Bite-Sized Fall Delights: Homemade Mini Apple Pies for Every Occasion

Mini apple pies are a delightful and bite-sized treat that perfectly encapsulate the essence of fall. With their sugar, spice, and apple pie filling wrapped in a golden, flaky pie crust, these mini pies offer a comforting, sweet experience in every bite. They are ideal for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to holiday celebrations. With an easy-to-follow recipe and a minimal number of ingredients, these mini apple pies can be made year-round, satisfying both the craving for autumn flavors and the need for a quick, delicious dessert.

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The mini apple pie is a charming twist on the classic apple pie, making it more portable and easier to serve. Instead of dealing with a large, cumbersome pie, mini apple pies are individually portioned, which makes them perfect for sharing at parties or for satisfying a craving with no leftovers. The versatility of this dessert makes it adaptable for both warm weather picnics or cozy, cooler evenings by the fireplace.

Ingredients

To make the mini apple pies, you will need the following ingredients. These are simple items you likely already have in your pantry, and for the apples, you can choose your favorite variety—Granny Smiths for their tartness or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.

For the filling:

• 2 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp allspice
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp cornstarch slurry

For assembly and baking:

• 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
• Coarse brown sugar for sprinkling

The combination of brown sugar and spices in the filling creates a deliciously warm, spiced aroma, while the apples soften to a tender, flavorful texture. The egg wash and coarse brown sugar on top add a beautiful golden sheen and a little extra crunch, completing these mini pies.

Instructions

For the filling:

1. Start by preparing the apple filling. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, salt, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract.
2. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the apples begin to soften, but don’t let them cook too long as they’ll continue to soften in the oven.
3. Add the cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water or apple juice) to the apples and stir gently. This will thicken the filling and help it hold together when baked.
4. Once the mixture has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the filling cool slightly. You want it to be cool enough to handle but still warm when assembling the pies.

Assembly and baking:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (or according to the dough package instructions). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Roll out the premade pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter, cut out circles of dough. You will need an even number of circles—one for the bottom layer and one for the top of each mini pie. Gather any leftover dough scraps and re-roll them to cut out more circles.
3. Arrange half of the dough circles on the prepared baking sheet. These will be the bottom layers of your mini pies.
4. Spoon about a tablespoon of the cooled apple pie filling into the center of each bottom dough circle. Be sure not to overfill to avoid the filling spilling out during baking.
5. Take the remaining dough circles and cut small slits in the center of each, creating a vent for the steam to escape as the pies bake.
6. Place the slotted top dough circles over the filled bottom circles. Use the back of a fork to press down on the edges, sealing the pies together tightly. This will create a rustic crimped edge that adds to their charm.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and 1 tablespoon of milk, cream, or water to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the mini pies with the egg wash to give them a beautiful golden color when baked.
8. Sprinkle coarse brown sugar on top for a slightly crunchy finish and a touch of sweetness.
9. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the mini pies for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the filling is bubbling. The smell will be irresistible as the pies bake, filling your kitchen with the warm, inviting scent of cinnamon and apples.
10. Once they are done, remove the mini pies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving and storing tips:

• These mini apple pies are best served warm. You can serve them on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• If you’re preparing them in advance for a gathering or event, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. However, they are best enjoyed within the first 24 hours to ensure the crust remains flaky.
• You can also freeze these mini pies. After they’ve baked and cooled, wrap each pie in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

Variations and substitutions:

• If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can swap out the spices for a different combination. Try adding cardamom or cloves for a deeper, more aromatic flavor.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pie dough, which is widely available in most grocery stores, and ensure the cornstarch slurry is made with gluten-free ingredients.
• If you’re looking for a more indulgent treat, add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top for a sweet, spiced finish.
• For a fun twist, you can add a handful of caramel chips or toffee bits to the apple filling for extra sweetness and texture.
• If you’re craving a creamier filling, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese to the filling mixture before cooking it. This will create a velvety filling that pairs wonderfully with the apple and spice combination.

Why Mini Apple Pies?

The appeal of mini apple pies lies in their perfect portability and the individual servings that make them ideal for a crowd. They are a versatile dessert that can be made for a casual family dinner or a festive occasion. They are small enough to be served as a fun treat for kids while sophisticated enough to be enjoyed by adults, especially when paired with a hot drink like tea, coffee, or spiced cider. With their flaky, golden crust, spiced apple filling, and a touch of sweetness from the brown sugar and coarse sugar topping, these mini pies provide a warm, comforting dessert that’s hard to resist.

In addition to being easy to make and delightfully tasty, mini apple pies are also customizable. You can tweak the flavor to your liking, use store-bought or homemade pie dough, and experiment with different fillings. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, these mini apple pies will become a go-to recipe whenever you’re craving something sweet and satisfying. The simplicity and deliciousness of these pies ensure they’ll be a hit with family and friends every time.