Mini Apple Pies – can be made in your mini pie pans as well.
why make this recipe
Mini Apple Pies are a delightful treat that captures the essence of traditional apple pie in a bite-sized form. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or a cozy family dessert, these individual pies bring a sense of nostalgia while allowing for easy serving. Not to mention, their adorable size makes them irresistible to both children and adults alike. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is an easy way to create a delicious dessert that will impress everyone.
how to make Mini Apple Pies
Making Mini Apple Pies is simple and fun! You can involve your family or friends in the process and enjoy the aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through your home. With a crisp buttery crust and a warm spiced apple filling, these pies are as threatening as they are adorable. You can also use mini pie pans for a professional touch!
Ingredients :
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Directions :
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Make the Pie Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the diced butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two balls, flatten them into disks, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until the apples are well coated.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one of the dough disks to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles to fit your mini pie pans (you can use a cookie cutter or the rim of a glass).
- Assemble the Pies: Place the dough circles in the mini pie pans. Fill each with the apple mixture. Roll out the second dough disk and cut it into strips or another set of circles to cover the tops. Seal the edges and create a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Egg Wash: Beat an egg and brush the tops of the pies for a golden finish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, let the pies cool for a few minutes before serving.
how to serve Mini Apple Pies
Mini Apple Pies are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. They make perfect finger foods for parties or cozy family dinners.
how to store Mini Apple Pies
To store leftover Mini Apple Pies, allow them to cool completely, then refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each mini pie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through.
tips to make Mini Apple Pies
- Use a Variety of Apples: Mixing different types of apples can enhance the flavor and texture of your filling. Consider using a combination of sweet and tart apples.
- Chill Your Ingredients: Make sure your butter is cold, and if possible, chill the mixing bowl and utensils. This will help create a flakier crust.
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pack in the filling, overfilling can lead to messy pies. Leave a little space at the top.
variation
You can customize Mini Apple Pies with various fillings such as pears or berries for a different flavor. For an added twist, incorporate nuts or cranberries into the apple mixture. A sprinkle of ginger or a splash of bourbon in the filling can also create a unique taste. For a healthier option, consider using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pie crust for Mini Apple Pies?
Yes, store-bought pie crust can save time. Just make sure to follow package instructions for prep and baking.
2. How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Make sure to bake the pies until the crust is golden brown and fully cooked. Pre-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling can also help.
3. Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling it out.
Mini Apple Pies
Ingredients
For the Pie Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Apple Filling
- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 egg for egg wash
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add diced butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide into two balls, flatten into disks, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Filling Preparation
- In a separate bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until the apples are well coated.
Assembly
- On a floured surface, roll out one dough disk to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles to fit your mini pie pans.
- Place dough circles in mini pie pans and fill each with apple mixture.
- Roll out the second dough disk and cut into strips or circles to cover the tops. Seal edges and make slits in the top crust.
Baking
- Beat an egg and brush the tops of the pies for a golden finish.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.
- Once baked, let the pies cool for a few minutes before serving.
