Mini Apple Pies – Easy, Homemade & Delicious Bite-Sized Treats

There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of warm apple pie filling a kitchen. Now, imagine that same deliciousness in a bite-sized, perfectly portioned form—mini apple pies! These delightful treats pack all the flavors of a traditional apple pie into a smaller, more convenient size.

Mini apple pies are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, lunchbox snacks, or simply satisfying a sweet craving without committing to an entire pie. Their golden flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling make them an irresistible dessert that both kids and adults love. Plus, they’re easy to make and fun to customize with different toppings, crust designs, and flavors.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the best mini apple pies at home, from essential ingredients and baking techniques to creative variations and storage tips. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.

Let’s get started!

What Are Mini Apple Pies?

Mini apple pies are individual-sized apple pies, typically baked in a muffin tin, ramekins, or small pie molds. They consist of the same components as a regular apple pie—a buttery, flaky crust and a sweet apple filling—but in a more portable and shareable form.

These pies can be open-faced, lattice-topped, or completely enclosed in dough, giving you endless creative possibilities. They’re ideal for occasions when you want a homemade dessert with less mess and easy portion control.

Why Mini Apple Pies Are Popular

Mini apple pies have gained popularity for several reasons:

1. Perfectly Portioned & Convenient

Unlike traditional pies that require slicing and serving, mini apple pies are pre-portioned and easy to grab and enjoy. This makes them great for gatherings, bake sales, and on-the-go snacking.

2. Faster Baking Time

A regular apple pie takes 50-60 minutes to bake, while mini apple pies bake in 20-25 minutes. The smaller size allows for quicker cooking, meaning you can enjoy a freshly baked treat in less time.

3. Customizable and Fun

You can experiment with different crust styles, fillings, and toppings, such as caramel drizzle, streusel topping, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast.

4. Great for Special Diets

Mini apple pies can be adapted to gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free versions without sacrificing flavor. Simply swap out the flour, butter, or sweeteners to meet your dietary needs.

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

From Thanksgiving and Christmas to birthday parties and casual gatherings, mini apple pies fit any celebration. They also make thoughtful homemade gifts, wrapped beautifully with ribbons or in small bakery boxes.

👉 Ready to start baking? The next section will cover the essential ingredients and kitchen tools you’ll need to make the perfect mini apple pies.

Ingredients and Tools Needed

Before we dive into making mini apple pies, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and kitchen tools. Using the right ingredients and equipment ensures that your pies turn out golden, flaky, and delicious every time.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Mini Apple Pies

To make the best mini apple pies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

A good pie crust is the foundation of any great apple pie. You can either use store-bought pie dough for convenience or make your own from scratch. Here’s what you’ll need for a homemade crust:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the dough.
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (cold & cubed) – Ensures a flaky texture.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor.
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness.
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water – Helps bring the dough together without making it too wet.

For the Apple Filling:

The filling is the heart of your mini apple pies, and selecting the right apples makes a big difference!

• 3-4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji) – These apples provide a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling.
• ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds depth and a slight caramelized flavor.
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – Helps thicken the filling.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Essential for that classic apple pie spice.
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional) – Adds warmth and complexity.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice – Prevents the apples from browning and balances the sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.

For the Egg Wash & Toppings (Optional):

• 1 egg + 1 tablespoon milk – Creates a golden-brown crust.
• Coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar – For a crunchy, decorative topping.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment

To make the process easier, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Muffin tin or mini pie molds – Essential for shaping and baking mini pies.
• Rolling pin – Helps roll out the dough evenly.
• Pastry cutter or knife – For cutting the dough into circles or lattice strips.
• Mixing bowls – For preparing the filling and dough.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures precise measurements.
• Apple peeler and corer – Makes prepping apples quicker.
• Pastry brush – For applying the egg wash to the crust.
• Fork or small knife – To create air vents in the pie crust.

Choosing the Best Apples for Mini Apple Pies

Here are some of the best apple varieties for mini pies:

👉 Pro Tip: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a well-balanced filling with rich flavor.

How to Make Mini Apple Pies: Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we have our ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the fun part—making mini apple pies from scratch! 🍏🥧 This step-by-step guide will take you through preparing the apple filling, making the perfect pie dough, assembling the pies, and baking them to golden perfection.

1: Preparing the Apple Filling

A delicious apple filling is what makes a mini apple pie truly shine. Follow these simple steps to create a sweet, spiced filling that will be the heart of your pies.

Instructions:

1. Peel, core, and dice the apples. Cut them into small ½-inch cubes to ensure they fit well in the mini pie crusts and bake evenly.
2. Toss the apples with lemon juice. This helps prevent browning and enhances the flavor.
3. Mix the dry ingredients. In a bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Coat the apples. Add the dry mixture to the apples and toss until well coated.
5. Stir in vanilla extract. This adds depth to the flavor.
6. Let the filling sit for 10-15 minutes. This allows the apples to release their natural juices, which will help create a delicious caramel-like texture when baked.

