Mini Apple Pies: An Easy Dessert Recipe

Okay, mom tribe, gather ’round! Let’s talk about something that always brings a smile to my family’s faces (and helps me sneak in some fruit!): mini apple pies. These little bites of heaven are seriously sanity-saving. They are perfect when you need a quick dessert or a fun baking project with the kiddos. I’m going to share my super simple recipe for mini apple pies that’s so easy, even on the craziest weeknights!

I remember one fall afternoon. The leaves were changing, the air was crisp, and the kids were bouncing off the walls after school. I was staring blankly into the pantry, desperately searching for something to satisfy their sweet tooth. That’s when I spotted a can of apple pie filling. Bingo! I grabbed some pre-made pie crust from the fridge (yes, I said pre-made – no shame in my game!) and decided to whip up some mini apple pies. The kids loved helping me cut out the circles of dough and filling each one. It was messy, chaotic, and perfect. The warm, cinnamon-apple scent filled the house and for a brief moment, everything felt… calm. These mini apple pies have been a family favorite ever since.

They are a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen and create some yummy memories together! I’m so excited to share my recipe with you fellow kitchen warriors. Let’s get baking!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

• 2 (14.1 ounce) packages refrigerated pie crusts – I usually grab the Pillsbury kind from Target while doing my regular grocery run. Don’t have pie crust on hand? Puff pastry works in a pinch too!
• 1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling – This mini apple pies recipe doesn’t have to break the bank. Store brand is totally fine!
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted – Unsalted or salted, whatever you have on hand.
• 2 tablespoons sugar – For sprinkling on top to give these mini apple pies a perfect sparkle.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – My family loves when I add a little extra cinnamon for an extra warm and cozy flavor.
• Optional: 1 egg, beaten – For an extra golden crust.

Trust me, this ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! And here’s a mom hack that saved my sanity: I always keep a can of apple pie filling in the pantry for those “I need dessert NOW!” moments.

For storage wisdom, leftover mini apple pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Let’s Make it Happen!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your favorite muffin tin – this is key for making perfectly shaped mini apple pies!
2. Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter (or a drinking glass – we’re all about improvising here!) to cut out circles. You’ll need two circles for each mini apple pie.
3. Gently press one circle into each muffin tin cavity. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect. Imperfection is part of the charm, right?
4. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of apple pie filling into each crust-lined cavity. Be careful not to overfill, or you’ll have a sticky mess on your hands. I speak from experience, believe me.
5. Top each filled cup with another pie crust circle. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal. This keeps all that delicious filling inside your mini apple pies.
6. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Brush this mixture over the tops of the mini apple pies. If you’re using the egg wash, brush that on before the butter mixture. This gives them a beautiful golden shine.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Your mini apple pies should smell amazing by now! While your mini apple pies are doing their thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee!
8. Let the mini apple pies cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Here’s where I used to mess up my mini apple pies – don’t try to take them out when they are too hot!

In my chaotic kitchen, this usually takes around 30 minutes total, from start to finish. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile… or maybe just ignore it for a little longer.

Don’t panic if your mini apple pies look a little wonky coming out of the oven. They will still taste amazing! Remember, we’re going for delicious, not perfect.

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour this mini apple pies when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect combination of warm pie and cold sweetness.

Sometimes, I’ll add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for an extra special treat. This mini apple pies recipe is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need a quick and easy dessert to make everyone happy. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake recipe.

These mini apple pies are also amazing for potlucks, bake sales, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dessert. I once brought them to a school function, and they were gone in minutes!

If you have any leftover filling (which is rare in my house), you can use it to top yogurt, oatmeal, or even pancakes! I often add a crumble topping to them. This mini apple pies reminds me of another family favorite, my Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce recipe.

During the holidays, I like to add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the apple pie filling for a festive twist. It’s a simple way to make these mini apple pies feel extra special. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for Mini Apple Pies, as well!

The kids also love when I make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk and drizzle it over the top. It adds a touch of sweetness and makes them look even more tempting.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

• Can my picky eater handle this mini apple pies?

  Absolutely! The sweetness of the apples and the comforting crust make this mini apple pies a winner with even the pickiest eaters. If your little one is sensitive to textures, you can try cutting the apples into smaller pieces before filling the crusts.

• What if I burn my mini apple pies? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)

  We’ve all been there, my friend! If your mini apple pies start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with foil for the last few minutes of baking. This will prevent them from burning while still allowing the filling to cook through.

• Can I use different fillings for these mini apple pies?

  Of course! Feel free to experiment with different fruit fillings, such as cherry, blueberry, or even peach. Get creative and see what your family loves!

• Can I make these mini apple pies ahead for meal prep?

  Yes, you can definitely make these mini apple pies ahead of time. Simply bake them as directed and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

• Can I freeze these mini apple pies?

  Yes, you can freeze these mini apple pies for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• My crust is always soggy. What am I doing wrong with my mini apple pies?

  A soggy crust is no fun! Make sure your oven is hot enough and that you’re not overfilling the pies. Blind baking the crusts for a few minutes before adding the filling can also help prevent sogginess.

• Can I use store-bought graham cracker crusts for these mini apple pies?

  I haven’t tested this recipe with graham cracker crusts, but I’m sure it would work! It would give them a completely different flavor profile, but could be delicious. Have you ever tried Apple Pie Bites?

Final Thoughts:

This mini apple pies recipe is special to my family because it’s a simple, comforting treat that we can all enjoy together. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of the daily grind, we can always find time for a little bit of sweetness. I love that my kids now associate the smell of cinnamon and apples with warm memories of being in the kitchen together.

My Mini Apple Pies Mom Hacks:

• Mom Hack #1: Keep a can of apple pie filling and pre-made pie crust on hand for those dessert emergencies.
• Mom Hack #2: Get the kids involved in the process – they’ll love helping you cut out the circles and fill the pies.
• Mom Hack #3: Don’t stress about perfection – these mini apple pies are meant to be enjoyed, not judged.Here are a few family-tested variations for the best spiced apple mini apple pies:

• Caramel Apple: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before baking. My son, Ethan, loves this version. You can even serve them with my Caramel Apple Sangria recipe.
• Apple Crumble: Top the mini apple pies with a simple crumble topping made from flour, butter, and sugar. My daughter, Olivia, always asks for this one.
• Spiced Apple: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the apple pie filling for a warm and festive flavor. I love this version! For another take on mini apple pies – Baked By An Introvert has an amazing recipe!

I hope you’ll give this mini apple pies recipe a try and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings, toppings, and flavors. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process! I have a feeling your family will love these mini apple pies just as much as mine does. Happy baking, fellow kitchen warriors!

 

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