If you’ve ever wished to capture all the cozy, irresistible flavors of a classic apple pie but in a perfectly petite, handheld form, you are going to fall head over heels for this Mini Apple Pies Recipe. These darling little pies are bursting with tender, spiced apple filling wrapped in a flaky golden crust. They bake up quickly, making them an ideal treat for a brisk autumn afternoon or a simple dessert that impresses without fuss. Whether served bubbling hot from the oven or at room temperature, these mini pies bring that warm, homemade apple pie magic in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Mini Apple Pies Recipe is straightforward and chosen for its role in building the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and flaky texture. Fresh apples provide juicy brightness, while the pie crust offers a buttery, crisp shelter that holds everything together beautifully.
- Chopped apples (2 cups): Use a mix like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds subtle sweetness that enhances the natural fruit flavor.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Infuses a rich caramel note to the filling.
- Apple pie spice (½ teaspoon): Packs the classic warm spice flavor—alternatively use cinnamon and nutmeg for a similar effect.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Elevates the filling with a floral depth that surprises the palate.
- Large egg (1): Mixed with water to create an egg wash that gives the crust its beautiful golden shine.
- Water (1 tablespoon): Helps thin the egg wash for smooth application.
- Refrigerated pie crust (14 ounces): Convenient and flaky, this forms the sturdy yet tender shell for each mini pie.
- Sanding sugar or turbinado sugar (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a delightful sparkle and slight crunch to the crust’s top.
How to Make Mini Apple Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 425℉ and greasing a muffin pan lightly. Then, toss your chopped apples with both sugars, the apple pie spice, and vanilla extract. This ensures every little apple piece is coated with sweet, spiced goodness that will bake into tender, jammy bites.
Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash
Whisk your egg and water together in a small bowl. This shimmering mixture will give your miniature pies a gorgeous golden crust and help the lattice topping stick perfectly in place.
Step 3: Cut Out the Pie Crust Circles
Unroll your pie crust sheets and use a 3½-inch round cutter to create 12 circles. Press each circle firmly into the muffin tin cavities, creating the little pie shells that will capture the luscious filling. Remember to brush each crust bottom lightly with your egg wash to add richness and seal the dough.
Step 4: Roll and Weave the Lattice Tops
Gather the leftover dough scraps and roll them out thin. Cut six thin strips for each mini pie—these strips become your lattice top. Carefully arrange the strips over the apple filling in a lattice pattern, gently pressing the edges to seal. This step not only looks charming but lets that bubbling apple filling peek through just enough.
Step 5: Final Touch and Bake
Brush the lattice crusts with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar for a sparkle finish. Bake your mini apple pies for about 18 to 22 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles with warmth and sweetness. Let the pies cool slightly in the pan before delicately removing to cool on a rack or dive in warm!
How to Serve Mini Apple Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Drizzle warm caramel sauce or add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream atop each mini pie for a decadent finish that complements the spiced apples perfectly. A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon can add a pretty touch and a hint more flavor.
Side Dishes
These mini pies shine on their own, but pairing them with fresh whipped cream or a warm cup of cider or coffee makes the serving experience even more comforting and complete. They also make a delightful companion to a light salad if you want to balance sweetness with something fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Mini Apple Pies Recipe on a rustic wooden board or stack them on a tiered dessert stand for a charming display at gatherings. Wrapping each pie in a cute parchment wrapper or doing individual pie boxes adds a thoughtful touch, making them perfect edible gifts or party favors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover mini apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them uncovered in the fridge can dry out the crust, so room temperature storage is best if you plan to enjoy them relatively soon.
Freezing
You can freeze these mini pies before or after baking. Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. They’ll maintain great flavor and texture for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen.
Reheating
To refresh your mini apple pies, warm them at 350℉ for about 10-12 minutes until the crust crisps up again and the filling is heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep that desirable flakiness intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated dough?
Absolutely! Homemade pie crust adds a lovely personal touch and can make these mini pies even more special. Just roll out your dough to the same thickness, and proceed as with the refrigerated crust.
What types of apples work best for this recipe?
A mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith provides the best flavor contrast. This balance results in a filling that’s flavorful without being overly sweet or mushy.
Can I make these mini pies ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pies and keep them covered in the fridge for up to a day before baking, or bake and freeze them for later enjoyment.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Brushing the bottom crust with egg wash before adding the filling helps seal it and prevents sogginess. Also, baking at a high temperature at the start encourages a crispy crust.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the filling?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can add wonderful texture and flavor to your mini apple pies. Just fold them into the apple mixture before filling the crusts.
Final Thoughts
I sincerely hope you give this Mini Apple Pies Recipe a try because it captures everything wonderful about apple pie in a fun, manageable size. Perfect for sharing or indulging all to yourself, these delightful little treats bring comfort and joy with every flaky bite. Once you taste these, they’re sure to become a cherished favorite in your dessert rotation!
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Mini Apple Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Mini Apple Pies are a delightful handheld twist on the classic apple pie, bursting with warm spices and tender apples wrapped in flaky pie crust. Perfect for fall, they can be enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cooled for a sweet treat anytime.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups chopped apples, roughly chopped to ¼ inch pieces (about 2 large apples; Honeycrisp and Granny Smith recommended)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon apple pie spice (or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground nutmeg)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Crust and Topping
- 14 ounces refrigerated pie crust (thawed if frozen)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons sanding sugar or turbinado sugar (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 425℉. Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside to prepare the crust.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple pie spice, and vanilla extract. Stir well until all apple pieces are evenly coated with the spice mixture, ensuring flavors meld.
- Make Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and 1 tablespoon water. Set this egg wash aside; it will be used to seal and glaze the pies.
- Cut Pie Crust Circles: Gently unroll the refrigerated pie crust sheets. Using a 3 ½ inch round cookie cutter, cut out 12 circles from the dough. These will form the base of each mini pie. Press each circle gently into a muffin pan cavity, fitting it to line the base and sides.
- Brush Base With Egg Wash: Lightly brush the bottom and sides of each pie crust circle inside the muffin pan with some of the egg wash. This helps seal the crust and adds color to the bottom crust.
- Prepare Lattice Strips: Gather the dough scraps, roll them out to about ¼ inch thickness, and cut into thin strips that are slightly longer than the muffin pan cavities. Each mini pie will require six strips to create a lattice top.
- Fill Pies and Add Lattice Top: Spoon the apple filling evenly into each pie crust-lined muffin cup. Then lay the lattice strips in a crisscross pattern over the top of the filling, gently pressing the edges to seal. Brush the lattice crust with the remaining egg wash.
- Sprinkle Sugar and Bake: Optionally, sprinkle sanding sugar on top of each lattice crust for a sweet, crunchy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cooling and Serving: Remove the pies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Carefully loosen each pie with a butter knife or thin spatula before lifting out. Cool on a wire rack or serve warm with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- Use a combination of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor and texture.
- Make sure to thaw refrigerated pie crust fully for easier handling and better texture.
- The lattice strips should be thin enough to cook through but sturdy enough to hold shape.
- If you don’t have apple pie spice, use a mix of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg as a substitute.
- These pies can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature and freeze well for later enjoyment.
