Name: Mini Apple Pie Bites Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out dough; 1 1/2 Tablespoons minced fresh rosemary (optional); 1 1/2 Tablespoons white sugar; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 5 to 6 Tablespoons ice water; 4 medium apples, peeled and diced small (about 3 cups); 1/4 cup white sugar; 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 large egg, whisked with 1 Tablespoon water; Sanding sugar (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 19 reviews

If you’re craving a bite-sized burst of cozy fall flavors, let me introduce you to this **Mini Apple Pie Bites Recipe** that’s become my absolute go-to for everything from casual brunches to festive get-togethers. Imagine crisp, tender apple filling wrapped in buttery, flaky crust — all packed into perfectly portable little pies baked right in a muffin tin. It’s seriously fan-freaking-tastic, and I can’t wait to share the secrets that make these tiny treats so irresistibly delicious!

💙

Why This Recipe Works

Perfectly Miniaturized: Baking these pies in a muffin tin makes portioning simple and yields adorable, mess-free servings.
Balanced Filling: The combo of both white and brown sugar with cinnamon gives a warm, complex sweetness that isn’t overpowering.
Flaky but Firm Crust: The crust recipe creates just the right texture to hold juicy filling without sogginess, especially with the option of fresh rosemary, which adds an unexpectedly lovely hint of fragrance.

Mini Apple Pie Bites, apple pie bites, mini apple desserts, fall dessert ideas, easy apple pies - The image shows a grey metal muffin tray filled with twelve mini lattice pies. Each pie has a golden-brown crust with crisscrossed dough strips on top, sprinkled with coarse sugar that sparkles. The lattice crusts are uneven in thickness but all have a soft, flaky texture with slightly browned edges. Inside, the filling is dark, peeking through the lattice gaps. The pies look freshly baked and are still in the muffin tray on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Mini Apple Pie Bites Recipe is chosen not only for flavor but to ensure texture and structure without fuss. From flaky butter crust to tender spiced apples, it all comes together beautifully — plus, I’ll share my tips for snagging the best apples and butter.

Mini Apple Pie Bites, apple pie bites, mini apple desserts, fall dessert ideas, easy apple pies - Flat lay of all-purpose flour in a small white ceramic bowl, minced fresh rosemary sprigs, white sugar in a small white bowl, fine salt in a small white bowl, cold unsalted butter cut into cubes, ice water in a small white bowl, peeled and diced small fresh apples, light brown sugar in a small white bowl, ground cinnamon in a small white bowl, large whole uncracked egg with clean shell, sanding sugar crystals in a small white bowl, arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The foundation of your crust, it creates a tender yet sturdy base. Use unbleached if you can for a purer flavor.
Fresh rosemary (optional): Adds a subtle herby note that complements the sweetness — I love this little twist when I have rosemary on hand.
White sugar: Sweetens the crust slightly and balances the filling’s deeper sugars.
Salt: Essential to bring out all those flavors — never skip it!
Unsalted butter (cold and cubed): The star for flaky crust; make sure it’s cold so you get those perfect layers.
Ice water: Helps bind the dough just enough so it’s easy to work with, but don’t add too much or the dough gets tough.
Apples: I recommend firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of sweet and tang.
Brown sugar: Offers rich molasses undertones, deepening that caramelized flavor in the filling.
Cinnamon: The classic spice for apple pies; adjust to your taste but I find 1 teaspoon strikes the perfect balance.
Flour (for filling): Acts as a natural thickener to keep the juices perfectly contained.
Egg wash: Gives those mini pies a beautiful golden shine and helps any toppings stick.
Sanding sugar (optional): Adds a sparkling crunch that’s just so pretty and inviting.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this Mini Apple Pie Bites Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I’ve tried a few spin-offs — some sweeter, some spicier — and honestly, it’s a playground for your flavor faves.

Variation: I love adding a pinch of nutmeg or even a bit of ground ginger to the filling for some extra warmth during chilly months. It really elevates those classic apple notes.
Dietary tweaks: For a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour with a good quality 1:1 gluten-free blend. Just check how it handles rolling.
Extra crunch: Toast some chopped pecans or walnuts and sprinkle them into the filling for an added texture surprise.
Make it savory: Skip the sugar and try adding sharp cheddar to the crust with diced apples — a whole new twist that’s surprisingly delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mini Apple Pie Bites Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up a Flaky Butter Crust

Start by pulsing together flour, rosemary (if using), sugar, and salt in your food processor till combined. Add cold, cubed butter next and pulse until the mix resembles wet sand — this is the key for a tender, flaky crust. Slowly drizzle in ice water until you can pinch the dough into a ball without it sticking. Pro tip: Don’t overwork it! The less you handle the dough, the flakier your crust will be.

