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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Arrange half of the dough circles on the prepared baking sheet. These will be the bottom layers of your mini pies.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sprinkle coarse brown sugar on top for a slightly crunchy finish and a touch of sweetness.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- 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.