Mini Apple Pies Recipe

Easy Mini Apple Pies Recipe: Sweet Little Treats in Every Bite

Crafting mini apple pies can spark pure culinary joy in your kitchen.

Sweet aromas will dance around you during preparation.

Compact pastry shells cradle tender fruit chunks with delightful precision.

Seasonal apples become magical little desserts that fit perfectly in one hand.

Crisp edges and warm centers promise delectable bites for everyone.

Homemade treats like these connect memories and create moments of pure happiness.

Let’s bake something extraordinary that makes hearts smile.

Mini Apple Pies: Flavorful Moments

  • Craft Tiny Desserts: Create adorable mini apple pies that are perfect for individual servings, making portion control a delightful experience.
  • Impress with Technique: Master the lattice top design, which transforms simple ingredients into a stunning bakery-style dessert that looks professionally made.
  • Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for potlucks, family dinners, and social events where guests can enjoy a personal-sized sweet treat without messy cutting.
  • Quick Baking Adventure: Requires minimal ingredients and basic baking skills, allowing both novice and experienced bakers to enjoy a successful and delicious outcome.

Mini Apple Pies Shopping List

Pie Crust:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The foundation for creating a tender and flaky pastry base.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a delicate, crumbly texture in the crust.
  • Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the pie crust.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie crust.
Filling:
  • Apples: The star ingredient that brings a sweet and slightly tart flavor to the mini pies.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth and caramel-like sweetness to the apple filling.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic spice that complements the apples perfectly.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the apple filling and create a cohesive texture.
Finishing Touches:
  • Egg, Egg Wash, Granulated Sugar: Creates a golden, glossy finish and adds a delicate crunch to the top of the mini pies.
  • Ice Water: Helps bind the pie crust ingredients together without overworking the dough.

Mini Apple Pies: How to Bake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F and give your muffin tin a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Craft The Dough

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cold butter
  • Granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Pour in some ice-cold water and work the ingredients until they transform into a smooth, cohesive dough.

Step 3: Shape The Crust

Take your rolling pin and flatten the dough.

Use a circular cutter to create perfect rounds that will nestle into each muffin cup.

Step 4: Whip Up The Filling

In another bowl, combine:
  • Crisp apples (diced)
  • Brown sugar
  • Flour
  • Ground cinnamon

Gently toss these ingredients until the apples are beautifully coated.

Step 5: Load The Pies

Carefully place the apple mixture into each dough-lined muffin cup, making sure they’re generously filled.

Step 6: Create Fancy Tops

Slice the remaining dough into delicate strips.

Weave these strips into a gorgeous lattice pattern over each mini pie.

Step 7: Add The Finishing Touch

Brush each pie with an egg wash and sprinkle a light dusting of sugar on top for extra sparkle.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Let them cool slightly before serving these adorable mini treats.

Secrets to Great Mini Apple Pies

  • Select firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your mini pies.
  • Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground almonds in the crust before adding filling to absorb excess moisture.
  • Refrigerate the pastry dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling to ensure a flaky, tender crust that doesn't shrink while baking.
  • Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to make clean, even dough strips for a professional-looking lattice top.

Mini Apple Pies Make It Yours

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegan Apple Miniatures: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use plant-based egg wash substitute like maple syrup or almond milk for brushing.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use tart apples to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining flavor intensity.
  • Nutty Crunch Variation: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans into apple filling for added texture and nutty richness. Consider adding a dash of ground nutmeg for warmth.

Mini Apple Pies Serving Fun

  • Sweet Brunch Partner: Serve these mini apple pies alongside fluffy scrambled eggs or crispy bacon for a delightful morning meal.
  • Dessert Companion: Top each mini pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
  • Picnic Perfect: Pack these portable treats in a cute basket for outdoor gatherings, adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for extra charm.
  • Tea Time Delight: Pair with hot Earl Grey tea or warm cinnamon coffee, creating a cozy afternoon snacking experience.

Mini Apple Pies: Save for Later

  • Store mini apple pies in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Place cooled pies in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Thaw frozen pies in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
  • For a faster option, microwave individual pies for 20-30 seconds. Note that microwaving may slightly soften the crust's crispness.

FAQs

  • Can I use pre-made pie crust instead of making my own dough?

Yes, store-bought pie crust works perfectly and saves time. Just cut it to fit the muffin tin and follow the rest of the recipe as instructed.

  • What kind of apples work best for this recipe?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples are ideal because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness when baked.

  • How do I prevent my lattice tops from breaking?

Roll out the dough chilled and work quickly. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to create clean strips, and handle them gently when placing on top of the pies.

Print
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Mini Apple Pies Recipe

Mini Apple Pies Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Warm, flaky mini apple pies deliver homemade comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Buttery pastry and cinnamon-spiced apples create a delightful dessert that invites you to savor each sweet, nostalgic bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ice water

Apple Filling:

  • 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Egg Wash:

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 375F oven and generously coat a muffin tin with non-stick spray to ensure easy pie removal.
  2. Create a buttery pastry dough by blending flour, chilled butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until crumbly, then gradually incorporate ice water to form a cohesive mixture.
  3. Gently roll out the prepared dough and use a circular cutter to create round bases that perfectly fit inside each muffin cavity, pressing dough smoothly against sides and bottom.
  4. Craft a spiced apple filling by combining diced apples with brown sugar, a touch of flour, and warm cinnamon, ensuring each apple piece is evenly coated.
  5. Distribute the fragrant apple mixture into each dough-lined muffin cup, filling them generously but avoiding overfilling to prevent spillage during baking.
  6. Transform remaining dough into delicate lattice strips, carefully weaving them across the top of each mini pie to create an intricate, golden-brown pattern.
  7. Enhance the pies’ appearance by brushing the lattice tops with beaten egg and sprinkling a light dusting of coarse sugar for added crunch and sweetness.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-27 minutes until the crust turns a rich golden color and the apple filling becomes bubbly and caramelized.
  9. Allow mini pies to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before gently removing, permitting the filling to set and ensuring clean, intact pastry edges.

Notes

  • Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your mini pies.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before rolling to ensure a flaky, tender crust that won’t shrink during baking.
  • Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to create clean, even lattice strips for a professional-looking presentation.
  • Swap traditional flour with gluten-free flour blend to make these mini pies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 251
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 75 mg
  • Fat: 13 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 27 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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