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These mini apple pies bites deliver all the cozy flavors of a traditional apple pie tucked into perfectly flaky, bitesized crusts. They are ideal for sharing at any gathering or simply as a comforting dessert that feels both nostalgic and festive. The warm spices and tender apple filling wrapped in golden crusts make these treats a sure hit.
I made these during a family gathering and everyone loved their delicate size and flavorful filling. They quickly became a requested recipe for special occasions.
Ingredients
- Apples: choose firm but sweet varieties like Gala or Fuji to get a balance of tartness and softness upon baking
- Brown sugar: provides a caramellike sweetness that complements the spices
- Ground cinnamon: essential for warming flavor classic in apple desserts
- Ground nutmeg: adds subtle aromatic depth
- Allspice: enriches the spice profile for complexity
- Ground ginger: brings a gentle zing enhancing overall taste
- Salt: balances sweetness and intensifies flavors
- Unsalted butter: adds richness and helps cook the apples evenly
- Vanilla extract: infuses sweetness and rounds flavor notes
- Cornstarch slurry: thickens the filling to prevent soggy crusts
- Premade pie dough: saves time and ensures a tender flaky crust check the label for butter content if you prefer richer pastry
- Allpurpose flour: dusting keeps dough manageable without drying it out
- Egg and milk (or cream or water) for egg wash: gives the crust a shiny golden finish
- Coarse brown sugar for sprinkling: adds a pleasant crunch and extra caramelized sweetness
Instructions
- Sauté the Apples:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat combine diced apples with brown sugar and all the spices along with the pinch of salt vanilla extract and butter. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly. Cook for approximately 5 minutes allowing the apples to soften slightly but still keep some texture.
- Thicken the Filling:
- Add the cornstarch slurry slowly while stirring the apples. Continue stirring gently until the mixture thickens enough to hold together without being runny. Remove from heat and let cool to avoid melting the dough later.
- Prepare the Dough:
- Preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius or follow your dough package instructions. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the premade pie dough. Use a round cutter to cut out an even number of circles large enough to hold a tablespoon of filling each. Re roll scraps to maximize dough use.
- Assemble the Mini Pies:
- Place half the dough circles spaced out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon about one tablespoon of the cooled apple filling onto each circle leaving room at the edges. Cut small slits on the remaining dough circles to use as tops. Cover the filled bottom crusts with the top pieces. Use the back of a fork to gently press and seal the edges making sure they are properly closed.
- Apply Egg Wash and Sugar:
- In a small bowl whisk the beaten egg and milk or cream. Brush this mixture on top of each mini pie to create that golden shiny finish once baked. Sprinkle coarse brown sugar lightly on top for texture and sweetness.
- Bake and Serve:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the crusts turn a beautiful golden brown and the filling bubbles slightly through the slits. Serve warm for best flavor or let cool slightly as finger food at parties.
My favorite ingredient is cinnamon because it transforms the apple filling into a warm comforting flavor that always reminds me of family holidays. Baking these mini pies has become a tradition for us every autumn with stories shared and laughter filling the kitchen.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain crispness. For longer storage place cooled mini pies in the refrigerator for up to four days. They reheat beautifully in the oven to regain crisp edges and hot filling. Freezing is possible by arranging them in a single layer on a tray then transferring to a freezer bag once solid.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try using pear slices instead of apples for a milder sweeter twist. If you prefer a gluten free version use suitable pie dough available in specialty stores or homemade gluten free pastry recipes. Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a deeper caramel flavor and lower glycemic index.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these mini pies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. They also pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for afternoon treats. For festive occasions add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
These little apple pies are a joy to make and share with friends or family. Their ease combined with the festive smell while baking makes them one of my favorite quick desserts to prepare.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Quels types de pommes sont recommandés ?
Préférez des pommes fermes comme la Golden ou la Granny Smith pour éviter qu'elles ne se défassent à la cuisson.
- → Peut-on préparer la garniture à l’avance ?
Oui, la garniture peut être préparée la veille et conservée au réfrigérateur pour plus de praticité.
- → Comment réussir une pâte croustillante ?
Utilisez une pâte froide et évitez de trop la manipuler afin qu’elle reste bien friable après cuisson.
- → Quelles alternatives pour un glaçage sans œuf ?
Pour un glaçage vegan, utilisez du lait végétal ou un mélange sirop d’érable et eau.
- → Comment conserver ces bouchées ?
Stockez-les dans une boîte hermétique à température ambiante jusqu’à 2 jours ou au réfrigérateur jusqu’à 4 jours.