Introduction

Mini Apple Pies are the perfect handheld dessert that brings the warmth and comfort of traditional apple pie in a cute, bite-sized form. With a buttery, flaky crust and a spiced, sweet apple filling, these little pies are a crowd-pleaser at any event. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a holiday, or just craving a small treat, these mini pies are a delicious and fun way to enjoy apple pie in an individual serving.

I first made these when I wanted to serve apple pie in a more portable, personal form for a family gathering, and they quickly became a favorite. The kitchen filled with the warm aroma of cinnamon and apples, and each bite was pure comfort. What’s great about these mini pies is that they’re incredibly versatile. You can adjust the sweetness and spice levels of the filling to suit your preference, and even try different crust options if you like.

These pies are surprisingly simple to make, and with a bit of practice, you’ll be able to whip up a batch in no time. Whether you’re making them for a party, a potluck, or just as a treat for yourself, these mini apple pies are sure to impress!

Perfect for:

• Holiday gatherings
• Family dessert nights
• Potlucks
• Picnics
• Apple pie lovers

Why You’ll Love This Mini Apple Pies

Here’s why this recipe will become your new favorite treat:

• Perfectly Portable: These mini pies are easy to hold and eat, making them perfect for gatherings where guests need a convenient dessert option.
• Classic Apple Pie Flavor: The apple filling is sweet and spiced just like a traditional apple pie, with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of vanilla.
• Flaky, Buttery Crust: The homemade or store-bought crust provides a perfect, flaky texture that complements the sweet apple filling.
• Customizable: You can experiment with different spices, apples, or toppings to make the pies your own.
• Easy to Make: These mini pies require simple ingredients and can be prepared quickly, with minimal fuss.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 12 mini pies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 1g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

• 2 cups apples (peeled, cored, and diced – about 3 medium apples)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie crust, if preferred)
• 1 egg (for egg wash, optional)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash, optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Apples: Firm apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, work best for the filling. They hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweet and tart flavor.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices are the heart of apple pie’s signature flavor.
• Pie Crust: A flaky, buttery crust serves as the base for these mini pies, with options for both homemade and store-bought versions.
• Egg Wash: Brushing the crust with an egg wash before baking ensures a golden, shiny finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make this recipe:

Prepare the Apple Filling:

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. This ensures that the apples cook evenly in the mini pies.
2. Mix the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until the apples are evenly coated with the mixture.

Assemble the Mini Pies:

3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
4. Roll Out the Pie Crusts: Roll out the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter (about 4-5 inches in diameter), cut out circles of dough that are large enough to fit into the muffin tin cups. You should get about 12 circles.
5. Place the Crusts in the Muffin Tin: Gently press each dough circle into a muffin tin cup, forming a small cup for the apple filling.

Fill the Pies:

6. Add the Apple Filling: Spoon the apple mixture into each crust, dividing the filling evenly among the mini pies. Be sure not to overfill to allow the pies to bake evenly.
7. Top with Crust: Using the remaining pie dough, cut small circles or strips to place on top of the apple filling. You can create a full top crust or a lattice pattern for a decorative look.
8. Seal the Edges: Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal the pies. If desired, use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
9. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Brush the egg wash over the top of each mini pie for a golden, glossy finish.

Bake the Mini Pies:

10. Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
11. Cool: Allow the mini apple pies to cool for 5-10 minutes in the muffin tin before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Mini Apple Pies

Mini Apple Pies are a versatile dessert that can be served in many ways:

• As a Dessert: Serve the mini pies as an after-dinner treat with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• For Holiday Gatherings: These mini pies are perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday gathering.
• As a Snack: Grab a mini apple pie for a sweet, portable snack any time of day.
• With Coffee or Tea: Pair these mini pies with a warm beverage like coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Gift-Giving: Package the mini pies in cute boxes or bags for a homemade gift that’s perfect for friends and family.

Additional Tips for Mini Apple Pies

Here are some tips to ensure this recipe turn out perfectly:

• Use Firm Apples: Choose apples that hold up well during baking, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples. Avoid soft apples that turn mushy when baked.
• Don’t Overfill: Be sure to leave space between the filling and the crust edges to allow for even baking and prevent spilling.
• Chill the Crust: If your pie dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before assembling the pies.
• Make it Golden: Brushing the pies with an egg wash before baking gives them a beautiful golden finish.
• Add Toppings: For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of the pies before baking or add a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
• Serve Warm: Mini apple pies are best served warm, especially with ice cream or whipped cream.

Recipe Variations for Mini Apple Pies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Mini Apple Pies:

• Caramel Apple Mini Pies: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before sealing the pies for a sweet twist.
• Apple Cranberry Mini Pies: Add a handful of dried cranberries to the apple filling for a tangy and festive flavor.
• Apple Pear Mini Pies: Mix in diced pears along with the apples for a different texture and flavor combination.
• Spiced Apple Mini Pies: Add a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, or allspice for a spicier, more complex flavor.
• Gluten-Free Apple Pies: Use a gluten-free pie crust to make these mini pies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Mini Apple Pies with Streusel Topping: Top the pies with a crumbly streusel made of flour, butter, and sugar for added texture.
• Mini Dutch Apple Pies: Create a lattice crust or a crumb topping for a Dutch-style apple pie.
• Sugar-Free Apple Pies: Use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-sugar version of the filling.
• Mini Apple Cinnamon Pies: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to the pie crust dough for an extra layer of flavor.
• Mini Apple Churro Pies: After baking, brush the pies with melted butter and roll them in cinnamon sugar for a churro-inspired twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: To freeze mini apple pies, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to an airtight container or zip-top bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store leftover mini apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Mini Apple Pies

Here are some tools that will make preparing Mini Apple Pies easier:

• Muffin Tin: A standard 12-cup muffin tin is perfect for baking these individual-sized pies.
• Pie Crust Cutter: A round cutter will help you cut perfect dough circles for lining the muffin tin.
• Pastry Brush: Use a pastry brush to apply the egg wash for a glossy, golden finish.
• Rolling Pin: A rolling pin is essential for rolling out the pie dough to the correct thickness.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop is perfect for evenly portioning the apple filling into each pie.

Frequently Asked Questions for Mini Apple Pies

1. Can I use frozen apples?
   Yes, you can use frozen apples, but be sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
2. Can I make the crust from scratch? Absolutely! You can use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe, or you can use store-bought crust for convenience.
3. Can I freeze the mini apple pies before baking?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled pies before baking. Just freeze them on a baking sheet and transfer them to a container once firm. Bake from frozen when you’re ready.
4. Can I use a different fruit?
   Yes, you can replace the apples with other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries for a different flavor.
5. How do I store leftover pies?
   Store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Print

Conclusion

Mini Apple Pies are the perfect individual-sized treat that delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie. With a buttery, flaky crust and a spiced apple filling, these pies are sure to impress at any gathering or special occasion. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, these mini apple pies are a treat everyone will love!

This recipe is as fun to prepare as it is to eat, making it ideal for everything from cozy family get-togethers to festive celebrations. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or enjoying one all to yourself, these mini apple pies are a sweet bite of nostalgia.

I’d love to see how your Mini Apple Pies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!