These Apple Pie Bites are mini versions of the classic dessert, packed with sweet apple filling and wrapped in flaky pastry. Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth!
Each bite is like a cozy hug from grandma’s kitchen! I love to enjoy them warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Just be careful—they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smiths add a nice tartness, while Fuji apples bring sweetness. If you want a mix, try half of each! For a softer filling, you can use Honeycrisps. Don’t forget to peel and dice them finely for the best texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is used for better control of flavors. You can swap for margarine or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option. Just remember, it might change the taste slightly.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best for a nice, tender crust. If you need gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. It’s a great way to keep everyone included!
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices are essential for that classic pie flavor. If you run low on nutmeg, just stick with cinnamon. You could even add a dash of allspice for something different!
What’s the Best Way to Cut and Prepare the Dough?
Rolling out dough and cutting it into circles can be tricky! Here’s how to make it easy:
- After chilling the dough, lightly flour the surface to prevent sticking.
- Roll it out to about 1/4 inch thick, but don’t worry if the edges are uneven—just shape it as you go!
- Use a glass or cookie cutter to make circles. You can press gently with your fingers to help them fit into the muffin tin.
Take your time—this step is important for a flaky, delicious bite!
Apple Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
For the Dough:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup cold water (approximately)
- Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for dough coating)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for dough coating)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and about 15-18 minutes to bake, plus at least 30 minutes for the dough to chill. So, in total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 20 minutes before you can enjoy these delightful bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dough:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cold butter pieces, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly add cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix just until the dough forms a ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill.
2. Make the Apple Filling:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the tablespoon of butter. Add the finely diced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-8 minutes or until the apples are tender but still a little firm. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it cool.
3. Preheat the Oven:
While the filling cools, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to grease a mini muffin tin lightly with butter or non-stick spray!
4. Roll and Cut Dough:
On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness. Use a small cookie cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out circles that will fit into your mini muffin tin cups.
5. Assemble the Bites:
Carefully place each dough circle into the muffin tin cup, pressing it gently to form a small cup. Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the cooled apple filling into each dough cup.
6. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes or until the dough turns a beautiful light golden brown.
7. Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the bites bake, mix together the 1/4 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Once the bites are out of the oven and slightly cooled but still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
8. Serve:
Let the Apple Pie Bites cool slightly, then serve them warm or at room temperature. They are perfect as a finger food dessert or sweet treat at any gathering! Enjoy!
These delightful bites filled with cinnamon-spiced apples will surely become a favorite for anyone who tries them!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Fuji are great choices, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for different flavor profiles. Just try to balance sweetness and tartness for the best result!
How Can I Make These Apple Pie Bites Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the dough and filling in advance. Store the dough wrapped in plastic in the fridge for up to 2 days. The apple filling can also be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Just assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their flaky texture!
Can I Freeze Apple Pie Bites?
Yes, you can freeze them! Allow them to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.