Mini apple pies are sugar, spice, and everything nice, wrapped in a flaky pie crust and baked to golden perfection. These delightful treats embody the flavors of fall, making them perfect for any occasion from holiday gatherings to casual get-togethers. The bite-sized nature of mini apple pies allows for easy serving and enjoyment without the need for utensils, making them an ideal dessert for parties or family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This mini apple pie recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal prep time and simple ingredients.
- Perfectly Portable: Their small size makes them easy to grab and enjoy on the go or at a picnic.
- Versatile Flavor: You can customize the filling with different spices or fruits to suit your taste.
- Great for Events: Mini apple pies are a hit at celebrations like Thanksgiving, birthdays, or potlucks.
- Deliciously Cozy: The combination of sweet apples and warm spices creates a comforting treat that everyone loves.
Tools and Preparation
To create these delicious mini apple pies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and helps achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Pastry Brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Rolling Pin: Ensures even thickness of the pie crust for perfectly baked pies.
- Baking Sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking multiple mini pies at once.
- Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining all filling ingredients without making a mess.
Ingredients
Mini apple pies are sugar, spice, and apple pie filling wrapped in pie crust and baked to golden brown perfection for a bite-sized treat! Get a taste of fall with this easy mini apple pie recipe that you can serve year-round.
For the Filling
- 2 Apples (medium-sized, peeled, cored, and diced)
- ⅓ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg
- ¼ tsp Allspice
- ¼ tsp Ground Ginger
- Pinch of Salt
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch Slurry
For the Crust
- 1 Package of Premade Pie Dough (contains 2 crusts)
- All-purpose Flour (for dusting)
For Topping
- 1 Beaten Egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp Milk, Cream, or Water (for egg wash)
- Additional Coarse Brown Sugar (for sprinkling)
How to Make Mini Apple Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Begin by preparing your filling. In a mixing bowl, combine diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, salt, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and cornstarch slurry. Mix until the apples are well coated.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your mini apple pies bake evenly.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your premade pie dough. Use a round cutter or glass to cut out circles that will serve as your bases.
Step 4: Assemble the Pies
Place each dough circle on your baking sheet. Add a spoonful of apple filling in the center of each circle. Fold over one side of the dough to cover the filling and gently press down to seal. Use a fork to crimp edges for extra security.
Step 5: Apply Egg Wash
In a small bowl, combine beaten egg with milk (or cream/water). Brush this mixture over each mini pie to give it a beautiful golden color when baked.
Step 6: Sprinkle with Sugar
Finish by sprinkling coarse brown sugar on top before placing in the oven.
Step 7: Bake
Bake your mini apple pies in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Enjoy warm!
How to Serve Mini Apple Pies
Mini apple pies are delightful little desserts that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you want to impress guests at a dinner party or simply indulge yourself, there are many serving ideas to enhance your experience.
A La Mode
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Pair your mini apple pies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a classic combo.
- Whipped Cream: Top with freshly whipped cream for added richness and a light texture.
Dusted with Sugar
- Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds elegance and sweetness without overpowering the flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Combine sugar and cinnamon for an aromatic finish that complements the apple filling.
Seasonal Garnishes
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your mini pies for an indulgent touch that brings out the flavors of fall.
- Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a crunchy contrast to the soft pie.
How to Perfect Mini Apple Pies
Creating perfect mini apple pies requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pies turn out delicious every time.
- Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced flavor.
- Don’t Overfill: Be cautious not to overfill the pie crusts; this prevents spilling during baking.
- Use Cold Ingredients: Keep your butter and pie crust cold for flakier pastry once baked.
- Allow Cooling Time: Let your mini apple pies cool slightly after baking. This helps set the filling.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste. A pinch more cinnamon can make a big difference!
- Perfect Egg Wash: Brush the tops with egg wash for that golden-brown finish everyone loves.
Best Side Dishes for Mini Apple Pies
Mini apple pies are versatile treats that pair well with several side dishes. Here are some delightful options to consider when serving.
- Spiced Cider: Warm spiced apple cider complements the flavors of the mini pies beautifully, making it a perfect beverage choice.
- Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or brie, offers a savory contrast to sweet pies.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds color and freshness, balancing the sweetness of the dessert.
- Hot Chocolate: Rich hot chocolate is comforting, especially in colder months, perfect alongside mini apple pies.
- Coffee or Tea: Serving coffee or tea provides a warming beverage option that pairs wonderfully with any dessert.
- Nut Mix: A simple nut mix can add crunch and protein, making it an excellent snack alongside your sweet treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making mini apple pies can be easy, but there are common mistakes that might affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch for:
- Using unripe apples: Choose ripe, sweet apples for the best flavor. Unripe apples can make your pies taste sour and less enjoyable.
- Skipping the cornstarch slurry: This step helps thicken the apple filling and prevents it from being too runny. Make sure to mix it well before adding to your apples.
- Not preheating your oven: Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking. If you skip this, your mini apple pies may not cook properly.
- Overfilling the crust: It may be tempting to add more filling, but too much can cause spills. Stick to a modest amount for the best results.
- Neglecting egg wash: An egg wash gives your mini apple pies a beautiful golden color. Don’t forget this step for an appealing finish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store mini apple pies in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking them.
Freezing Mini Apple Pies
- Freeze mini apple pies on a baking sheet until solid.
- Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating Mini Apple Pies
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm. Be cautious as they can become soggy.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated through. This method keeps the crust crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to bake mini apple pies?
Baking mini apple pies typically takes about 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until they are golden brown and bubbly.
What apples are best for mini apple pies?
Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well because they balance sweetness and tartness, enhancing the flavor of your mini apple pies.
Can I customize my mini apple pie recipe?
Absolutely! You can add nuts, raisins, or different spices like cardamom or cloves to suit your taste preferences.
How do I make mini apple hand pies?
To create hand pies, simply fold pie dough over the filling and seal the edges before baking. This method is great for on-the-go treats!
Final Thoughts
Mini apple pies are delightful treats that capture the essence of fall all year round. Their versatility allows you to customize fillings and spices according to your preference. Try making these bite-sized desserts; they’re perfect for gatherings or just a cozy evening at home!
Mini Apple Pies
Mini apple pies are the ultimate bite-sized dessert, bursting with warm cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in a flaky crust. Perfect for any occasion, these delightful treats embody the cozy flavors of fall and are a hit at gatherings, from casual get-togethers to festive celebrations. Their portable size allows for easy enjoyment without utensils, making them an ideal choice for parties or family dinners. With a simple recipe that requires minimal prep time and ingredients, you can whip up these delicious mini pies anytime you crave a sweet treat.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 mini apple pies 1x
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized apples (peeled, cored, diced)
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp allspice
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch slurry
- 1 package premade pie dough (contains 2 crusts)
- 1 beaten egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp milk/cream/water (for egg wash)
- Additional coarse brown sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, spices, salt, butter, vanilla extract, and cornstarch slurry until well mixed.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pie dough and cut into circles.
- Place each circle on a baking sheet and add a spoonful of apple filling in the center.
- Fold the dough over and seal edges with a fork.
- Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse brown sugar.
- Bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini apple pie (45g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced flavor. Experiment with spices—add more cinnamon or try cardamom for unique variations.
