Mini Apple Pies Recipe
If you love the cozy aroma of baked apples and buttery crusts, you’re going to adore this Mini Apple Pies Recipe. These adorable individual pies are bursting with tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling wrapped in flaky, golden pastry that melts in your mouth. Perfect for sharing at family gatherings or treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, each bite feels like a warm hug from a classic autumn dessert. The recipe strikes a beautiful balance between simplicity and flavor, making it a delightful favorite anyone can whip up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Mini Apple Pies Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create magic. Every component plays a key role, from the crisp apples that give freshness and texture, to the spices and vanilla that add layers of cozy warmth. The pie crust provides that beautiful golden cradle to hold all the goodness inside.
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought): Choose flaky, buttery crusts to create the perfect tender shell.
- 2 ½ cups chopped apples (315 grams): Use firm apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams): Just enough sweetness to complement the tart apples without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15 grams): Helps thicken the filling as it bakes for a delightful texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings classic warmth and spice to the apple filling.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds depth and enhances the natural apple flavors.
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle note that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (15 grams), optional: Adds richness and a glossy finish to each pie.
How to Make Mini Apple Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Your Tools
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat ensures a crisp, golden crust and a perfectly cooked filling. Lightly flour your work surface to keep the dough from sticking, making the rolling and cutting process smooth and easy.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Pie Crust
Roll out your pie crusts on the floured surface until they are about 1/8-inch thick. Use a 3.5-inch cookie cutter or a similarly sized cup to cut out 12 perfect circles. Don’t worry about the scraps – just gather and reroll them gently to get all your pie shells.
Step 3: Shape the Mini Pie Shells
Press each dough circle softly into the cups of a standard 12-count muffin pan. This gives your mini pies their charming shape and helps the crust bake evenly. Once done, pop the muffin pan and leftover crust scraps into the refrigerator while you prepare the filling, keeping the dough nice and cool for a flaky finish.
Step 4: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, combine chopped apples with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Stir everything until the apples are beautifully coated in the spiced mixture, which creates a flavorful, slightly thickened filling that bakes to perfection inside each mini crust.
Step 5: Fill the Pie Shells
Take the muffin pan out of the refrigerator and spoon the apple filling evenly into each dough-lined cup. About 3 tablespoons per mini pie is ideal to get a generous but balanced filling that won’t overflow during baking.
Step 6: Add Butter
For an extra touch of richness, dice the butter into 12 small pieces and nestle one bit on top of the filling in each mini pie. This little addition melts as the pies bake, adding moistness and enhancing the overall flavor.
Step 7: Top the Pies
Using the extra pie crust, cut out charming shapes or thin lattice strips to create pretty pie tops. Carefully arrange these on each pie for a decorative finish that also helps steam escape during baking, giving your mini pies that classic look and texture.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake the pies in your preheated oven for 18 to 23 minutes, or until the crusts are a stunning golden brown and the filling is bubbling enthusiastically. Once out of the oven, allow them to cool for 10 to 15 minutes in the pan before gently lifting each pie onto a wire rack to finish cooling and set. This resting step is crucial for avoiding any filling mishaps when serving.
How to Serve Mini Apple Pies Recipe
Garnishes
These mini apple pies are already irresistible, but adding a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes them to another level. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that guests will rave about.
Side Dishes
Pair your mini pies with a simple cup of hot tea, spiced cider, or even a bold coffee for a complementary flavor experience. For a heartier dessert course, add a cheese platter with aged cheddar or creamy brie; the sweet and savory contrast is pure magic.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your mini apple pies on a rustic wooden tray lined with parchment paper, or place them in colorful cupcake liners to brighten up your dessert table. You can also insert decorative pie picks or edible flowers on top for festive occasions, making them not only tasty but visually stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover mini apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, refrigeration will keep them fresh longer, about 3 to 4 days, but bring them back to room temperature before enjoying to restore their flakiness and warmth.
Freezing
This Mini Apple Pies Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap each cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to two months, making them perfect to bake ahead for busy weeks or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat frozen or stored pies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the pies on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, to maintain the crispness of the crust and preserve the pies’ delightful texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this Mini Apple Pies Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and firmness, you can blend varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter, more complex filling. Just make sure they hold their shape when baked.
Is it necessary to add butter on top of the filling?
The butter is optional but highly recommended. It melts into the filling, enhancing richness and giving the pies a lovely shine. If you want to cut down on fat, you can skip it, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade pie crust adds an extra layer of love and flaky texture to your mini pies. If you decide to make your own, keep the dough chilled and handle it gently for the best results.
How should I store leftover mini apple pies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven to bring back that crisp crust and warm filling.
Can I make the pies ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can prepare the pies and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. This is especially handy for planning desserts in advance without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Mini Apple Pies Recipe means welcoming a classic, heartwarming treat into your kitchen that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Their small size makes them perfect for anytime indulgence or special celebrations. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend to help, and enjoy the simple joy of homemade apple pies crafted just for you.
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Mini Apple Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini apple pies 1x
Description
These Mini Apple Pies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, offering perfectly portioned, flaky crusts filled with a sweet and spiced apple filling. They are easy to make with store-bought or homemade pie crusts and baked to golden perfection. Ideal for parties, snacks, or a charming finish to any meal.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
Apple Filling
- 2 ½ cups chopped apples (315 grams)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (15 grams), optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Your Tools: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly flour your work surface to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Roll and Cut the Pie Crust: Roll the pie crusts out to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a 3.5-inch cookie cutter or cup to cut out 12 circles. Re-roll any leftover dough to cut out the remaining circles needed.
- Shape the Mini Pie Shells: Place each dough circle into the cavities of a standard 12-count muffin pan, pressing gently so the dough fits snugly into each cup. Refrigerate the pan along with any leftover dough while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, mix the chopped apples with granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg until the apples are well coated and the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Fill the Pie Shells: Remove the muffin pan from the fridge and evenly spoon approximately 3 tablespoons of the apple filling into each dough-lined muffin cup.
- Add Butter: Dice the unsalted butter into 12 small pieces and place one piece atop the filling in each pie to add richness and moisture, if using.
- Top the Pies: Roll out the leftover pie crust and cut out small shapes or lattice strips to place decoratively over each mini pie.
- Bake: Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 18 to 23 minutes until the crust is a beautiful golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the muffin pan from the oven and let the mini pies cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Carefully lift them out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- To avoid soggy bottoms, ensure your pie crust is well chilled before baking.
- Feel free to substitute Granny Smith apples for a tarter filling or use a blend of your favorite apple varieties.
- You can add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth in the filling.
- If you prefer, brush the crust tops with an egg wash for a shiny, golden finish.
- These mini pies can be frozen after baking; reheat them in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
