why make this recipe
Mini apple pies are a delightful treat that packs all the goodness of a classic apple pie into a smaller, easier-to-eat portion. These little pies are perfect for sharing at gatherings, or just enjoying at home as a special dessert. They offer a warm, sugary apple filling wrapped in a flaky crust, bringing comfort and joy to your taste buds. Plus, they are simple to make, making them ideal for bakers of all skill levels!
how to make Mini Apple Pies
Making mini apple pies is a fun and straightforward process. Follow these steps to create your delicious dessert:
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Add in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and cornstarch slurry. Mix everything until the apples are well coated.
Roll Out the Dough: Dust your workspace with all-purpose flour. Roll out the premade pie dough to ensure it’s smooth and easy to work with.
Cut and Shape the Dough: Use a round cutter or glass to cut out circles from the dough. You will need two circles for each mini pie; one for the base and one for the top.
Assemble the Mini Pies: Place a dough circle in each muffin tin slot. Spoon a small amount of the apple filling into the center of each circle. Cover with another dough circle and seal the edges by crimping with a fork.
Prepare for Baking: Beat the egg with milk, cream, or water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture on top of each mini pie and sprinkle with coarse brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the mini apple pies for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
how to serve Mini Apple Pies
Serve mini apple pies warm, straight from the oven, or let them cool slightly before enjoying. They are perfect on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can also drizzle caramel sauce on top for an added treat!
how to store Mini Apple Pies
To store mini apple pies, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the pies for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them well in plastic wrap before freezing.
tips to make Mini Apple Pies
- Use a mix of apple varieties to enhance flavor; sweet and tart apples complement each other well.
- Experiment with additional spices like cloves or cardamom for a unique taste.
- If the dough starts sticking, sprinkle a little extra flour on your surface or the dough itself.
- For extra crunch, add some chopped nuts into the filling.
variation
You can easily modify this recipe. For a twist, try adding raisins or cranberries to the apple filling. Or switch up the apples for other fruits like peaches or berries for a different flavor profile. You can also make mini pies using different types of pie crust, such as puff pastry or biscuit dough!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before mixing them with the other ingredients.
2. What can I use instead of cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use flour or tapioca starch as a thickening agent for the filling.
3. How do I tell when the mini pies are done baking?
The mini pies are done when they are golden brown on top and the filling is bubbly. You can also insert a toothpick to check if the apples are tender.
Mini Apple Pies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious mini apple pies filled with warm, sugary apple filling wrapped in a flaky crust, perfect for gatherings or a special dessert at home.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1/4 tsp ginger
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 package premade pie dough
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk or cream
- Coarse brown sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Add in unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and cornstarch slurry; mix until apples are coated.
- Dust workspace with flour and roll out the premade pie dough until smooth.
- Use a round cutter or glass to cut out circles from the dough; you need two circles for each mini pie.
- Place a dough circle in each muffin tin slot, spoon a small amount of apple filling into the center, cover with another dough circle, and seal edges by crimping with a fork.
- Beat together egg and milk to create an egg wash; brush on top of each mini pie and sprinkle with coarse brown sugar.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake mini pies for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Notes
Serve warm or with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle. Store in an airtight container; good for 2 days at room temperature, up to a week in the refrigerator, or freeze for 3 months.