Oh, these Mini Apple Pies are everything you want in a dessert—sweet, warm, and comforting with just the right balance of cinnamon and crisp apple goodness, all tucked inside a buttery, flaky crust. They’re like a bite-sized hug in dessert form, and let’s be honest, everything is better when it’s mini, right? These little pies are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights in. Trust me, you’ll be popping them in your mouth one after another!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile: You can easily switch up the filling with other fruits like pears or berries for a fun twist.

Budget-Friendly: All you need are a few basic ingredients, and they’re super affordable.

Quick and Easy: No need to roll out a big pie crust—these mini pies come together quickly and look fancy with minimal effort.

Customizable: Feel free to play around with the spices or add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.

Crowd-Pleasing: These mini apple pies are always a hit, especially with kids and those who have a soft spot for classic apple pie flavors. Plus, they’re portable, so everyone can enjoy their own little pie!

Ingredients

Let’s break it down—everything you need to make these perfectly flaky, spiced mini apple pies!

Apple

Granny Smith apples are my go-to for these pies. They hold their shape while baking and offer a nice tartness that contrasts perfectly with the sweet filling.

Brown Sugar

For that deep, caramel-like sweetness that pairs so well with the apples and spices.

Cinnamon

The warm, fragrant spice that makes apple pies irresistible.

Nutmeg

A pinch of nutmeg gives the filling a subtle, cozy depth of flavor.

Lemon Juice

A squeeze of lemon juice brightens up the flavors and keeps the apples from turning brown.

Butter

Butter is essential for a rich, smooth filling and a perfectly flaky crust.

Pre-Made Pie Crust

Save time with pre-made pie crusts! They’re perfect for mini pies, and the buttery, flaky texture is exactly what you want.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

These mini apple pies are so simple to make, and once they’re done, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner!

Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin. You’ll want to make sure the tin is ready to go when you’re assembling your pies.

Make the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Add a little melted butter and stir everything together to make sure the apples are evenly coated.

Assemble the Mini Pies

Roll out your pie crust and cut it into circles large enough to fit into the muffin tin cups. Gently press each crust circle into the muffin tin, making sure the edges come up around the sides. Spoon the apple mixture into each crust, packing it in gently. Top each pie with a small pat of butter for extra flavor.

Bake the Pies

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t overbake.

Let Cool and Serve

Once the pies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They’ll be super hot right out of the oven, so be patient! Serve them warm, and for an extra indulgent treat, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 180 (approx.)

Note: Nutrition may vary slightly depending on specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Mini Apple Pies

These mini apple pies are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to make them even more special:
– Serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra indulgence.
– Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for a rich, sweet finish.
– Pair them with a hot cup of tea or a cozy latte for the perfect dessert moment.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
– Make sure to use firm apples that won’t break down too much while baking. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal.
– If you want to get fancy, you can add a lattice crust on top for a beautiful presentation.
– These pies freeze really well, so if you want to make a big batch, freeze them before baking and just pop them in the oven when you’re ready.
– Feel free to swap the brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different kind of sweetness.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! You can use any apple you prefer, but tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are best for pies as they hold their shape and balance the sweetness well.

2. Can I make these pies without pre-made crust?
Of course! You can make your own pie crust from scratch if you prefer, but the pre-made option makes this recipe super quick and easy.

3. Can I add other spices?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with a pinch of allspice, cloves, or even cardamom for a unique twist on the flavor.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispy crust.

5. Can I freeze these mini pies?
Yes! Assemble the pies, freeze them on a tray, and once they’re solid, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them straight into the oven—no need to thaw!

6. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the apple filling up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just fill the crusts when you’re ready to bake.

7. Can I use a different kind of sweetener?
Yes! You can swap the brown sugar for maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar if you prefer.

8. Can I make these mini pies gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free pie crust to make these mini pies gluten-free, and the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

9. How do I make the crust extra flaky?
If you’re making your own pie crust, make sure to use cold butter and water, and don’t overwork the dough. The key to flakiness is to handle it as little as possible.

10. Can I serve these mini pies for breakfast?
Why not? These little pies are a great way to start your day with something sweet, especially paired with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

Conclusion

These Mini Apple Pies are the perfect dessert for any occasion—small in size, big in flavor. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or enjoying them as a personal treat, they’ll leave everyone coming back for more. The flaky crust, sweet cinnamon apple filling, and cozy aroma as they bake will have your kitchen smelling like autumn. Give them a try and get ready for a bite of pure comfort!

Mini Apple Pies

Why You’ll Love This Recipe