Cozy Mini Dutch Apple Pies Recipe: Bite-Sized Fall Magic

Whipping up these adorable mini dutch apple pies brings joy to any kitchen gathering.

Small pastry shells create perfect individual servings that everyone adores.

Crisp apples mixed with warm cinnamon deliver delightful autumn flavors in each bite.

Delicate layers of buttery crust complement sweet fruit filling beautifully.

Baking these miniature treats feels like crafting edible art with simple ingredients.

Home cooks can easily master this delightful dessert that impresses without complicated techniques.

Mini Dutch Apple Pies That Impress in Just One Bite

• These mini Dutch apple pies require minimal kitchen skills and deliver maximum flavor with simple steps that even beginner bakers can master confidently.
• Perfectly sized individual servings make these pies ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dessert sharing without messy cutting or complicated plating.
• Swap apple varieties, adjust spice levels, or experiment with different toppings to match personal taste preferences and seasonal ingredients without complicated recipe modifications.
• Warm, golden mini pies topped with buttery streusel crumble and served alongside vanilla ice cream guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike, transforming ordinary moments into delightful sweet experiences.

Ingredients Needed for Mini Dutch Apple Pies

• Pie Crust: Soft, flaky base for the mini pies. Store-bought or homemade works great. Ensure the crust is cold and easy to work with.
• Flour (for dusting): Prevents sticking when rolling out the crust.

• Apples: Sweet and tart fruit that forms the heart of the pie. Choose firm, crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramel-like sauce.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the apples perfectly.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents apple browning.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling and creates a smooth consistency.

• Flour, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Melted Butter: Creates a crunchy, sweet topping that adds texture and flavor to the mini pies.

How to Bake Mini Dutch Apple Pies with Crispy Tops

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously spray a muffin tin with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Shape The Pastry Shells

• Sprinkle flour on your work surface
• Gently roll out the pie crust
• Use a 3-inch round cookie cutter or glass
• Cut perfect circle shapes
• Softly press each circle into muffin cups, creating delicate pie shells

Step 3: Create Flavorful Apple Filling

• Chop apples into small cubes
• Add granulated sugar
• Sprinkle brown sugar
• Dust with cinnamon
• Squeeze fresh lemon juice
• Mix in cornstarch
• Stir ingredients and let mixture rest for 5 minutes

Step 4: Whip Up Crumbly Streusel Topping

• Combine flour
• Add brown sugar
• Sprinkle cinnamon
• Pour melted butter
• Mix until texture becomes wonderfully crumbly

Step 5: Assemble Mini Pie Delights

Spoon apple mixture into each pastry shell. Generously sprinkle streusel topping over filled shells.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide muffin tin into preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes until tops turn golden and filling bubbles beautifully.

Step 7: Cool And Serve With Joy

Allow pies to rest for 10 minutes. Gently remove from tin. Serve warm alongside vanilla ice cream for ultimate comfort.

Apple Pie Tips for Mini Portions with Big Flavor

• Master Apple Selection: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your mini pies.
• Prevent Soggy Crusts: Sprinkle a thin layer of ground almonds or breadcrumbs at the bottom of each pie shell to absorb excess moisture and keep the crust crisp.
• Perfect Streusel Technique: Freeze the streusel mixture for 10 minutes before topping the pies to create a crunchier, more defined crumbly texture.
• Control Sweet Balance: Adjust sugar levels by using less granulated sugar if your apples are very sweet, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
• Enhance Serving Presentation: Allow pies to cool slightly in the tin, then gently run a knife around the edges to ensure easy removal and a picture-perfect mini dessert.

Storage Guide for Mini Dutch Apple Pies

• Store mini Dutch apple pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep them in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual pies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen pies can last up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed pies at 350F for 8-10 minutes. This method restores the crispy streusel and brings back the delicious warm flavor.
• Quickly reheat for 20-30 seconds if you're short on time. Note that microwaving might slightly soften the streusel's crunch.

What Pairs with Mini Dutch Apple Pies on Dessert Plates

• The warm, spiced apple pie perfectly matches the cool, smooth vanilla ice cream. Each bite balances sweet warmth with refreshing chill.
• A chilled caramel apple cider enhances the pie's apple and cinnamon flavors. The drink's sweet-tart profile mirrors the dessert's delightful complexity.
• An aged cinnamon-infused whiskey creates a sophisticated adult pairing. The spicy alcohol notes elevate the pie's warm, cozy undertones.
• A hot, spiced chai tea complements the mini pies' cinnamon and apple elements. The aromatic tea adds depth and warmth to the dessert experience.

Mini Dutch Apple Pie Flavor Variations to Try

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace traditional pie crust with gluten-free pie dough or almond flour crust. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure safe consumption for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Variation: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use plant-based pie crust and replace regular sugars with coconut sugar. Add chopped nuts for extra texture and nutrition.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute granulated and brown sugars with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use tart apples like Granny Smith to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Eliminate butter in streusel topping and replace with coconut oil or olive oil. Serve with dairy-free vanilla ice cream or whipped coconut cream for a complete allergen-friendly dessert.

Mini Dutch Apple Pie FAQs for Bakers

• What apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are perfect. They hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance against the sweet streusel topping.

• How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Ensure your apple mixture isn’t too wet by draining excess liquid before filling the pie shells. Also, pre-cooking the apple filling slightly can help reduce moisture and create a crispier crust.

• Can I make these mini pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pies and refrigerate them unbaked for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these mini pies?

A standard muffin tin and a 3-inch round cutter (or a drinking glass) are the main tools you’ll need. These help create perfectly sized mini pie shells with ease.

Mini Dutch Apple Pies Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sweet, golden Mini Dutch Apple Pies deliver classic comfort in perfectly portioned pastry parcels. Buttery crust and caramelized cinnamon apples create an irresistible dessert you’ll want to savor with friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Fruits and Base:

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 premade pie crust (or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) flour (for dusting)

Filling and Sweeteners:

• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 grams) cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) cornstarch

Flour and Butter:

• ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to 375F (190C), thoroughly coating a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully unroll pie pastry onto a lightly dusted surface. Utilize a 3-inch circular cutter or clean drinking glass to craft delicate dough rounds. Gently press each circular piece into muffin cavities, creating petite pie shells with slightly ruffled edges.
3. Create a vibrant apple mixture by combining diced apples with granulated and brown sugars, ground cinnamon, fresh lemon juice, and cornstarch. Allow the mixture to rest and macerate, enabling flavors to meld and juices to develop for approximately 5 minutes.
4. Craft a rustic streusel topping by blending flour, rich brown sugar, aromatic cinnamon, and silky melted butter. Mix until the texture resembles coarse, crumbly sand with delightful irregular clusters.
5. Carefully spoon the fragrant apple filling into each prepared pastry shell, ensuring even distribution. Generously sprinkle the crumbly streusel topping over each mini pie, creating a textured and golden crown.
6. Transfer the muffin tin to the preheated oven, baking for 18-22 minutes until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the filling becomes deliciously bubbly and aromatic.
7. Remove from oven and allow the mini pies to cool within the tin for 10 minutes, which helps them set and makes removal easier. Serve these delectable treats warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and balanced sweetness in mini pies.
• Prevent soggy bottoms by lightly dusting pie crust with flour before adding apple filling to absorb excess moisture.
• Customize streusel topping by adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and nutty flavor profile.
• Make gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or coconut flour in both crust and streusel components.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Dutch

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg