Mini Apple Pies Recipe

The Best Mini Apple Pies Recipe: Bite-Sized Sweet Joy

Sweet, buttery, and irresistibly adorable, these mini apple pies pack a delightful punch of homemade goodness.

Crisp autumn apples nestled in flaky pastry create a dessert that melts hearts and sparks joy.

Each bite bursts with warm cinnamon and tender fruit, promising a delectable experience.

The mini apple pies recipe turns simple ingredients into a spectacular treat that looks like it came straight from a bakery.

Perfectly portioned and easy to share, these little pies are a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Baking these miniature delights will fill your kitchen with an enchanting aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

You’ll want to whip up a batch and watch as smiles spread with every delicious morsel.

Mini Apple Pies Cozy Any Season

  • Customize with Ease: Craft personalized mini apple pies by adjusting filling ingredients or creating unique lattice designs, making each batch a delightful culinary adventure.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Impress guests or family with charming individual-sized desserts that are simple to prepare and irresistibly delicious, perfect for gatherings or casual weekends.
  • Portable Perfection: Enjoy these compact pies as convenient handheld treats that are ideal for picnics, lunch boxes, or on-the-go snacking without sacrificing homemade taste and quality.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking: Engage children in baking by letting them help cut pie crusts, sprinkle sugar, or arrange lattice tops, creating fun family bonding moments in the kitchen.

Mini Apple Pie Ingredient List

Pie Crusts:
  • Premade Pie Crusts: Convenient and easy-to-use base for creating mini apple pies.
Fresh Produce:
  • Apples: Provides the main fruity filling with a sweet and tender texture.
  • Lemon: Prevents apple browning and adds a subtle tangy brightness.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Cinnamon, Sugar, Flour: Combine to create a classic, warm spice mixture that coats and thickens the apple filling.
Dairy and Eggs:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the apple filling.
  • Egg, Water: Creates a golden, shiny egg wash for a beautiful pie crust finish.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Turbinado Sugar: Provides a crunchy, sweet topping with a delightful texture.

Steps To Make Mini Apple Pies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F.

Let those pie crusts hang out on the counter for about 15 minutes to become more flexible and easy to work with.

Step 2: Tackle the Apples

Grab your peeler and knife.

Strip the apples of their skin, remove the core, and slice them into neat little 1/4-inch chunks.

Splash some lemon juice over them to keep them looking fresh and prevent browning.

Step 3: Create Magical Apple Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Granulated sugar
  • All-purpose flour

Toss the apple slices in this sweet mixture until they’re perfectly coated.

Transfer the apples to a saucepan, dot with butter, cover, and let them simmer on medium heat until they turn soft and tender.

Step 4: Shape the Pie Bases

Dust your work surface with a light sprinkle of flour.

Gently unroll the pie crusts and use a 3.25-3.5 inch biscuit cutter to create 12 perfect circles.

Carefully press each circle into the cups of a standard muffin tin.

Step 5: Fill and Top the Pies

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling into each crust.

For the tops, you can either:
  • Cut thin strips to weave a beautiful lattice pattern
  • Use a 2.5-inch cutter to create complete top crusts

Step 6: Final Touches and Baking

Whisk an egg with a splash of water to create a golden egg wash.

Brush this over the tops of your mini pies and sprinkle with a generous dusting of turbinado sugar.

Place the muffin tin on a parchment-lined baking sheet and slide into the oven.

Bake for 15 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Apple Pie Tips For Mini Bakes

  • Choose firm, sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your mini pies.
  • Cook apple filling briefly to reduce excess liquid, preventing soggy pie crusts and ensuring a perfect filling consistency.
  • Use a sharp biscuit cutter and press gently when shaping pie crusts to achieve clean, uniform mini pie shapes without tearing.
  • Brush egg wash lightly and evenly to create a beautiful golden-brown shine and help sugar stick to the pie tops.
  • Spray muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or use cupcake liners to ensure easy removal of delicate mini apple pies.

Mini Apple Pie Variations To Try

  • Gluten-Free Mini Apple Pies: Replace traditional pie crust with gluten-free pie dough made from almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
  • Vegan Apple Mini Pies: Swap butter with coconut oil and use plant-based pie crust. Replace egg wash with plant-based milk or maple syrup for browning.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Mini Pies: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining apple pie's classic flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Mini Apple Pies: Substitute apples with low-carb chayote squash. Use almond flour crust and replace sugar with erythritol for a ketogenic-friendly dessert.

Mini Apple Pies Perfect For Sharing

  • Sweet Companion Delight: Serve these mini apple pies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a creamy, cool contrast to the warm, spiced filling.
  • Breakfast Twist: Pair these bite-sized treats with a hot cup of cinnamon coffee or a smooth chai latte for a delightful morning indulgence.
  • Gifting Charm: Package these adorable mini pies in cute kraft paper boxes with a rustic twine bow, perfect for hostess gifts or holiday sharing.
  • Dessert Platter Perfection: Arrange the mini pies on a wooden board with fresh apple slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a small dish of caramel sauce for dipping.

Mini Apple Pie Storage For Later

  • Store mini apple pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover carefully to prevent crushing the delicate crusts.
  • Wrap individual pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen mini pies will keep perfectly for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed frozen pies in a preheated oven at 350F for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore the crispy crust and ensures the filling stays warm and delicious.
  • Let pies sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving if they've been chilled. This allows the flavors to develop and the texture to soften slightly.

FAQs

  • Are these mini apple pies easy to make for beginners?

Absolutely! This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced baking skills. With simple steps and basic ingredients, even novice bakers can successfully create these cute mini pies.

  • Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples work best. Choose firm apples that hold their shape during cooking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

  • Do I need special equipment to make these mini pies?

Not really. You’ll just need a standard muffin tin, a biscuit cutter, and basic kitchen tools like a knife and mixing bowls. A muffin tin helps create the perfect mini pie shape.

  • How can I prevent my pie crusts from sticking to the muffin tin?
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Mini Apple Pies Recipe

Mini Apple Pies Recipe


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4.5 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Delightful Mini Apple Pies bring classic American dessert charm to your kitchen, offering bite-sized perfection with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in flaky pastry. Small pastries pack big flavor, promising a delectable treat you’ll savor with each perfectly crafted miniature pie.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Filling:

  • 4 tart apples (Granny Smith or Honey Crisp)
  • 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) white flour
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) salted butter

Pie Crust:

  • 2 store-bought or homemade pie crusts

Egg Wash and Topping:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) water
  • 1 tablespoon (12 grams) turbinado sugar or granulated white sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and allow refrigerated pie crusts to soften at room temperature for 15 minutes, ensuring easy handling.
  2. Carefully peel and core apples, slicing them into uniform 1/4-inch pieces. Immediately toss with lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
  3. Combine cinnamon, sugar, and flour in a mixing bowl. Thoroughly coat apple slices with the dry mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  4. Transfer seasoned apples to a medium saucepan. Add butter, cover, and simmer over medium heat until apples become tender and slightly softened.
  5. Dust work surface with flour and gently unroll pie crusts. Use a 3.25-inch biscuit cutter to create 12 precise circular dough pieces.
  6. Delicately press each dough circle into a standard muffin tin, creating small pie shells with even edges.
  7. Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of prepared apple filling into each pie shell, distributing evenly.
  8. Create decorative pie tops using either lattice strips or a 2.5-inch cutter for complete coverage.
  9. Whisk egg with water to create a glossy egg wash. Brush tops of mini pies generously for a golden finish.
  10. Sprinkle turbinado sugar over each mini pie for added texture and sweetness.
  11. Place muffin tin on a parchment-lined baking sheet to catch potential drips. Bake for 15 minutes until crusts turn golden brown and filling bubbles slightly.

Notes

  • Pick Sweet-Tart Apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced flavor and ideal texture that holds up during cooking.
  • Prevent Apple Browning by tossing sliced apples immediately in lemon juice, which stops oxidation and maintains fresh appearance.
  • Create Uniform Pie Sizes by using consistent cutting techniques with sharp biscuit cutters, ensuring even baking and professional presentation.
  • Enhance Flavor Complexity by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the filling, which complements cinnamon and deepens apple pie’s traditional taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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