Mini Apple Pies

There’s nothing quite like enjoying Mini Apple Pies fresh from the oven. Their flaky crust and sweet, gooey apple filling make them perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to delightful parties. These bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and are sure to impress your guests with their homemade charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up these mini pies in no time.
• Perfect Portion Sizes: Each pie is a delightful individual serving, making them great for sharing.
• Versatile Filling: While this recipe uses classic apple pie filling, feel free to get creative with your favorite fruits!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Involve the kids in cutting shapes and assembling the pies for a fun kitchen activity.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a casual afternoon snack, these mini pies fit right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of Mini Apple Pies, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Rolling pin
• 2.5 round cookie cutter
• 3 round cookie cutter
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling pin: Perfect for flattening out the pie crusts evenly without making them too thin.
• Cookie cutters: These are essential for cutting uniform circles, ensuring your mini pies look great and bake evenly.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy surface that holds all your mini pies while they bake to golden perfection.

Ingredients

There’s nothing like warm apple pie, with a delicious flaky crust and that gooey, sweet apple filling.

For the Pie Crusts

• Two 9 Frozen Pie Crusts (defrosted)

For the Filling

• 1 Can Apple Pie Filling

For Egg Wash and Topping

• 1 Egg
• Coarse Sugar

How to Make Mini Apple Pies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your mini pies are assembled.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crusts

Remove the defrosted pie crusts from their tins and carefully place them on the counter. Use a rolling pin to gently flatten them out without rolling them too thin.

Step 3: Cut Out Circles

Using a 2.5 round cookie cutter (or a drinking cup), cut out circles from one of the pie crusts. You should be able to get about 9 or 10 circles. Then, take the other pie crust and use a 3 round cookie cutter (or slightly larger drinking cup) to cut out circles as well. Slice each of these larger circles into 1/4 strips.

Step 4: Assemble the Base

Place the smaller, 2.5 circles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Prepare Apple Filling

Scoop about 1 cup of apple pie filling into a bowl. Use a knife to chop through the filling in the bowl to create smaller apple chunks for better distribution.

Step 6: Add Filling

Add a generous spoonful of apple pie filling to the center of each circle while leaving space around the edges for sealing.

Step 7: Create Egg Wash

Beat one egg in a small bowl, adding just a splash of water to it for better consistency.

Step 8: Seal Edges

Using your finger or a small brush, spread some egg wash around the edge of each circle. This step is crucial for sealing your pies properly.

Step 9: Add Lattice Topping

Place strips of pie dough on top of each circle in a lattice pattern—alternating vertical and horizontal strips.

Step 10: Finalize Pies

Press down around the edges with a fork to seal everything in tightly. Clean up any excess dough by pressing down with your cookie cutter again if needed.

Step 11: Brush and Sprinkle

Brush each mini pie with egg wash on top then sprinkle with coarse sugar for added sweetness and crunch.

Step 12: Bake

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes until you see golden brown edges forming on your mini pies.

Step 13: Cool and Serve

Remove from oven once baked perfectly! Allow them to cool slightly before enjoying these delightful Mini Apple Pies!

With this guide, you’ll have scrumptious mini apple pies ready in no time! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Mini Apple Pies

Mini apple pies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, these little pies are sure to impress everyone.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm mini apple pies, creating a delicious contrast in temperature and flavor.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Adding a drizzle of rich caramel sauce enhances the sweetness of the apple filling and adds an extra layer of indulgence.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Light and fluffy whipped cream on top of your mini pies provides a delightful texture and balances the sweetness of the apples.

Served with Fresh Fruit

• Accompanying your mini apple pies with fresh fruit salad adds freshness and color to your dessert plate.

With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar

• A light dusting of powdered sugar on top gives your mini apple pies an elegant finish and enhances their visual appeal.

How to Perfect Mini Apple Pies

To achieve the best mini apple pies, follow these simple tips for perfecting your recipe.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh apples will give you the best flavor. If using canned filling, look for high-quality options without added preservatives.

• Chill your dough: Keeping your pie crust cold before baking helps maintain flakiness, resulting in a better texture.

• Cut evenly: Ensure even cuts when making lattice strips for a visually appealing finish that bakes uniformly.

• Seal properly: Pressing down firmly around the edges ensures no filling leaks out during baking, keeping your pies intact.

• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your mini apple pies as they bake to achieve that perfect golden-brown color without burning.

Best Side Dishes for Mini Apple Pies

Serving side dishes alongside mini apple pies can enhance the overall experience. Here are some great options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic companion that melts beautifully over warm pie slices.

2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the pie.

3. Cheese Plate: A selection of mild cheeses complements the sweet apples while providing savory contrast.

4. Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola sprinkled on top adds texture and pairs well with both ice cream and yogurt.

5. Hot Chocolate: A warm cup of hot chocolate can be a cozy drink to enjoy alongside these sweet treats.

6. Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crisp chips coated in cinnamon sugar offer a crunchy side that echoes the flavors in your mini pies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Mini Apple Pies can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overfilling the pies – Adding too much apple pie filling can cause the crust to break or overflow. Be sure to leave space around the edges for sealing.
• Ignoring crust temperature – Using pie crust that is too warm can lead to a soggy bottom. Keep your crusts cold until you’re ready to use them.
• Not sealing properly – If you skip the step of pressing down around the edges, your filling may leak out during baking. Ensure a good seal with a fork.
• Skipping egg wash – The egg wash not only adds shine but also helps the sugar stick. Don’t forget to brush it on before baking!
• Baking at incorrect temperatures – Baking at too low a temperature can result in undercooked pies. Always preheat your oven and follow the specified temperature.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing Mini Apple Pies

• Freeze in a single layer for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Mini Apple Pies

• Oven – Preheat to 350F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat one pie at a time on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop – Place pies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for several minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Mini Apple Pies.

How do I make Mini Apple Pies healthier?

You can use less sugar in the filling or opt for whole grain pie crusts for added nutrition.

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned filling?

Yes! Just peel, core, and slice fresh apples. Cook them with sugar and spices until tender before using them as filling.

What other fillings can I use besides apple?

Feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries, cherries, or peaches for variety.

How long do Mini Apple Pies last?

When stored correctly, they last about 3 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months when frozen.

Final Thoughts

These Mini Apple Pies are a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Their individual servings make them fun and easy to share. You can customize them with different fillings or toppings as desired. Give them a try!