Mini apple pies are the perfect bite-sized dessert that encapsulates all the flavors of a traditional apple pie in a convenient handheld form.
These adorable treats are great for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth without the need for utensils.
With a buttery crust and a sweet, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, these mini apple pies are sure to delight everyone who tries them. Plus, they’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 4-6 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
1. Make the Pie Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and cornstarch.
Toss until the apples are evenly coated in the sugar and spice mixture. Set aside.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough to about 1/8 inch thickness.
Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough, large enough to line the cups of a mini muffin tin.
4. Assemble the Mini Apple Pies:
Press each circle of dough into the cups of the mini muffin tin, forming small pie crusts.
Fill each crust with a spoonful of the prepared apple filling, pressing down gently to compact the filling.
5. Bake the Mini Apple Pies:
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the mini apple pies warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutritional Facts
- Servings: 12 mini pies
- Calories per serving: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 2g
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q. Can I use store-bought pie crust for these mini apple pies?
Yes, you can use store-bought pie crust if you’re short on time.
Simply roll out the dough and cut it into circles to line the mini muffin tin.
Q. Can I use a different type of apple for the filling?
Yes, you can use any variety of apple you prefer for the filling.
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples are all great choices for baking.
Q. Can I make these mini apple pies ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mini apple pies ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.
Alternatively, you can freeze unbaked pies for up to one month, then bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q. Can I make these mini apple pies vegan?
Yes, you can make these mini apple pies vegan by using a dairy-free pie crust recipe and replacing the butter in the filling with a vegan butter substitute.
Q. How should I store leftover mini apple pies?
Store any leftover mini apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving, if desired.