Mini Apple Pies are a delightful, bite-sized treat that bring the classic flavors of traditional apple pie into a convenient, shareable form. Perfect for gatherings, dessert tables, or simply enjoying at home, these mini pastries encapsulate the essence of autumn with every scrumptious bite. With the combination of warm spices and sweet apples nestled in flaky crust, Mini Apple Pies are a must-try for any dessert lover. Let’s dive into making this irresistible recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 Apples (medium-sized, peeled, cored, and diced) (approx. 255 g)
- ⅓ cup Brown Sugar (approx. 67 g)
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon (approx. 2 g)
- ¼ tsp Ground Nutmeg (approx. 0.5 g)
- ¼ tsp Allspice (approx. 0.5 g)
- ¼ tsp Ground Ginger (approx. 0.5 g)
- Pinch of Salt
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter (approx. 14 g)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (approx. 5 ml)
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch Slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water or 15 ml)
- 1 Package of Premade Pie Dough (contains 2 crusts)
- All-purpose Flour (for dusting)
- 1 Beaten Egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp Milk, Cream, or Water (for egg wash)
- Additional Coarse Brown Sugar (for sprinkling)
Directions
For Filling, Assembly and Baking:
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: Makes 4 mini pies
Nutrition Info: Approximately 210 calories per pie. -
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, allspice, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
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In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the apple mixture and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples start to soften.
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Add the vanilla extract and cornstarch slurry to the apple mixture, and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
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Lightly dust your work surface with all-purpose flour, and roll out one crust from the premade pie dough. Cut out circles large enough to fit your mini pie pan (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
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Carefully place the dough circles into the greased mini pie pan. Fill each dough cup with the apple filling, leaving a little room at the top.
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Roll out the second crust and cut it into smaller circles or strips to form the top of the mini pies. Place either a full circle (cut a few slits for steam) or a lattice design on top of each filled mini pie.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk (or cream/water). Brush this egg wash over the top crusts for a beautiful golden finish.
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Sprinkle additional coarse brown sugar on top for a sweet, crunchy texture.
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Bake the mini apple pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
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Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to serve
Serve your Mini Apple Pies warm or at room temperature. They pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, sprinkle some caramel sauce over the top or a dusting of powdered sugar. These adorable pies make a wonderful dessert for gatherings and can also be enjoyed as a cozy treat with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different varieties of apples like Granny Smith, Gala, or Honeycrisp for varying flavors and textures. A mix of apples can add complexity!
2. How do I store leftover Mini Apple Pies?
Allow the pies to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
3. Can I freeze Mini Apple Pies?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked mini pies. Assemble them and freeze on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.