mini apple pie recipe with salted maple caramel drizzle

Bite-Sized Bliss: Your Go-To Mini Apple Pie Recipe for Easy Family Desserts

I just adore a good homemade dessert, especially when it’s easy and individual! This mini apple pie recipe fills your kitchen with the comforting scent of cinnamon and warm apples, offering crispy edges and a tender, bubbly fruit filling. It’s the perfect family-friendly treat for busy weeknights or special occasions, turning simple ingredients into a special dessert that everyone can enjoy without a huge fuss or big cleanup. My kids love helping press the crusts into the muffin tin, making this mini apple pie recipe a wonderful baking activity.

Ingredient Essentials & Substitutions

For the Crust:
250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour, for structure and tender crumb.
10 g (1 tablespoon) granulated sugar, to slightly sweeten the dough.
2 g (1/2 teaspoon) fine sea salt, to balance flavors.
113 g (1/2 cup) cold unsalted butter, cut into 1.25 cm (1/2 inch) cubes, for flakiness (for dairy-free, use a solid plant-based butter alternative).
60 ml (1/4 cup) ice water, plus more if needed, to bring the dough together.
For the Filling:
600-700 g (approx. 3-4 medium) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced, for tartness and texture (Honeycrisp also works if you prefer a sweeter apple).
75 g (1/3 cup packed) light brown sugar, to sweeten and add molasses notes.
15 g (1 tablespoon) cornstarch, to thicken the apple juices.
5 ml (1 teaspoon) ground cinnamon, for classic warm spice.
1 g (1/4 teaspoon) ground nutmeg, to complement the cinnamon.
15 ml (1 tablespoon) fresh lemon juice, to brighten the apple flavor.
60 ml (1/4 cup) salted maple caramel sauce, reserved from the sauce step, to enrich the filling.
For the Salted Maple Caramel Sauce:
56 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, for a rich base.
100 g (1/2 cup packed) dark brown sugar, for deep caramel flavor.
60 ml (1/4 cup) maple syrup, for authentic maple notes.
120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, to create a smooth, luscious sauce (for dairy-free, use full-fat canned coconut milk, just the thick cream part).
2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) alcohol-free vanilla extract, for aromatic sweetness (or regular vanilla extract).
2 g (1/2 teaspoon) flaky sea salt, for a delightful sweet-salty balance (plus extra for garnish).
For Assembly & Glaze:
1 large egg, for egg wash, to give the crust a golden sheen.
15 ml (1 tablespoon) water, to thin the egg wash.

For health-forward upgrades, consider using organic apples for the freshest taste or a touch less sugar if your apples are naturally very sweet. For gluten-free mini apple pie, you can easily adapt this by using a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crust. Seasonal shopping notes: Fall is prime apple season, so visit local farmers markets for the best selection of firm, crisp Granny Smiths for your mini apple pies.

Step-by-Step Cooking Method

Prepare the Pie Crust (30 mins active, 30 mins chill): In a large bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, and fine sea salt. Add cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour using a pastry blender or your fingertips until pea-sized crumbs form. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together and feels cool. Form into two discs, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Make the Salted Maple Caramel Sauce (5-7 mins): Melt 56 g (1/4 cup) unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until glistening. Stir in 100 g (1/2 cup packed) dark brown sugar and 60 ml (1/4 cup) maple syrup. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, and cook for 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, then carefully whisk in 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream, 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) vanilla extract, and 2 g (1/2 teaspoon) flaky sea salt until smooth and glossy. Set aside 60 ml (1/4 cup) of this luscious caramel for the apple filling; keep the rest warm for drizzling later.
Prepare the Apple Filling (5-8 mins): In a large bowl, combine the finely diced Granny Smith apples, 75 g (1/3 cup packed) light brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Add the 60 ml (1/4 cup) reserved salted maple caramel sauce to the apple mixture and toss gently until all apples are evenly coated and smell wonderfully spiced.
Assemble these adorable Mini Apple Pies (15-20 mins): Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin. On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of chilled pie dough to a thickness of 3 mm (1/8 inch) until smooth. Using a 10 cm (4 inch) round cutter, cut out 6-8 circles. Gently press each circle into the prepared muffin tin cups, ensuring they line the cup completely.
Fill and Top the Mini Apple Pies (10-15 mins): Fill each pie crust-lined cup with the apple mixture, mounding it slightly to ensure a generous filling. Roll out the second disc of pie dough and cut out remaining circles or create lattice strips (approx. 1.25 cm / 1/2 inch wide) to top the pies. Place the top crusts or lattice over the apple filling, trimming any excess dough and crimping the edges to seal them securely, creating a neat finish.
Egg Wash & Bake your mini apple pie recipe creations (2 mins prep, 40-45 mins bake): In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and 15 ml (1 tablespoon) water to create an egg wash that looks uniform. Brush the tops of the mini pies generously with the egg wash for a golden glow. Optionally, sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar for extra sparkle and crunch. Bake for 15 minutes at 200°C (400°F) until lightly golden, then reduce the oven temperature to 175°C (350°F) and continue baking for another 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden brown and the apple filling is visibly bubbly and tender. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can lightly tent the muffin tin with foil for the remaining bake time. Let the mini pies cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool slightly, making them easier to handle.