Step 2: Chill and Roll Out the Dough

Wrap your dough tightly in plastic and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. This rest lets the butter chill again and makes rolling easier. When ready, flour your surface and roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out 12 circles with a 4-inch cutter. Use any scraps by re-rolling them — don’t waste a bit!

Step 3: Mix Up Your Apple Filling

In a large bowl, combine your diced apples, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. The flour is crucial here—it helps thicken the filling so it won’t run all over when baked. Stir it all up well and your filling is ready to go.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Press each dough circle gently into the muffin tin cups, making a tiny crust shell. Divide filling evenly among tins, then top with lattice strips or fun cut-outs made from leftover dough. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle sugar if you want those shiny, sparkle tops. Bake at 425°F for 16-18 minutes until golden brown. Let cool completely so they hold their shape when you take them out.

💡

Pro Tips for Making Mini Apple Pie Bites Recipe

Keep Butter Cold: Always use cold, cubed butter to ensure a flaky crust. Room-temp butter will create a dense dough.
Don’t Overfill: Filling should sit just below the top edge so the crust can seal properly and not overflow in the oven.
Use a Sharp Knife to Release: Run a knife around each mini pie when cool to help detach them without breaking.
Make Ahead: You can assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake fresh when guests arrive to serve piping hot pies.

How to Serve Mini Apple Pie Bites Recipe

Mini Apple Pie Bites, apple pie bites, mini apple desserts, fall dessert ideas, easy apple pies - A close-up of a small round pie held by a woman's hand with a golden-brown crust woven into a lattice pattern on top. The crust is sprinkled with coarse sugar crystals that catch the light, giving a crunchy texture look. Under the lattice, dark fruit filling peeks through the gaps. The pie rests above a white marbled surface with more similar pies blurred in the background, showing their even layer of golden crust and sugar topping. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving, and sometimes a tiny dollop of whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream if we’re feeling indulgent. It’s those little extras that take these mini pies from delicious to downright dreamy.

Side Dishes

These mini apple pies pair wonderfully with simple autumn-inspired sides like spiced chai tea or even a crisp green salad for a balanced brunch. If you want to get fancy, a warm caramel dipping sauce? Yes, please!

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served these mini beauties at holiday parties arranged on a pretty platter surrounded by fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks — it makes for a charming, rustic look that’s instantly inviting. Another fun idea: place each mini pie in a decorative paper liner for easy grab-and-go treats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover mini pies in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last well for 3 to 4 days. Just make sure they’re fully cooled before sealing to keep the crust from getting soggy.

Freezing

Freezing works like a charm for this recipe! I wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When I want a treat, I just thaw them at room temp and gently warm in the oven to refresh that flaky crust.

Reheating

The best way to reheat mini apple pie bites is in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and warms the filling through without drying it out. Microwave reheating tends to make the crust soggy, so I avoid that whenever I can.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made pie crust for this Mini Apple Pie Bites Recipe?

Absolutely! While I love making the crust from scratch because of the flaky buttery flavor it brings, you can use pre-made pie crust to save time. Just make sure to roll it a bit thinner to properly fit the muffin tin cups and avoid a doughy bite.
What types of apples work best in this recipe?

Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are ideal because they hold their shape when baked and balance the sweetness of the sugars well. Avoid overly soft or sweet apples that may turn mushy.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the Mini Apple Pie Bites a day in advance and refrigerate them covered until you’re ready to bake. This is great for parties when you want to serve fresh, warm pies without the last-minute rush.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Be sure to use the flour in the filling as a thickener and avoid overfilling the pies. Also, let the pies cool fully before removing them from the muffin tin to help the crust firm up and stay crisp.

Final Thoughts

This Mini Apple Pie Bites Recipe feels like a warm hug in every bite — the kind of thing you want to share over coffee with friends or sneak away for a quiet moment alone. It’s approachable, delightful, and I honestly find myself going back for seconds (sometimes thirds!). If you give it a try, tell me how yours turn out — I’m rooting for your baking success every step of the way!