Mini Cinnamon Apple Pies with Crumble Topping
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through the kitchen, and these mini cinnamon apple pies deliver just that. These adorable hand-held desserts come packed with a deliciously spiced apple filling and a delightful crumble topping that makes every bite a treat. Having experimented with various variations, I can promise you this recipe is simple enough for everyday cooking yet special enough for gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and warm cinnamon creates a flavor profile that is both classic and irresistible.
- Perfect Portions: Mini pies are wonderfully portioned for easy serving—no need for slicing and messiness!
- Versatile Treat: These pies work as a dessert, snack, or even brunch highlight. They’re perfect for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or cozy family nights.
- Adaptable Ingredients: You can easily swap out apples for other fruits, making this a flexible recipe based on what you have on hand.
- Personal Touch: I love making these for friends; watching their faces light up with that first bite gives the baking experience added joy.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 mini pies
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Baking
These mini pies are made by combining tender apple filling with a buttery crumble topping, all wrapped in a flaky yet easy-to-make crust.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first attempted making these mini pies, I was surprised at how thrilling the assembly process was. I initially struggled with the dough sticking to my surfaces, but after lightly flouring my work area and using a rolling pin, everything came together beautifully. Each batch I made somehow turned out better as I fine-tuned my filling ratios and baking times.
How to Make Mini Cinnamon Apple Pies
To prepare these delightful pastries, you’ll begin by creating a simple pie dough that’s rolled out and cut into circles. Next, mix your sliced apples with cinnamon, sugar, and a touch of lemon juice—a simple technique that brightens the flavors. Assemble by placing the apple mixture in the center of your dough circles, crimping the edges to seal them. Finally, top the pies with a crumb mixture before baking until golden and bubbling.
Expert Tips for Success
- Chill Your Dough: Let your dough chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling. This prevents it from shrinking while baking and enhances its flakiness.
- Use Firm Apples: Opt for varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which hold up well during cooking and balance sweetness with tartness.
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pile on the filling, overfilling can lead to messy leakage. Keep the filling to about 2 tablespoons per pie.
- Layer the Crumble: For extra crunch, use a mix of oats and nuts in your crumble topping. This gives texture and deepens the flavor.
- Egg Wash for Shine: Brush the tops of your pies with a beaten egg before baking for a golden finish.
How to Serve Mini Cinnamon Apple Pies
These mini pies are perfect on their own but can be dressed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Plating them on a decorative dish adds elegance, making them ideal for any celebration. Consider serving them warm for the ultimate comfort experience.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store your cooled mini pies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag, where they can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until warmed through.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free version.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter in the crust and crumble to create a delectable dairy-free treat.
- Pecan Crumble: Swap out the traditional crumble with crushed pecans for added richness and nutty flavor.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger in your filling for an extra depth of flavor.
Nutritional Highlights
These mini cinnamon apple pies offer dietary fiber from apples, which supports digestive health. They can also be adapted to fit various dietary needs, such as gluten-free or dairy-free. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation, especially since pastries can be calorie-dense.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dough Cracking: If your dough cracks while rolling, it may be too cold. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before continuing.
- Filling Too Watery: If the apple mixture releases too much liquid, try adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to absorb the juices and thicken the filling.
- Burning Edges: If the edges of your pies burn before the filling is cooked, shield the edges with foil and continue baking until the center is done.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
Yes, using frozen apples is convenient! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding to your filling to avoid a soggy crust.
2. How do I know when the pies are done?
Your pies should be golden brown and bubbly. If you see bubbling through small cracks in the crust, it’s a good indication that they’re ready.
3. What other fruits can I use besides apples?
You can definitely swap apples with berries, peaches, or pears. Just adjust the sugar depending on the fruit’s natural sweetness.
4. Can these pies be made in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare and assemble the pies ahead of time and store them uncooked in the fridge for a day or two before baking them fresh.
Mini Cinnamon Apple Pies with Crumble Topping
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious mini cinnamon apple pies with a spiced apple filling and a crunchy crumble topping, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6–8 tbsp ice water
- 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup nuts (optional, for crumble)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt. Add butter and mix until crumbly.
- Stir in ice water until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
- Roll out the dough and cut into circles.
- In another bowl, combine sliced apples, cinnamon, lemon juice, and brown sugar.
- Place apple mixture in the center of each dough circle and crimp the edges.
- Mix oats and nuts for the crumble topping and sprinkle over the pies.
- Brush tops with beaten egg for shine.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Notes
These mini pies can be served warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg