Get ready to fall in love with bite-sized bliss: Mini Apple Pies are the ultimate treat that blend homey comfort with individual charm. Imagine tender, golden crusts filled to the brim with juicy apples and warming spices—and the fact that you can hold one in your hand makes them absolutely irresistible. Whether you need a party-perfect dessert or just want to jazz up a weeknight dinner, these pies pack sweet-tart flavor into every adorable portion. If apple pie is your jam, this recipe for Mini Apple Pies will quickly become a staple in your baking lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the crust:
- 2 refrigerated pie crusts
For the filling:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
Other:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- coarse sugar for topping (optional)
- nonstick cooking spray
How to Make Mini Apple Pies
Step 1: Prepare the Muffin Tin and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—it’s the sweet spot for tender crusts and bubbling filling. Lightly coat a standard muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring each cup is slicked and ready for those adorable pie shells.
Step 2: Shape the Mini Pie Shells
Roll out your refrigerated pie crusts on a floured surface and use a 3.5-inch round cutter (or even a sturdy glass) to stamp out twelve circles. Gently tuck each dough round into the muffin cups, pressing to cover the bottoms and sides so every pie gets its own cozy nest.
Step 3: Make the Apple Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine those finely diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of lemon juice. Give it all a good stir—each apple piece should be beautifully coated and ready to release its sweet juices during baking.
Step 4: Fill and Top the Mini Apple Pies
Divide the apple mixture evenly among the crust-lined muffin cups, filling each right up to the top. Dot each with a small piece of butter for an extra touch of richness. Now, cut out smaller rounds or lattice strips from your remaining dough and place on top of each mini pie for a classic, home-baked look.
Step 5: Brush and Sprinkle
Whisk the egg and brush it over the tops of your pies for that envy-inducing golden finish. If you like a little extra texture, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar—each bite will glisten and crunch in the most delightful way.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tin in your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. When the Mini Apple Pies emerge golden brown and bubbling, let them cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before gently lifting them out. Serve warm, or let them reach room temperature if you can resist.
How to Serve Mini Apple Pies
Garnishes
Dress up your Mini Apple Pies with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. If you want to get truly indulgent, a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream turns these little beauties into a show-stopping dessert.
Side Dishes
These mini treats are right at home with a mug of spiced cider or a cup of strong coffee. Pair with a fresh fruit salad or a spiced nut mix for a light and festive spread that’s perfect for brunch or dessert tables.
Creative Ways to Present
Display your Mini Apple Pies on a rustic wooden board, nestle them in colorful cupcake liners, or pile them in a tiered stand for a stunning party centerpiece. You can even wrap them in parchment and twine for sweet edible gifts that travel beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Mini Apple Pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. They stay tender and flavorful, making them an excellent snack to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
These mini pies freeze like a dream! Once completely cool, individually wrap them in plastic and stash in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature or gently warm before serving for fresh-baked flavor anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, place your Mini Apple Pies in a preheated 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their crisp crusts and soft, gooey centers—you’d never guess they weren’t just pulled from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Homemade pastry adds a personal touch and even more buttery flavor to your Mini Apple Pies. Just be sure to roll the dough thin enough so it bakes up tender in the muffin tin.
What’s the best apple variety to use?
Tart apples like Granny Smiths keep their shape and give a classic tang, while Honeycrisp offers sweetness and crispness. You can mix apple varieties for a more complex flavor and texture in your mini pies.
How do I prevent the filling from being too runny?
Mixing the apples with flour (or even a little cornstarch) helps thicken the filling as it bakes. Also, make sure to dice the apples finely so they cook evenly and release their juices gradually.
Can I make Mini Apple Pies ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! Bake the pies a day ahead and store at room temperature. For that just-baked feel, reheat them in a 300°F oven for a few minutes before serving—they’ll taste freshly made and smell incredible.
What’s the trick to getting the pies out of the muffin tin cleanly?
Let the pies cool for about 10 minutes, then gently twist each one before lifting out. Using a thin, flexible knife to loosen edges is helpful too, especially if any filling bubbled over.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making Mini Apple Pies before, now’s the perfect time to treat yourself (and your loved ones!) to something special. These tiny treasures are a crowd-pleaser every time, with big flavor and endless ways to make them your own. Grab your apron, and let the irresistible scent of baking apples fill your kitchen!
