Easy mini apple pies are going to be a hit at your next holiday gathering! Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall treat.
2cupschopped applespeeled and cored (about 2 large apples) (300g)
⅓cupgranulated sugar(66g)
2½tablespoonsall-purpose flour
1½teaspoonsground cinnamon
½teaspoonvanilla extract
3tablespoonsunsalted buttercut into 24 pieces
1largeegg
1tablespoonwater
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the apples and sugar. Let sit at room temperature until the liquid is released, about 1 hour. Drain, and set aside.
Roll out the first pie crust to a ⅛-inch thickness, and cut out 12 circles using a 3 ½-inch cookie cutter. Press each dough round into the well of a 12-cup muffin pan.
Add the flour, cinnamon, and vanilla to the drained apples. Portion 2 tablespoons of apple mixture into each dough-lined cup. Dot the apple mixture with two pieces of butter, pressing butter gently into the apple mixture to create an even layer.
Roll out the second pie crust into a roughly 13-inch square. Cut the dough into ½-inch-wide strips and shape into a large lattice. Cut the lattice into 12 circles using a 2½-inch round cookie cutter. (Reroll and recut scraps if needed.) Place a lattice circle on the top of each filling, pressing the edges to the edge of the bottom crust.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water until well combined. Brush the lattice tops with egg wash.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the filling is bubbling and the tops are golden brown. Let cool slightly in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the pies from the pan, and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Video
Notes
Cut up the butter in advance to save time. Cutting the butter into 24 small pieces is a little time-consuming, so you can do that ahead of time if you like. Just store the cubes in the fridge until you’re ready to use them.
Allow the apples to release some juices. After mixing the apples with sugar, let them sit for about an hour to release liquid. This will help prevent soggy pies. If you want a little extra zing to the filling, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the apples with the sugar.
Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top of the pies. Before baking the mini pies, you can sprinkle turbinado sugar on top of the lattice for a sweet, crunchy topping.
Top with a crumb topping instead of pie crust. For something different, swap the lattice top for a simple streusel topping. Like I do in my blueberry muffins recipe, whisk together ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar), and a pinch of salt. Add ¼ cup of cubed butter to the bowl and crumble the mixture together with clean fingers or a fork. You should end up with a clumpy mixture. Sprinkle the crumb topping over each mini apple pie.