mini Apple Pies together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Filling:
- 2 cups peeled and finely diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
How to Make Mini Apple Pies
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and finely dicing your apples. The smaller the cubes, the more tender and evenly cooked they’ll be in your mini apple pies. Place them in a medium bowl and get ready to layer in the classic flavors.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, flour, and lemon juice directly over the apples. Stir until every piece is delightfully coated. The mixture should look glossy and smell absolutely divine—this is your Mini Apple Pies filling magic!
Step 3: Shape the Crusts
Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a round cutter about 3.5 to 4 inches wide to punch out 12 circles. These will nestle perfectly in your muffin tin to form crisp, golden bases for your mini apple pies.
Step 4: Assemble the Pies
Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Press each pie crust round into a cup, making sure to gently shape it up the sides. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling into each crust—don’t skimp on that luscious fruit!
Step 5: Top and Decorate
Gather up the scraps, reroll them, and cut either small rounds or get creative with lattice strips or decorative shapes like stars. Place your chosen toppers over the filling, pressing gently to seal the edges. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for shine, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you’re feeling a bit fancy.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pan into your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, watching as the crust turns golden and the filling bubbles just a little at the edges. Once baked, let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling—if you can resist a warm bite!
How to Serve Mini Apple Pies
Garnishes
Give your mini apple pies a finishing touch with a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce looks gorgeous and adds a special occasion flair.
Side Dishes
Mini apple pies are right at home with a hot cup of tea or strong coffee. For brunch or dessert spreads, you can pair them alongside a fresh fruit salad, a platter of assorted cheeses, or some roasted nuts for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your mini apple pies pyramid-style on a pretty cake stand for a jaw-dropping centerpiece, or tuck them into decorative cupcake wrappers for easy grab-and-go serving at parties or outdoor gatherings. You can even pack them in picnic baskets for a sweet surprise!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover mini apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to extend their freshness, place them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay tasty for up to four days—though they rarely last that long!
Freezing
Mini apple pies freeze beautifully. Simply wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.
Reheating
If you crave that fresh-from-the-oven taste, pop mini apple pies in a preheated 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps restore the crust’s flakiness and warms the filling wonderfully, making them taste just as delicious as the day you baked them.
FAQs
Can I make mini apple pies ahead of time?
Yes! These pies are perfect for making ahead. Prepare and assemble as directed, then cover and chill in the fridge overnight. Bake just before serving for ultimate freshness and flakiness.
What are the best apples for mini apple pies?
A combination of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples gives the best balance of flavor and texture. Using a mix ensures your mini apple pies aren’t too sweet or too tangy.
Do I have to use store-bought pie crust?
Not at all. If you have a go-to homemade pie crust recipe, feel free to use it for a more personal touch. The store-bought version is just a helpful shortcut on busy days!
How do I prevent soggy bottoms?
Adding a spoonful of flour to the filling soaks up excess juice from the apples. Also, make sure your diced apples aren’t too wet and avoid overfilling the crusts for a perfectly crisp base every time.
Can I double the recipe for a large party?
Absolutely! Simply prepare more filling and crusts, and bake in batches if needed. Mini apple pies are a crowd-pleaser and disappear quickly at potlucks, so don’t be shy about making extra.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both charming and comforting, you can’t go wrong with mini apple pies. Their adorable size and classic flavor are sure to win over family and friends. Give them a try—you might just find yourself making these little treasures all year round!
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Mini Apple Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Mini Apple Pies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of apples with warm spices, all wrapped in a flaky crust. Perfect for any occasion, these individual pies are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 cups peeled and finely diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Mix Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and lemon juice. Mix until evenly coated.
- Prepare Crusts: Roll out pie crusts and cut out circles. Press into muffin cups to form the base.
- Fill and Top: Fill each crust with apple mixture. Cut out decorative shapes for the tops. Seal and brush with egg wash.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool before serving.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for the best flavor.
- These mini pies are perfect for parties and can be made a day ahead.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
