Mini apple pies are a fun treat for any day. They are easy to make and taste great. This recipe will guide you step by step. You will learn how to make small apple pies with a sweet and tasty filling. Perfect for family snacks or parties.
Why Make Mini Apple Pies?
They are the perfect size for one person.
Easy to share with friends and family.
Great for lunch boxes or picnics.
They bake faster than big pies.
You can try different flavors with each pie.
Ingredients You Need
Before you start, gather these ingredients:
Ingredient
Amount
All-purpose flour
2 ½ cups
Cold butter (cut into cubes)
1 cup (2 sticks)
Salt
½ teaspoon
Ice water
6 to 8 tablespoons
Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
4 cups, peeled and sliced
Brown sugar
½ cup
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Nutmeg (optional)
¼ teaspoon
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon
All-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
2 tablespoons
Egg (for egg wash)
1, beaten
Tools You Will Need
Mixing bowls
Rolling pin
Pie cutter or round cookie cutter
Muffin tin or small pie tins
Knife and cutting board
Pastry brush
Measuring cups and spoons
Step 1: Make the Pie Crust
Start by mixing flour and salt in a large bowl. Add cold butter pieces. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to mix butter until pieces are the size of peas. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix until dough holds together but is not sticky.
Divide dough into two balls. Wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
Peel and slice apples into thin pieces. Put them in a bowl. Add lemon juice to stop browning. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if you want), and flour or cornstarch. Mix well to coat apples evenly.
You can cook apples on the stove before baking. This is optional but helps keep filling thick and juicy. Cook apples in a pan with sugar and spices for 5 minutes until they are soft. Let cool before using.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Take one dough ball from the fridge. Sprinkle flour on your work surface. Roll dough into a large circle, about ¼ inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or cup to cut circles. Each circle will be one mini pie.
Repeat with second dough ball.
Step 4: Assemble the Mini Pies
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place dough circles into muffin tins. Press gently to form pie shells. Add 2 tablespoons of apple filling into each shell. Do not overfill.
Cut smaller dough circles or shapes to cover the top. You can make a full cover or cut slits for steam to escape. Place top crust on filling. Press edges to seal. Use fork to crimp edges.
Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden color.
Step 5: Bake the Mini Apple Pies
Put muffin tin in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Crust should be golden brown. Filling should bubble slightly.
Let pies cool for 10 minutes before removing from tins. This helps the filling set.
Troubleshooting Tips
If crust cracks when rolling, chill dough longer.
For juicy filling, use cornstarch to thicken juices.
Make sure to seal edges well to avoid leaks.
Don’t overfill pies to prevent spilling.
Cool pies before cutting or eating to avoid burns.
Serving Suggestions
Mini apple pies are best served warm. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whipped cream is also a nice touch. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top for extra flavor.
They make great gifts when wrapped in pretty paper. Perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Storage and Reheating
Store mini pies in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each pie in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also microwave for 30 seconds but crust may lose crispness.
Choosing the Best Apples
For mini apple pies, tart apples work best. Granny Smith apples are popular. They keep shape and add tartness. Honeycrisp and Gala apples are sweet and crunchy. Mix types for a balanced taste.
Why Pre-Cook Apples?
You don’t have to cook apples before baking. But pre-cooking helps a lot. It makes apples soft and juicy. It reduces extra liquid. This stops the filling from being watery. Pre-cooking also helps thickeners work better.
To pre-cook, cook apples with sugar and spices for a few minutes. Cool before filling pies.
Summary of Mini Apple Pie Recipe
Step
What to Do
Time Needed
1
Make pie dough and chill
30 minutes
2
Prepare apple filling
10 minutes
3
Roll dough and cut circles
10 minutes
4
Assemble mini pies
15 minutes
5
Bake pies
25-30 minutes
6
Cool and serve
10 minutes
Mini apple pies are simple to make. They bring joy to any table. Try this recipe soon. Enjoy fresh, warm pies with your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Adjust The Baking Time For Mini Pies?
Reduce baking time by 10-15 minutes for mini pies. Check for golden crust and bubbly filling. Use a toothpick to test doneness.
What Are The Best Apples For Mini Apple Pies?
The best apples for mini apple pies are Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala. They offer a balance of tartness and sweetness with a firm texture that holds well during baking. Use these varieties for a flavorful, crisp filling in every mini pie.
Do You Need To Cook Apples Before Putting Them In A Pie?
You don’t need to cook apples before making a pie, but pre-cooking prevents gaps and soggy filling. It softens apples and thickens juices for a tender, flavorful pie. Many bakers macerate or briefly cook apples with sugar and spices to ensure perfect texture and moisture control.
How Do You Keep The Bottom Crust Of Apple Pie From Getting Soggy?
To keep the bottom crust from getting soggy, pre-cook apples to reduce moisture. Use a thickener like flour or cornstarch. Bake the pie on a preheated, hot baking surface or use a pie shield to protect the crust.
