Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Warm Apple Bites are the perfect mini handheld apple pies that bring all the cozy, comforting flavors of fall in a convenient, bite-sized form. Made with store-bought pie crusts and a simple apple filling, they are incredibly easy to make but taste like something straight from the bakery. The flaky, golden crust is filled with sweet, spiced apples, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating the holidays, or just treating yourself to something delicious, these apple bites are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the filling:
- 3 cups diced Granny Smith apples (about 4 medium-small apples)
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the crust:
- 2 ready-made pie crusts
- 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Optional: Sanding sugar (for topping)
Other:
- Cooking spray (for greasing muffin pan)
Directions
- Preheat oven & prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly coat a standard 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray and set aside.
- Make the egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water using a fork. Set aside for later use on the crust.
- Prep the apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into ¼-inch cubes. Place them in a medium bowl and add white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and vanilla extract. Toss well until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
- Cut out crust circles: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each pie crust slightly if needed. Using a 4-inch round cookie cutter, cut out 12 circles. Carefully press each circle into a muffin cup, gently shaping it to fit snugly.
- Add the filling: Brush the bottom of each crust with a little egg wash to help seal. Spoon an equal amount of the apple mixture into each crust-lined muffin cup.
- Make the lattice tops: Roll out the leftover pie dough scraps and cut them into thin strips (less than ¼ inch wide). Arrange about 6 strips in a crisscross pattern over the top of each filled crust. Trim excess dough and press the edges to secure.
- Brush & sugar: Brush the tops of the pies with the remaining egg wash. Sprinkle with sanding sugar if desired, for a sparkling finish.
- Bake to golden perfection: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool & serve: Let the mini pies cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then carefully remove using a thin spatula or knife. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before serving.
Serve warm or at room temperature—these taste amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 mini pies
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20–25 minutes
- Total time: 40–45 minutes
Variations
- Other fruits: You can use a mix of apples and pears or substitute the apples with berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.
- Add-ins: Try adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or a bit of caramel sauce inside the filling for extra sweetness.
- Dairy-free: Use dairy-free pie crust and egg wash substitutes (such as almond milk mixed with cornstarch) to make these bites dairy-free.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day or in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat them in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back their flaky texture. They’re also delicious served cold!
FAQs
Can I make these apple bites ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the mini pies and refrigerate them (unbaked) for up to a day before baking. Just brush the crust with the egg wash right before baking.
Can I use frozen pie crusts?
Yes, frozen pie crusts will work as well. Just make sure they are thawed and rolled out slightly to fit the muffin pan.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Brushing the bottom of the crust with a bit of egg wash helps seal the dough and prevent it from becoming soggy. Also, don’t overfill the pies.
Can I skip the lattice topping?
Yes, you can skip the lattice top and simply cover the pies with a full circle of dough or leave them open-faced. If you cover them, be sure to cut small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
Can I use other types of apples?
Granny Smith apples are recommended because of their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the filling. However, you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste.
How do I make the filling thicker?
If you prefer a thicker filling, you can increase the amount of flour in the filling or add a bit of cornstarch to thicken the apple juices as they cook.
Can I freeze these apple bites?
Yes! You can freeze them before baking. Assemble and freeze the pies on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
How do I make these spicier?
Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the filling for a spicier kick. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for a sweet-heat combination.
Can I make these without sanding sugar?
Absolutely! The sanding sugar is just for a decorative finish. You can skip it or sprinkle with regular sugar or cinnamon sugar.
Can I use a different pan instead of a muffin tin?
You could use a mini tart pan or a regular pie dish, but baking times will vary depending on the size and depth of the pan.
Conclusion
Warm Apple Bites are the perfect sweet treat for any occasion, offering a delicious, comforting apple pie experience in a convenient and portable form. With a flaky, buttery crust, a spiced apple filling, and a crispy golden top, these mini pies are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether served at a party, holiday gathering, or as an after-school snack, they’re a guaranteed hit!
Warm Apple Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm Apple Bites are bite-sized handheld apple pies with a flaky, buttery crust, filled with sweet, spiced apples and topped with a crispy golden lattice. Perfect for any occasion, they offer all the flavors of apple pie in a portable form.
Ingredients
3 cups diced Granny Smith apples (about 4 medium-small apples)
¼ cup white sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 ready-made pie crusts
1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
Optional: Sanding sugar (for topping)
Cooking spray (for greasing muffin pan)
Instructions
- Preheat oven & prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly coat a standard 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray and set aside.
- Make the egg wash: In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water using a fork. Set aside for later use on the crust.
- Prep the apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into ¼-inch cubes. Place them in a medium bowl and add white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and vanilla extract. Toss well until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
- Cut out crust circles: On a lightly floured surface, roll out each pie crust slightly if needed. Using a 4-inch round cookie cutter, cut out 12 circles. Carefully press each circle into a muffin cup, gently shaping it to fit snugly.
- Add the filling: Brush the bottom of each crust with a little egg wash to help seal. Spoon an equal amount of the apple mixture into each crust-lined muffin cup.
- Make the lattice tops: Roll out the leftover pie dough scraps and cut them into thin strips (less than ¼ inch wide). Arrange about 6 strips in a crisscross pattern over the top of each filled crust. Trim excess dough and press the edges to secure.
- Brush & sugar: Brush the tops of the pies with the remaining egg wash. Sprinkle with sanding sugar if desired, for a sparkling finish.
- Bake to golden perfection: Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool & serve: Let the mini pies cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then carefully remove using a thin spatula or knife. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely before serving.
Notes
You can mix apples with pears or use berries for different flavor combinations.
For added sweetness, try adding chopped nuts or a bit of caramel sauce inside the filling.
To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free pie crust and egg wash substitutes like almond milk mixed with cornstarch.
If you don’t have sanding sugar, regular sugar or cinnamon sugar works just as well for sprinkling on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
