Mini Caramel Apple Pies Recipe

Homemade Mini Caramel Apple Pies Recipe: Sweet Autumn Magic

Sweet mini caramel apple pies dance between comfort and indulgence, promising a delightful twist on classic desserts.

Crisp autumn apples mingle with golden caramel, creating a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Buttery pastry shells cradle tender fruit chunks, delivering pure happiness in every miniature bite.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg weave through the filling, adding depth and complexity.

Perfectly portioned for individual servings, these little pies eliminate the hassle of traditional pie cutting.

Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and watch as smiles spread across faces.

Rush to your kitchen and start baking – deliciousness awaits you!

Mini Caramel Apple Pies Steal The Spotlight

  • Bite-Sized Delight: Create adorable mini pies that are perfect for individual servings, making them super cute and easy to share at gatherings or dessert parties.
  • Foolproof Flavor Combo: Combine classic apple pie taste with rich caramel sauce, delivering a mouthwatering blend that appeals to both kids and adults with minimal baking skills required.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt this recipe for different occasions like potlucks, family dinners, holiday celebrations, or casual weekend treats without complicated preparation steps.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up these handheld pies quickly using simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools, transforming ordinary apples into extraordinary desserts that look professionally made.

All The Ingredients For Mini Apple Pie Success

Pie Crust:
  • Pie Crust: A premade or homemade pastry that forms the base and top of the mini pies.
  • Flour: Used for dusting the surface when rolling out the pie crust.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Apples: Fresh, crisp fruit that provides the main flavor and texture of the pie filling.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the apple filling.
  • Brown Sugar: Provides a deeper, more complex sweetness to the apple mixture.
  • Cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the apple flavor and adds depth to the filling.
  • Nutmeg: A complementary spice that adds warmth and complexity to the apple mixture.
  • Flour: Helps to thicken the apple filling and prevent excess liquid.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds a slight tartness and helps prevent the apples from browning.
Topping and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Caramel Sauce: A sweet, rich sauce that adds a luxurious flavor to the mini pies.
  • Egg, Granulated Sugar: Used to create a golden, shiny, and slightly sweet crust topping.

Easy Steps To Make Mini Caramel Apple Pies

Step 1: Chop and Season Apples

Grab your favorite crisp apples and dice them into small, bite-sized pieces.

In a mixing bowl, toss the apples with:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • All-purpose flour
  • Fresh lemon juice

Stir everything together until the apple pieces are completely coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 2: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven and set the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

This will ensure a perfectly golden crust for your mini pies.

Step 3: Prepare the Pie Dough

Dust your work surface with a light sprinkle of flour.

Roll out the pie crusts and use a 3-inch round cutter to create perfect circular bases for your mini pies.

Step 4: Create Pie Cups

Gently press each pie crust circle into the cups of a muffin tin.

Shape them carefully to form little pie cups that will hold your delicious filling.

Step 5: Fill with Apple Goodness

Spoon the seasoned apple mixture into each pie crust, filling them about three-quarters full.

Make sure to distribute the apples evenly.

Step 6: Drizzle with Caramel

Add a generous drizzle of rich caramel sauce over the apple filling in each mini pie.

This will give them an extra burst of sweet, gooey flavor.

Step 7: Cover with Crust

Top each mini pie with another pie crust circle.

For a creative touch, you can cut out decorative shapes like leaves or stars to place over the filling.

Step 8: Add Shine and Sparkle

Brush the top crust with a beaten egg to create a beautiful golden sheen.

Sprinkle some granulated sugar over the top for extra crunch and sweetness.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown crust and bubbling filling that signals they’re ready.

Step 10: Cool and Set

Let the mini pies rest in the muffin tin for 10 minutes.

Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely and set their shape.

Step 11: Indulge and Enjoy

Serve these mini caramel apple pies warm or at room temperature.

They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a personal treat!

Tips For Delicious Mini Caramel Apple Pies Every Time

  • Dust the bottom of each pie crust with a thin layer of flour or ground nuts to absorb excess moisture and keep the crust crisp.
  • Choose firm, sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala that hold their shape and provide natural sweetness without becoming mushy during baking.
  • Use a sharp knife or an apple cutter to ensure uniform apple pieces, which helps create consistent cooking and balanced flavor in every mini pie.
  • Warm caramel slightly before adding to pies, allowing for smoother distribution and preventing clumping or uneven coating on the filling.
  • Chill pie dough for 30 minutes before rolling to achieve a flakier, more tender crust that holds its shape beautifully during baking.

Flavor Swaps For Mini Caramel Apple Pies Fun

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free pastry mix for celiac-friendly mini pies.
  • Vegan Variation: Swap butter crust with coconut oil pastry and use maple syrup instead of caramel sauce for plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free caramel alternative for diabetic-friendly treat.
  • Pear Perfection: Replace apples with ripe pears and add cardamom for a unique seasonal fruit mini pie experience.

Mini Caramel Apple Pies Serving Suggestions To Try

  • Sweet Morning Breakfast: Pair these mini pies with a hot cup of cinnamon coffee or creamy vanilla latte for a delightful breakfast treat.
  • Dessert Companion: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream to enhance the caramel apple flavor profile.
  • Party Presentation: Arrange these mini pies on a rustic wooden board with scattered cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices for an elegant dessert display at gatherings.
  • Gifting Delight: Package individually in clear small boxes with a rustic twine bow for a charming homemade gift that spreads sweet happiness.

How To Store Mini Caramel Apple Pies Right

  • Store leftover mini pies in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from sticking together.
  • Place cooled mini pies on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
  • Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Remove pies from refrigerator, unwrap, and place on a baking sheet. Warm for 8-10 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore the crispy crust.
  • Heat individual pies for 20-30 seconds on medium power.

FAQs

  • Are mini caramel apple pies difficult to make?

Not at all! These pies are beginner-friendly and require basic baking skills. With simple ingredients and clear steps, anyone can create these delicious mini desserts.

  • Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work great. Choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

  • What if I don't have a round cutter?

No problem! You can use a drinking glass or a small bowl to cut out pie crust circles. Just make sure the size fits your muffin tin cups perfectly.

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Mini Caramel Apple Pies Recipe

Mini Caramel Apple Pies Recipe


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4.8 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Crisp autumn days welcome mini caramel apple pies, a delightful dessert blending sweet caramel with classic apple flavors. Perfectly portable and irresistibly delicious, these mini pies promise to charm gatherings and satisfy sweet cravings with their homemade warmth.


Ingredients

Scale

Filling:

  • 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 3 medium apples)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Spices and Thickeners:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Crust and Topping:

  • 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade if preferred)
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Mix diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice until apples are evenly coated. Let the mixture rest while preparing other components.
  2. Heat oven to 375F (190C), ensuring rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
  3. Roll out pie crusts on a lightly dusted surface and use a 3-inch round cutter to create circular dough sections.
  4. Gently press each dough circle into muffin tin cavities, forming delicate pie cups with slightly crimped edges.
  5. Carefully spoon apple mixture into each crust, filling approximately three-quarters of each cup to prevent overflow during baking.
  6. Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the apple filling, allowing it to seep between apple pieces.
  7. Cover each mini pie with a second dough circle or create decorative cut-out shapes to layer atop the filling.
  8. Brush exposed dough surfaces with beaten egg and sprinkle granulated sugar for a glossy, crisp exterior.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crusts transform into a rich golden-brown and filling becomes visibly bubbling.
  10. Allow pies to rest in the muffin tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and setting.
  11. Serve these miniature desserts warm or at room temperature for optimal flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

  • Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance and texture in your mini pies.
  • Prevent soggy crusts by patting apple pieces dry with paper towels before mixing with sugar and spices to reduce excess moisture.
  • Create gluten-free versions by substituting regular pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free pastry dough for a dietary-friendly alternative.
  • Enhance caramel flavor by using homemade salted caramel sauce or warming store-bought sauce slightly before drizzling for more intense, smooth consistency.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 195 kcal
  • Sugar: 17 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 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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