👉 Pro Tip: If you prefer a softer filling, sauté the apple mixture in a pan over medium heat for 5 minutes before assembling the pies.

2: Making the Perfect Pie Dough

If you’re making a homemade pie crust, follow these steps for a flaky, buttery texture.

Instructions:

1. Combine dry ingredients.
2. Cut in the butter. Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs (pea-sized pieces).
3. Add ice water gradually. Drizzle in 6-8 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough begins to come together.
4. Form the dough into a ball. Knead it gently, then divide it into two discs.

👉 Shortcut Option: If using store-bought pie crust, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before rolling it out to prevent cracking.

3: Rolling and Cutting the Dough

Once your dough has chilled, it’s time to roll it out and cut it into mini pie crusts.

Instructions:

1. Lightly flour a clean surface. Roll out one disc of dough to about ⅛-inch thickness.
2. Cut out circles. Use a round cookie cutter, glass, or bowl (about 4 inches in diameter) to cut out 12 circles for the bottom crust.
3. Fit the dough into the muffin tin. Gently press each circle into the greased muffin cups, making sure the dough reaches the edges.

4: Assembling the Mini Apple Pies

Now it’s time to fill the crusts and decide on a top crust design.

Instructions:

1. Fill each mini pie crust. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of apple filling into each crust. Avoid overfilling, as the juices may bubble over while baking.
2. Choose a top crust design:
   • Full Crust: Cut out smaller circles of dough and place them on top. Use a fork to seal the edges and cut small slits for steam to escape.
   • Lattice Crust: Cut thin strips of dough and weave them over the filling.
   • Cutout Crust: Use small cookie cutters to create decorative shapes.
3. Seal and crimp the edges. Press the edges together using a fork or your fingers to secure the filling inside.
4. Brush with egg wash. This helps create a beautiful golden-brown color when baking.
5. Sprinkle with coarse sugar (optional). This adds a slight crunch and extra sweetness.

5: Baking and Cooling the Pies

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the mini pies for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
3. Cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes.

👉 Pro Tip: If the edges of your pies brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

🎉 Congratulations! You’ve successfully made homemade mini apple pies! 🍏🥧 Next, we’ll explore fun variations and creative twists to take your mini apple pies to the next level.

Mini Apple Pie Variations and Creative Twists

Mini apple pies are already delicious on their own, but adding creative twists can take them to the next level. Whether you want to make them healthier, more indulgent, or uniquely flavored, here are some fun variations to try.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Alternatives

If you have dietary restrictions, you can still enjoy mini apple pies with these simple swaps.

Gluten-Free Mini Apple Pies

• Pie Crust: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour or buy a gluten-free store-bought crust.
• Thickener: Instead of all-purpose flour, use cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken the apple filling.

Vegan Mini Apple Pies

• Butter Substitute: Replace butter with vegan butter or solid coconut oil for a dairy-free crust.
• Egg Wash Substitute: Use plant-based milk or a mixture of maple syrup and water to create a golden crust.

Caramel and Nut Toppings

Adding caramel and nuts gives mini apple pies a rich, gourmet flavor.

Caramel Apple Mini Pies

• Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the top crust.
• After baking, let the pies cool slightly and drizzle more caramel for extra sweetness.

Nutty Apple Pies

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for a crunchy texture.
• Sprinkle toasted almonds on top before serving.

Using Different Types of Apples

While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are popular choices, you can experiment with other apples for unique flavor combinations.

• Sweet & Tart Mix: Combine Granny Smith with Fuji for a balanced filling.
• Spiced Flavor: Use Braeburn or Pink Lady apples for a naturally spicy taste.
• Sweeter Filling: Try Golden Delicious or Gala apples for a naturally sweeter pie.

Alternative Pie Crusts

Want to switch up the crust? Here are a few ideas:

• Oat Crust: Use a mix of oats, butter, and brown sugar for a crunchy, cookie-like base.
• Graham Cracker Crust: Crush graham crackers and mix with melted butter for a no-fuss crust.
• Puff Pastry: Instead of traditional pie dough, use puff pastry for a flaky, buttery texture.

Mini Apple Pie Bites

For an even smaller, bite-sized version of mini apple pies:

• Use a mini muffin tin instead of a standard muffin tin.
• Cut smaller circles of dough and press them into the mini muffin cups.
• Bake for 12-15 minutes instead of 20-25 minutes.

Now that you have several fun ways to customize your mini apple pies, let’s talk about the best ways to serve and store them so they stay fresh and delicious!

Serving and Storage Tips

Now that your mini apple pies are baked to perfection, it’s time to serve, store, and reheat them properly. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or saving them for later, these tips will help you get the most out of your delicious homemade treats.

Best Ways to Serve Mini Apple Pies

Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:

1. Classic Warm with Ice Cream

• Serve your mini apple pies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.

2. Whipped Cream and Cinnamon

• A dollop of homemade whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a light, creamy contrast to the warm pie.

3. Pairing with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy a mini apple pie with a cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot cider for a cozy fall treat.

4. Dusting with Powdered Sugar

• If serving at a party or holiday gathering, lightly dust the pies with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

How to Store Mini Apple Pies

If you have leftovers (which is rare because they’re so delicious!), here’s how to keep them fresh:

At Room Temperature (Up to 2 Days)

• Store mini apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

In the Refrigerator (Up to 5 Days)

• For longer storage, place the pies in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Let the pies sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

In the Freezer (Up to 3 Months)

• Freeze baked pies: Let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
• Freeze unbaked pies: Assemble the pies and freeze them before baking.

How to Reheat Mini Apple Pies

Reheating your mini pies will help restore their warm, flaky texture.

Oven (Best Method)

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place pies on a baking sheet and heat for 8-10 minutes.
• This method keeps the crust crispy and golden.

Microwave (Quick Method)

• Place one mini apple pie on a microwave-safe plate.
• Heat for 15-20 seconds on medium power.
• This method is convenient but may soften the crust slightly.

Air Fryer (Crispy Crust Method)

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
• Place pies in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes.
• This method is great for keeping the crust crispy.

More Sweet Treats to Try

If you enjoyed making mini apple pies, here are some more delightful recipes from Savored Recipe:

• Strawberry Crunch Cake 🍓🍰
• Double Chocolate Chip Cookies 🍫🍪
• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread 🍌🍞

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Should you cook apples before putting them in a pie?

It depends on the recipe and personal preference. Cooking apples before baking helps release excess moisture, preventing a soggy crust and ensuring a more consistent texture. However, if you prefer a firmer texture, you can use raw apples and adjust the baking time accordingly.

2. How much does a 9-inch pie serve?

A 9-inch pie typically serves 6 to 8 people, depending on portion size. If you cut smaller slices, you can serve up to 10 people, while larger slices may yield only 6 servings.

3. Who makes Walmart mini pies?

Walmart’s Great Value mini pies are manufactured by various private-label suppliers. Some reports suggest that companies like Table Talk Pies produce them, but Walmart works with multiple vendors depending on location.

4. Does Costco sell apple pies?

Yes, Costco sells large apple pies, especially during the holiday season. Their Kirkland Signature Apple Pie is a popular item, made with fresh apples and a buttery crust, often weighing around 4 pounds. Costco may also offer seasonal mini apple pies in select locations.

Conclusion

Mini apple pies are the perfect homemade dessert—easy to make, customizable, and incredibly delicious. Whether you enjoy them classic, gluten-free, vegan, or with fun toppings like caramel and nuts, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Now that you know how to make, serve, and store mini apple pies, it’s time to start baking! Grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy these warm, flaky, and sweet treats with friends and family.

Happy baking! 🍏🥧

Easy Mini Apple Pies – Bite-Sized Sweet & Flaky Treats

These Mini Apple Pies are the perfect bite-sized dessert for fall gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy treat! Made with a buttery, flaky crust and a spiced apple filling, these mini pies are easy to make and absolutely delicious. They’re great for parties, portion-controlled snacking, or even as a fun baking project with kids. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Equipment

• Muffin tin (12-count or 24-count for mini pies)
• Rolling Pin
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Pastry cutter or food processor (for crust, optional)
• Apple peeler, corer, and slicer
• Small saucepan
• Pastry brush

Ingredients

  

• For the Pie Crust:
• 2 ½ cups 315g all-purpose flour
• 1 cup 226g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water
• For the Apple Filling:
• 3 medium apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and diced
• ¼ cup 50g granulated sugar
• ¼ cup 50g brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For Assembly & Topping:
• 1 egg for egg wash
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar optional, for topping

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
• Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
• Divide the dough into two discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
• In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften slightly and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
• Step 3: Assemble the Mini Pies
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter.
• On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about ⅛-inch thickness.
• Using a round cutter (about 3.5-4 inches in diameter), cut out circles and press them into the muffin tin cups.
• Fill each crust with about 1 tablespoon of the cooled apple filling.
• Roll out the remaining dough and cut small lattice strips or use small round cutouts to top each pie.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk, then brush over the tops of the pies. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
• Step 4: Bake and Serve
• Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
• Allow the pies to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of ice cream if desired.

Notes

Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples add a tart contrast to the sweetness, while Honeycrisp apples provide a balanced flavor.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the pie dough and filling a day in advance. Store the dough wrapped in the refrigerator and the filling in an airtight container.
Freezing: Fully baked mini apple pies can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Crust Variations: If short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust or puff pastry.
Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice to enhance the fall flavors.

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