The aroma of freshly baked Mini Apple Pies fills the air, wrapping around you like a warm, comforting hug. Imagine biting into flaky crusts that cradle tender, spiced apple slices while cinnamon dances on your taste buds.
Every time I whip up these delightful treats, memories of family gatherings flood back—laughter, stories, and the unmistakable sound of pie crusts crumbling beneath eager fingers. These Mini Apple Pies are perfect for celebrations or simply when you need a cozy dessert to chase away the chill.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Mini Apple Pies are easy to prepare, making them perfect for novice bakers
- Their delightful flavor profile balances sweetness with a hint of spice
- The visual appeal is undeniable with their golden-brown crusts and glossy apple filling
- Versatile enough for any occasion, they can be served warm or cold with ice cream or whipped cream
I still chuckle at my nephew’s face when he took his first bite and declared it was “the best pie in the universe.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best; choose firm apples for a perfect texture.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling; adjust based on your apple variety’s natural sweetness.
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Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and depth; don’t skimp on it!
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Pie Crusts: Use store-bought for ease or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous.
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Lemon Juice: Brightens the apple flavors and prevents browning; fresh is ideal.
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Butter: Adds richness to the filling; opt for unsalted to control saltiness.
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Egg Wash: A mixture of egg and water enhances browning; it gives those pies a beautiful sheen.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, let’s get those pie crusts ready to go.
Prepare Your Crusts: Roll out your pie dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or glass that fits your muffin tin cups perfectly.
Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine peeled and diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss until well-coated and set aside to let those flavors mingle.
Assemble Your Pies: Place a dough circle into each muffin tin cup. Spoon in the apple mixture generously; don’t be shy! Top with small pats of butter for extra richness.
Add Lids: Using remaining dough circles, cover each filled cup. Pinch edges together to seal tightly—this keeps all that delicious filling inside!
Bake Away: Brush the tops with an egg wash for that golden finish and bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
These Mini Apple Pies are sure to bring smiles all around! Enjoy them warm just out of the oven or let them cool down before serving—if you can resist the temptation!
You Must Know
- Mini apple pies are the perfect treat for gatherings, featuring a flaky crust and warm, spiced filling
- They’re bite-sized wonders that bring a smile to every face, making them an absolute must for any dessert table
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your pie crust; this ensures it’s chilled and ready for filling later. While it chills, chop the apples and mix them with sugar and spices. This order maximizes efficiency and ensures perfectly baked mini apple pies.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out traditional cinnamon for nutmeg or add a pinch of ginger for a zesty kick. You can also experiment with different types of apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, to find your favorite flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover mini apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For reheating, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy crust.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use cold butter when making the crust to keep it flaky
- Always let the filling cool slightly before adding it to avoid soggy bottoms
- Keep an eye on the baking time; mini pies bake faster than regular ones!
Sharing mini apple pies with friends brought back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen filled with laughter and delicious scents. It’s amazing how food connects us through generations!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pie crust for mini apple pies?
Absolutely! Store-bought pie crust saves time while still delivering delicious results.
What type of apples work best in mini apple pies?
Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Fuji for great flavor balance.
How do I prevent my mini apple pies from getting soggy?
Make sure your filling is not too wet and pre-bake the crusts slightly before adding filling.
Mini Apple Pies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 mini pies 1x
Description
Mini Apple Pies are delightful, bite-sized desserts that combine a flaky crust with a warm, spiced apple filling. Perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings, these mini treats evoke memories of family and laughter with every delicious bite. Easy to prepare, they are sure to be a hit with both novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 package (14 oz) store-bought pie crusts
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg mixed with 1 tbsp water (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out pie crusts on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick and cut circles for muffin tin cups.
- In a bowl, mix apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until well-coated.
- Place a dough circle in each muffin tin cup and fill generously with the apple mixture. Top with butter pieces.
- Cover each filled cup with another dough circle and seal edges tightly.
- Brush the tops with egg wash and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie (60g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
