The Best Mini Apple Pies Recipe: Bite-Sized Autumn Joy

Sweet mini apple pies might just be the most adorable dessert you could whip up this season.

Crisp autumn afternoons call for something warm and comforting from your kitchen.

Buttery pastry hugs tender apple chunks like a cozy blanket of deliciousness.

Cinnamon and nutmeg dance through each bite, creating a symphony of homemade goodness.

Compact and charming, these little pies pack incredible flavor into every single morsel.

Weekend baking never looked so inviting or tasted so delightful.

You’ll want to savor every single crumb of these delectable treats.

Storing Mini Apple Pies for Freshness

• Store mini apple pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent them from drying out.
• Place cooled pies on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag. Frozen mini apple pies will keep for 2-3 months.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place frozen or refrigerated pies on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.

FAQs

• What kind of apples work best for this recipe?

Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

• Can I make these mini pies ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and pie crusts a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble just before baking.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these mini pies?

A muffin tin and a round cookie cutter (about 4 inches) are helpful, but you can also use a knife to cut circles if needed.

• How do I prevent the bottom crust from getting soggy?

Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers on the bottom of the crust before adding the apple filling to absorb excess moisture.

Why You’ll Love Making Mini Apple Pies

• Customize with Creativity: Transform basic pie-making into a fun personal project by experimenting with crust designs, lattice patterns, or adding unique spices to make each mini pie uniquely yours.
• Perfect Party Pleasers: These compact treats are ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations where individual servings make sharing and portion control super simple.
• Quick Comfort Cooking: Develop delightful desserts with minimal kitchen skills, using straightforward ingredients and simple techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Adaptable Autumn Treat: Celebrate seasonal flavors by incorporating different apple varieties or adjusting spice levels to match your taste preferences, making these mini pies versatile for any fall occasion.

What Goes Into Homemade Mini Apple Pies

• Pie Crust: A flaky pastry base that provides the delicious outer shell for the mini apple pies.
• Apples: Fresh, crisp apples that form the sweet and tangy filling of these mini desserts.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Natural sweeteners that enhance the apple flavor and create a rich caramel-like taste.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and traditional autumn flavor to the apple filling.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that helps create a smooth, cohesive pie filling.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy note and helps prevent the apples from browning.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a more luxurious filling.
• Egg: Used for brushing the pie tops to achieve a beautiful golden finish.
• Powdered Sugar: Optional topping that provides a sweet, decorative touch to the mini pies.

Steps to Bake Mini Apple Pies With Ease

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Set your oven to warm up at 375F (190C). Grab a muffin tin and give it a light coating of cooking spray or line each cup with paper liners to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Apple Filling

• Diced apples
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Fresh lemon juice
• Cornstarch

Gently toss all ingredients until apples are completely coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.

Step 3: Shape the Pie Crusts

Dust your work surface with flour.

Roll out pie crusts and use a round cookie cutter to create perfect circular shapes that will fit inside muffin cups.

Step 4: Line Muffin Tin

Carefully press each pie crust circle into the muffin tin wells.

Make sure they sit smoothly without any wrinkles or tears.

Step 5: Fill the Pie Shells

Spoon the apple mixture into each crust, distributing evenly.

Add small butter pieces across the top of the filling for extra richness.

Step 6: Design Pie Tops

Roll out remaining pie crust and cut into decorative circles or strips.

You can cover each pie completely or create a beautiful lattice design by weaving strips across the top.

Step 7: Add Golden Finish

Brush the pie tops with beaten egg, which will create a gorgeous golden-brown color during baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crusts turn a beautiful golden color and the filling becomes bubbly and fragrant.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let the mini pies rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Gently remove from the tin and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch before serving.

Tips for Flaky and Sweet Mini Apple Pies

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape and provide a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
• Dust the bottom pie crust with a thin layer of breadcrumbs or crushed graham crackers to absorb excess moisture and maintain a crisp texture.
• Use an ice cream scoop or cookie scoop to ensure consistent apple mixture distribution in each mini pie, guaranteeing uniform baking and flavor.
• Cut pie crust strips evenly and weave them gently over the filling for a professional-looking top that allows steam to escape during baking.

Mini Apple Pie Variations to Enjoy

• Gluten-Free Mini Apple Pies: Replace traditional pie crust with gluten-free pie dough or almond flour pastry for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Apple Mini Pies: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based pie crust, and replace egg wash with almond milk for a dairy-free version.
• Spiced Caramel Apple Mini Pies: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce and sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the classic apple pie flavor profile, creating a more decadent dessert experience.
• Low-Sugar Mini Apple Pies: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the pie's delicious apple essence.

Pairings for Mini Apple Pie Desserts

Scoop rich, cold vanilla ice cream alongside the warm mini apple pies for a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that melts perfectly together.

Brew a hot, aromatic chai latte with its warm spices of cinnamon and cardamom to echo the pie’s cozy apple and spice profile.

Drizzle a homemade caramel whiskey sauce over the mini pies to enhance the dessert’s sweetness and add a sophisticated adult twist.

Top the mini apple pies with freshly whipped cream lightly sprinkled with ground cinnamon for an extra layer of creamy, spicy indulgence.

Mini Apple Pies Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delightful Mini Apple Pies bring orchard-fresh sweetness into compact, perfectly portioned desserts. Crisp pastry cradles warm cinnamon-spiced apples, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of homemade comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit Base:

• 2 apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

Sugars and Spices:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) ground nutmeg

Binding and Enhancing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a muffin tin with non-stick spray or paper liners.
2. Combine diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl, ensuring all apple pieces are thoroughly coated with the sweet, spicy mixture.
3. On a lightly floured surface, carefully roll out pie crusts and use a 4-inch round cutter to create circular dough pieces.
4. Gently press each dough circle into the muffin tin wells, smoothing the edges to create neat pie shells.
5. Distribute the seasoned apple filling evenly among the pie crusts, making sure each mini pie has a generous amount of fruit.
6. Scatter small butter pieces across the apple filling to enhance richness and flavor.
7. Create pie tops by either cutting additional dough circles or crafting decorative lattice strips from the remaining pie crust.
8. Carefully apply beaten egg wash over the pie tops to achieve a glossy, golden-brown finish during baking.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crusts turn a rich golden color and the apple filling becomes bubbly and fragrant.
10. Remove from the oven and let the mini pies cool slightly in the tin, then transfer to a serving plate and optionally dust with powdered sugar before enjoying.

Notes

• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture.
• Use coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener as lower-glycemic alternatives to traditional granulated sugar for diabetic-friendly mini pies.
• Dice apples uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent uneven texture in filling.
• Create vegan option by replacing butter with coconut oil and using plant-based pie crust, maintaining the same delicious apple flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 220 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg