Mini Apple Pies Recipe
These Mini Apple Pies are a delightful treat featuring tender apple filling spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg encased in a flaky shortcrust pastry lattice. Perfectly portioned for individual servings, they combine the warmth of classic apple pie flavors with an elegant presentation, making them ideal for dessert or afternoon tea.
- Author: Rita
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 mini pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Apple Filling
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped into small cubes
- 40g salted butter
- 50g brown sugar
- 1–2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp cornflour
- 3 tsp cold water
Pastry
- 2 sheets frozen shortcrust pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, whisked for glazing
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a saucepan, combine the chopped apples, salted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Simmer over medium heat until the apples are mostly softened, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Mix the cornflour with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the simmering apple mixture. Continue stirring until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Using a round cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out 9 rounds from one sheet of pastry. From the second sheet, cut 1.5cm wide strips to form lattice tops for the pies.
- Assemble the Mini Pies: Place approximately one tablespoon of cooled apple filling in the center of each pastry round. Lay two parallel strips of pastry over each filling, then place two more strips perpendicular to create a lattice pattern. Trim any excess pastry from edges and press sealed edges firmly with a fork.
- Bake the Mini Pies: Brush the lattice tops with the whisked egg to ensure a golden, glossy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Let the mini pies cool slightly before serving warm, or cool completely on a wire rack if serving later. These pies are delicious on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Ensure the apple filling is cool before assembling to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.
- You can substitute nutmeg with allspice or cloves for a different spice profile.
- If shortcrust pastry is unavailable, puff pastry can be used but will yield a lighter, flakier texture.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with a plant-based margarine and use a suitable egg wash alternative like soy milk.
- To store, keep the pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Keywords: mini apple pies, apple pies, homemade apple pies, lattice apple pies, shortcrust pastry desserts, individual apple pies