These Apple Pie Bites are like little pieces of joy! With warm, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in flaky pastry, they are the perfect treat for any time of day.
I love serving these at gatherings—they vanish faster than I can say “apple pie”! Just pop them in the oven and enjoy the sweet aroma filling your home. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is your best friend here. If you’re gluten-free, try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix for similar results. Just keep an eye on the texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness. You can swap it for coconut oil or vegan butter if you’re dairy-free, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Apples: Granny Smith and Gala apples work wonderfully together, providing a nice balance of tartness and sweetness. If those aren’t available, Honeycrisp or Fuji can be great alternatives.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth, but you can make a mix with nutmeg or cloves for a stronger flavor punch. Experiment to find what you love!
Egg: An egg wash gives a lovely golden finish to the crust. If you want an egg-free option, use a little milk or a plant-based milk alternative.
What’s the Best Method for Making Flaky Dough?
Creating flaky and tender dough is key for these Apple Pie Bites. Here’s how to nail it:
- Keep your butter and water cold. Cold ingredients are a major factor in achieving flakiness.
- When cutting in the butter, aim for pea-sized pieces. These will create pockets in the dough that help make it flaky.
- Don’t overmix! Once the dough comes together, stop mixing. Overworking develops gluten, making your crust tough.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out. This also helps with flakiness and makes it easier to handle.
How to Make Apple Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for coating)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cold water (more if needed)
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith and Gala), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Assembly:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: powdered sugar or icing for drizzle
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake, plus an additional 20 minutes for chilling the dough. Total time is roughly 1 hour. Perfect for a fun and quick dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Muffin Tin:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or line it with paper liners to make it easy to remove the pie bites once they are baked.
2. Make the Dough:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This adds great texture!
3. Bring the Dough Together:
Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough starts to form. If it seems crumbly, add a little more water. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and place it in the fridge for about 20 minutes to chill.
4. Prepare the Apple Filling:
While the dough chills, make the apple filling! In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir until the apples are well coated and set aside.
5. Roll Out the Dough:
Once the dough has chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Use a round cutter slightly larger than the muffin tin openings to cut out circles. This will form the bases of your pie bites!
6. Form the Cups:
Press each dough circle into the mini muffin tin cavities, creating little cups to hold the apple filling. Be gentle, so the dough doesn’t tear.
7. Fill with Apples:
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of your delicious apple filling into each dough cup. Don’t be shy—fill them well, as the apples will cook down a bit!
8. Egg Wash:
Beat the egg in a small bowl, then brush it gently onto the edges of each dough cup. This helps the bites get beautiful and golden brown as they bake.
9. Bake to Perfection:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye out until the crust is golden brown and the apples become tender and fragrant.
10. Sweeten Up:
As soon as they come out of the oven, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Roll the warm pie bites in this mixture while they are still warm for added sweetness!
11. Optional Glaze:
If you want to add a drizzle, mix powdered sugar with a little milk or water to create a simple glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled bites for an extra touch.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the Apple Pie Bites cool slightly, and then enjoy them warm or at room temperature. They make a delightful treat any time of day!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Gala apples provide a lovely balance of tartness and sweetness, you can use any firm apple variety, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a delicious outcome.
Can These Apple Pie Bites Be Made in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time! Store the dough wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 2 days. The filling can also be made a day ahead; just keep it covered in the fridge. Assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to restore their crispness!
How Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
You can easily make these bites gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture!