If you have a soft spot for that classic warm apple pie but crave something a little more fun and perfectly portioned, then this Mini Apple Pies Recipe is about to become your new go-to. These delightful little pies combine tender chunks of cinnamon-spiced apples with a flaky, buttery crust, all baked into adorable individual servings. They bring the homey, comforting flavors of a traditional apple pie in a format that’s perfect for snacks, parties, or an anytime sweet craving. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key, and for this Mini Apple Pies Recipe, simplicity and quality reign supreme. Each ingredient plays a vital role — from juicy apples that give the pies their natural sweetness, to the cinnamon that adds warmth, and the pie crust that wraps everything up into a golden, flaky bite.
- Fresh apples, 2 cups peeled and chopped: Choose firm and tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and balanced sweetness.
- Sugar, 1/4 cup: Just enough to sweeten the filling without overpowering the apple’s natural flavors.
- Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon: This classic spice adds cozy warmth and depth to the filling.
- Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon: Keeps the apples bright and prevents them from browning too quickly.
- Refrigerated pie crust, 1 package: Using ready-made dough makes this recipe super approachable and gives you that buttery, flaky base and top.
- Egg, 1 beaten: For brushing on top to get that stunning golden finish and add a little shine.
How to Make Mini Apple Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Muffin Tin
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure to grease or line your 12-cup muffin tin so the pies won’t stick and come out perfectly shaped. This step ensures your mini pies bake evenly and pop right out when they’re ready.
Step 2: Create the Apple Filling
In a bowl, mix together the peeled and chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. This simple mixture is where all the magic happens — the cinnamon and lemon juice balance the sweetness and add that unmistakable apple pie flavor everyone loves.
Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crust Base
Roll out your refrigerated pie crust dough on a lightly floured surface. Cut it into small circles that fit each muffin cup comfortably. Gently press each dough circle into the bottom and up the sides of your prepared muffin tin to create a cozy little shell for the filling.
Step 4: Fill and Top the Mini Pies
Spoon the spiced apple filling evenly into each pie crust-lined cup, making sure to drizzle some of the juices as well — that’s where a lot of flavor and moisture comes from. To top, unroll the second pie crust and cut out six circles to cover each pie fully or cut the crust into thin strips for a beautiful lattice topping.
Step 5: Seal, Vent, and Egg Wash
Place your chosen tops over each filled crust, pressing the edges together and crimping them to seal. Don’t forget to cut a few small vents in the solid tops so steam escapes during baking, or brush the lattice with beaten egg to help everything brown beautifully.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Brush the tops of your mini pies with the beaten egg wash for that glossy, mouth-watering finish, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if you want a little crunch and extra sparkle. Pop the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling hot.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the mini apple pies cool slightly in the tin before carefully removing them. This pause helps the filling set, so every bite holds together just right. Now, get ready to enjoy your warm, sweet, and utterly satisfying treats.
How to Serve Mini Apple Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your mini pies with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that perfect creamy contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts will add texture and elevate the presentation.
Side Dishes
Mini apple pies pair wonderfully with hot beverages like coffee, chai tea, or spiced cider. For a complete dessert spread, offer fresh fruit, sharp cheeses, or a smooth caramel sauce on the side to complement the warm apple flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your mini pies on a rustic wooden board for a cozy autumn vibe, or stack them on a tiered dessert tray to impress guests at a party. Wrapping each in a small colorful napkin or parchment paper can turn these bites into perfect grab-and-go treats for a picnic or potluck.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the mini apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For best flavor and texture, enjoy them within this window when the crust stays flaky and the filling flavorful.
Freezing
To save these treats for later, wrap each cooled pie individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months. When ready to indulge, just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat leftover or thawed pies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through and the crust crisps up again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that signature flaky texture.
FAQs
Can I make mini apple pies without a muffin tin?
While a muffin tin makes shaping and baking these easy, you can use any small oven-safe dish or ramekin. Just be mindful of the size and adjust baking time accordingly.
What kind of apples are best for Mini Apple Pies Recipe?
Tart and firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best as they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweetness.
Can I use homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade dough, feel free to use your favorite pie crust recipe. Just make sure it’s rolled out evenly to fit into the mini tins.
How can I make the lattice top for the pies?
Simply cut the second pie crust into thin 1/4-inch strips and weave them over the filling in a crisscross pattern. It looks beautiful and lets some of the filling peek through.
Are mini apple pies freezer-friendly?
Yes! Mini apple pies freeze very well and make a perfect make-ahead treat. Just thaw and reheat to enjoy as if freshly baked.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Mini Apple Pies Recipe feels like passing along a little slice of joy. These mini marvels are irresistibly charming, bursting with cozy apple and spice flavors, and come together with such ease. Whether for a casual family dessert or a festive gathering, they have all the warmth of a traditional apple pie packed into a perfectly portable bite. Give them a try and watch them become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire.
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Mini Apple Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini apple pies
Description
These Mini Apple Pies are a delightful handheld dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples encased in a flaky pie crust. Perfect for snacks or dessert, they bake quickly in a muffin tin, making them an easy and charming treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped fresh
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Crust and Topping
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (enough for 2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing on top)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease or line a standard 12-cup muffin tin to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine peeled and chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Mix well to coat the apples evenly with the spices and juice.
- Prepare Bottom Crusts: Roll out the pie crust dough and cut into small circles that fit into the muffin cups. Gently press each dough circle into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared muffin tin cups to form the base of each mini pie.
- Fill the Pies: Spoon the apple filling evenly into the 6 crust-lined muffin cups, including some of the juices to keep the filling moist.
- Prepare Top Crusts: Unroll the second pie crust and cut out 6 circles for a full top, or cut it into 1/4-inch wide strips to create a lattice design if you prefer an open-faced pie look.
- Seal and Vent: Place your chosen top crust over each filled pie. Seal and crimp the edges of the top and bottom crusts together carefully. For solid tops, cut a few small vents to allow steam to escape. For lattice tops, brush the strips with egg wash to help them brown beautifully.
- Apply Egg Wash and Add Sugar: Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg to give a golden finish. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch.
- Bake: Bake the mini apple pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pies from the oven and allow them to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before carefully removing. Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful snack or dessert.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced sweetness and tartness.
- You can add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling for extra warmth and flavor.
- If you prefer, freeze the unbaked mini pies and bake them later, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Make sure to cut vents in the full top crust to prevent sogginess and allow steam to escape during baking.
- Brush the edges with water or egg wash before sealing to help the crusts stick together better.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