Serving Ideas and Meal Contexts

These individual treats are perfect for quick weeknight desserts, holiday potlucks, or simply a cozy weekend indulgence. My kids love finding a homemade mini apple pie in their lunchboxes!

Best moments: Excellent individual mini desserts for gatherings, satisfying sweet cravings anytime.
Pairing suggestions: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce. A warm mug of coffee or cider is a delightful accompaniment.
Storage/reheating: Store cooled mini apple pies in an an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave (15-30 seconds) or a toaster oven until warmed. Freeze unbaked or baked pies for up to 3 months.

Lifestyle & Nutrition Gains from Mini Apple Pie Recipe

Our mini apple pie recipe offers several benefits for healthy eating and family life.

Portion Control: These individual treats naturally manage sweet cravings, making them perfect for mindful indulgence.
Fruit-Filled Goodness: A delicious way to incorporate fruit, ideal for picky eaters in your family.
Quick & Satisfying: Provides a hearty, comforting dessert that’s fast to prepare and deeply satisfying for quick meals.
Kid-Friendly Baking: The simple steps make baking these mini apple pies a fun, family-friendly activity, teaching basic kitchen skills.
Diet Adaptability: Easily adapted for vegetarian, low-sugar, or gluten-free diets with straightforward swaps.

Convenience & Budget Value

This mini apple pie recipe excels in both convenience and value, perfect for busy households.

Quick Prep: Active prep and bake time is a swift 35 minutes, making it ideal for impromptu family dinners.
Cost-Effective: Utilizing store-bought crusts and seasonal apples keeps the cost per mini pie under $1.
Smart Swaps: Save money by using apples on sale, homemade pie crust, or pantry-stocked spices.
Meal Prep Recipes: Easily batch cook; prepare a double batch and freeze portions for future easy desserts or school snacks.

Ingredient Shopping & Online Ordering

Finding ingredients for this delightful mini apple pie is straightforward.

Best Sources: Most supermarkets stock all items. Find fresh apples in produce and refrigerated pie crusts in the dairy aisle.
Quality Notes: Choose firm, blemish-free apples. Always check pie crust expiration dates for freshness.
Specialty Substitutes: Health food stores or online grocers are great for gluten-free pie crusts, organic apples, or alternative sugar substitutes.

Expert-Level Tips & Adjustments

Elevate your homemade mini apple pie recipe with these simple tricks.

Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for a more complex spice profile. A teaspoon of vanilla extract also enhances flavor beautifully.
Sweetness Balance: Taste your apples first! If they are very tart, add an extra tablespoon of sugar. If naturally sweet, reduce the sugar slightly.
Allergy Notes: Always review ingredient labels on store-bought items for hidden allergens. Be cautious of cross-contamination for severe allergies.

FAQs

Can mini apple pie recipe be part of a healthy weight plan?

Yes, absolutely, in moderation! This mini apple pie recipe offers built-in portion control. For a healthier version, use a whole-grain pie crust and reduce the added sugar by 25%. Plenty of fresh apples makes it a smarter treat.

What’s the best substitute for apples in this mini apple pie recipe?

For a delicious twist on this mini apple pie recipe, you can easily swap in other fruits. Pears, peaches, or even a mix of berries work wonderfully. Remember to adjust the sugar content based on your chosen fruit’s natural sweetness.

Where can I buy fresh apples online for this mini apple pie recipe?

Finding fresh apples for your mini apple pie recipe is convenient. Many grocery delivery services like Instacart, Amazon Fresh, or your local supermarket’s online platform offer fresh apple delivery. It’s a great way to ensure quality ingredients without leaving home.

How long does mini apple pie last in the fridge/freezer?

Cooked mini apple pies stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave for 30-60 seconds or bake at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Can I use a different type of crust for my mini apple pie recipe?

Certainly! Puff pastry creates a wonderful flaky texture, or you could opt for a crumbly streusel topping for an open-faced mini pie. I often chill the filled muffin tin for 15 minutes before baking; it helps the crust edges stay crisp and prevents shrinking.

Is it necessary to peel the apples for this mini apple pie recipe?

While not strictly necessary, peeling the apples creates a smoother, more uniform filling texture in your mini pies. If you prefer a rustic touch and enjoy a little chew, leaving some peel on is perfectly fine and adds fiber.

Conclusion

This mini apple pie recipe is a delightful game-changer for easy, family-friendly desserts. I know you’ll love making them; pin this recipe to your board for quick meal ideas!