Mini Apple Pies

Fall is the perfect time to indulge in cozy, comforting desserts, and these mini apple pies hit the spot! They’re super easy to make with just a roll of puff pastry and a few delicious ingredients. With tender, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled inside a flaky crust, these bite-sized treats are perfect for any autumn gathering or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea on a chilly day. These mini apple pies not only bring the warmth of baked apples but also a delightful flaky crust that makes them irresistible. And the best part? You only need basic ingredients to whip up this delicious treat. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe is foolproof and sure to impress!

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Mini Apple Pies:

• Puff Pastry: This forms the flaky, buttery crust for your mini pies, holding the apple filling together.
• Apples: The star of the filling! Apples provide the classic, sweet-tart flavor that makes these pies perfect for fall.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the apple filling, helping the sugar and cinnamon caramelize the apples while cooking.
• Brown Sugar: Sweetens the apple filling and enhances the rich, caramel-like flavor.
• Cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice to the filling, giving it that classic autumn taste.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the apple filling, so it’s not too runny once baked.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a hint of acidity, balancing the sweetness and brightening the flavor of the apple filling.
• Water: Mixed with the cornstarch and lemon juice to help the mixture blend into the filling.
• Egg Yolk: Used for brushing the puff pastry, giving the pies a beautiful golden finish.
• Powdered Sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top for a touch of extra sweetness and an elegant look.

For making the Mini Apple Pies, you’ll need the following tools:

• Baking Sheet: For baking the pastries.
• Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet, preventing the pastries from sticking.
• Cooling Rack: For allowing the pastries to cool evenly after baking.
• Pizza Wheel: To cut the puff pastry dough in triangles.
• Pastry Brush: To evenly brush the pastries with egg yolk.

Here is the full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 roll puff pastry
• 200 g (1 1/2 cups) peeled, diced apples (about 1-2 medium apples)
• 60 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 40 g (3 tbsp) brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 egg yolk
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F).
2. Prepare the apple filling: In a pan, melt the butter and cook the diced apples with the brown sugar and cinnamon over medium heat until the apples soften and caramelize.
3. Thicken the filling: Mix cornstarch, lemon juice, and water in a small bowl. Add this to the apple mixture and cook until it thickens.
4. Prepare the muffin tin: Brush the tin with butter or oil.
5. Shape the puff pastry: Roll out the puff pastry and cut into 6 squares. Press each square into the muffin tin.
6. Fill the pies: Spoon the apple filling into each puff pastry cup.
7. Egg wash: Brush the edges of the puff pastry with an egg yolk.
8. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
9. Cool & serve: Let cool, sprinkle powdered sugar, and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks:

Tips for the Apple Filling:

• Use a mix of apple varieties: Combining tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter varieties like Gala or Honeycrisp adds complexity to the filling’s flavor.
• Add Spice: Enhance the flavor of the apple filling by adding a pinch of additional spices like nutmeg or allspice, if desired. This will give your mini apple pies an extra layer of warmth and depth.
• Add a pinch of salt: A tiny pinch of salt in the apple filling can enhance the sweetness and bring out the flavor of the apples.
• Customize the filling: Feel free to add a handful of raisins, chopped nuts, or even a little caramel sauce to the filling for extra flavor and texture!
• Don’t overfill the pies: Be careful not to overstuff the puff pastry with the apple filling. Too much filling can cause the pies to burst while baking.

General Tips:

• Roll Out Puff Pastry Evenly: When rolling out the puff pastry, aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking. If the pastry is too thick, the pies may be too doughy; if too thin, they might not hold the filling well.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: To avoid soggy bottoms, consider brushing the inside of the puff pastry with a thin layer of beaten egg before adding the apple filling. This creates a barrier and helps keep the pastry crisp.
• Apple Filling Consistency: Make sure to cook the apple filling until the apples are tender and the mixture is thickened. If the filling is too liquidy, it may make the pastry soggy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the filling to the pastry to avoid excess liquid.
• Chill the Pastry: If the puff pastry becomes too soft while working with it, place it back in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up. This makes it easier to handle and helps maintain its shape during baking.
• Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the mini apple pies with an egg yolk mixed with a splash of water for a golden, shiny finish. This also helps the crumble topping adhere better.
• Garnish: For an extra touch, dust the cooled mini apple pies with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
• Let them cool completely before removing: Give the pies a few minutes to cool after baking before removing them from the muffin tin to avoid breaking the delicate pastry.

These tips will help you achieve perfectly flaky, delicious Mini Apple Pies that everyone will love!

More Fall Baking Ideas:

• Banana Bread with Chocolate Chips – A moist, flavorful banana bread studded with melty chocolate chips, perfect for any time of year!
• Apple Pie Muffins -Bursting with cinnamon-spiced apples and topped with a crunchy streusel, these muffins are the ultimate fall breakfast.
• Pumpkin Crumble Muffins -Moist pumpkin muffins topped with a buttery crumble, combining all the best flavors of fall in one delicious bite.
• Pumpkin Spice Pastry – Flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy pumpkin spice filling, perfect for a quick and cozy fall dessert!

Watch the recipe video here. Let’s get to baking! Here is the full recipe: