Mini apple pies are delightful little treats that pack the perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors, all wrapped up in a buttery, flaky crust. They’re an ideal dessert for gatherings, picnics, or simply a cozy evening at home. These miniature versions of traditional apple pies not only look adorable but also allow for easy portion control, making them a hit with everyone. Let’s dive into how to create these scrumptious bites for yourself!
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 12 mini pies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 150
- Protein: 2 grams
- Carbohydrates: 22 grams
- Fat: 6 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 50 mg
Why Make This Mini Apple Pies
There are plenty of reasons to whip up a batch of mini apple pies! First and foremost, they offer the classic comfort of apple pie, combined in a perfect portable size. They are great for family gatherings or holiday gatherings, where individual servings are preferred. The warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma that instantly brings a sense of home. Plus, they are easy to make with ingredients you likely already have on hand, making them a hassle-free dessert option.
How to Make Mini Apple Pies
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6-8 tablespoons of ice water
- 3 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your pies will bake evenly and get that lovely golden brown color.
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Step 2: Mixing the Dough
In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Then, cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together in a ball.
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Step 3: Rolling Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. This thickness provides a nice, flaky crust. Use a round cutter to cut out circles that will form the base of your mini pies.
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Step 4: Preparing the Filling
In another bowl, mix together the chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice to enhance the apples’ natural sweetness and prevent browning.
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Step 5: Assembling the Pies
Place about a tablespoon of the apple mixture on one half of each dough circle. Fold the other half over and press the edges securely to seal. You can crimp the edges for a decorative touch!
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Step 6: Egg Wash
Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg. This not only helps with browning but also gives them a beautiful shine.
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Step 7: Baking
Bake the mini apple pies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them for that perfect color!
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Step 8: Cooling
Let the mini pies cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief cooling time helps the filling set, making them easier to handle.
How to Serve Mini Apple Pies
These mini apple pies are best served warm, fresh out of the oven. They are fantastic on their own or can be accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. For an extra special touch, drizzle some caramel sauce on top or sprinkle with powdered sugar.
How to Store Mini Apple Pies
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Make sure to wrap them individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
Expert Tips for Perfect Mini Apple Pies
- For extra flaky crust, keep your butter as cold as possible.
- If you want to add a little more flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or dried cranberries with the apple filling.
- Experiment with different types of apples for varying sweetness and tartness. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are great choices!
- If the dough is too sticky, dust it with more flour as you roll. If it’s cracking, let it rest in the fridge for a few minutes.
Delicious Variations
- Caramel Apple Mini Pies: Add a swirl of caramel sauce into the apple filling for a decadent twist.
- Spiced Mini Apple Pies: Mix in some nutmeg or even ginger with the cinnamon for a spicier flavor profile.
- Berry Blend Mini Pies: Combine apples with blueberries or raspberries for a delightful fruity combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! Using store-bought dough can save you time and still yield delicious mini pies. -
What kind of apples are best for baking?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal as they hold their shape well and provide a nice balance to the sweetness. -
Can I make these mini pies ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them and freeze them unbaked. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy. -
How do I know when they are done baking?
Look for a golden brown crust. You can also check the filling by inserting a toothpick into the vents; it should come out clean. -
What can I do if the topping is too hard?
If your egg wash creates a too-hard crust, try lowering the oven temperature slightly and baking for a bit longer to ensure thorough cooking without over-browning.
Conclusion
Mini apple pies are an absolute joy to make and share. These delightful, bite-sized desserts encapsulate the essence of fall in a way that’s both comforting and fun. So gather your ingredients, invite a friend, and enjoy the delightful process of creating something special. You’ll love the way they taste, and your loved ones will be begging for seconds! Whether it’s a warm afternoon or a festive occasion, these mini pies will surely bring smiles all around. Give them a try—your taste buds will thank you!
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Mini Apple Pies
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful mini apple pies with a buttery, flaky crust and a sweet and tangy apple filling, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
- 3 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour and salt. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together in a ball.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles for mini pie bases.
- In another bowl, mix the chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Place about a tablespoon of the apple mixture on one half of each dough circle. Fold over and press edges securely to seal.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flaky crust, keep butter as cold as possible. Consider mixing in some chopped nuts or dried cranberries for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
