Apple Pie Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy that these bites are so simple to make with store-bought puff pastry, yet they taste homemade. The cinnamon and sugar bring out the natural sweetness of the apples, while the lemon juice keeps the flavor bright. I also like that they’re portable and mess-free, which makes them great for parties or potlucks. For me, they’re the kind of dessert that’s both elegant and comforting.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
1 sheet store-bought puff pastry (thawed)
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 egg (for egg wash)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, combine diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, tossing until evenly coated.
Roll out thawed puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into 3-inch squares.
Spoon a small amount of apple mixture into the center of each square.
Fold pastry over to form triangles or rectangles, sealing edges with a fork.
Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden shine.
Arrange bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until puffed and golden brown.
Cool slightly before serving warm.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 servings. Prep time is 20 minutes, bake time is 25 minutes, for a total of 45 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top before baking for extra crunch. I also like adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple mixture for deeper flavor. If I want them extra decadent, I drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bites.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm them in a 325°F oven for about 8 minutes to keep the pastry crisp. I avoid microwaving since it makes the pastry soft.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, I sometimes use Honeycrisp or Gala for a sweeter filling.

Do I have to peel the apples?

I prefer peeling them, but leaving the skin on works fine if I want more texture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I assemble them and refrigerate until ready to bake, or bake them earlier and reheat before serving.

Can I freeze apple pie bites?

Yes, I freeze them unbaked on a tray, then transfer to a bag. I bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Can I use homemade pastry instead of store-bought?

Yes, homemade puff pastry or pie dough both work beautifully.

How do I keep the pastry from getting soggy?

I make sure to drain excess liquid from the apple mixture before filling the pastry.

Can I make these into larger hand pies?

Yes, I just cut bigger pastry squares and add more filling.

What can I serve these with?

I like them with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Can I add nuts to the filling?

Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch.

How do I get the edges to seal well?

I press them with a fork and sometimes brush a little water along the edges before folding.

Conclusion

I love how these apple pie bites deliver all the flavor of a classic apple pie in a fun, bite-sized package. The flaky pastry, spiced apples, and golden finish make them a go-to dessert for any occasion. For me, they’re the perfect mix of cozy and convenient, and they never last long once they’re out of the oven.