These Mini Apple Puff Pastry Pies are bite-sized treats that combine the sweetness of caramelized apples with the flaky goodness of puff pastry. Perfect for a quick dessert, these pies are easy to make and provide a wonderful mix of warm cinnamon-spiced apple filling with a light, buttery crust. A dusting of powdered sugar adds the perfect finishing touch!
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 9 mini pies
Ingredients:
- 4 small fresh apples (about 400g), finely diced (¼ inch/6 mm)
- 1 tablespoon (15g) butter (plus ¼ teaspoon salt if using unsalted butter)
- 2 tablespoons (30g) brown sugar (use 3 tablespoons for sweeter pies or if apples are tart)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed (approximately 10×10 inches/25×25 cm)
- 1 egg mixed with 1 teaspoon water (for optional egg wash)
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar (icing sugar/confectioner’s sugar) for dusting
Directions:
- Preheat oven: Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray 9 muffin tin cups with oil.
- Pre-cook apple filling: In a medium skillet, combine diced apples, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples start releasing their juices. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Uncover and cook for 2-3 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates.
- Prepare puff pastry: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to approximately 11×11 inches (28×28 cm). Cut into 9 squares. Stretch each square slightly and press them into the prepared muffin tin cups, letting the corners hang over the edges.
- Fill and fold: Fill each pastry cup with about 2 ½-3 tablespoons of the apple filling. Fold the two overhanging corners towards the middle and pinch. Repeat with the other two corners, leaving small air vents. For a golden finish, brush the tops with the egg wash.
- Bake: Bake the pies on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. If necessary, bake for an additional 2-3 minutes until the crust is perfectly flaky.
- Cool and garnish: Remove the pies from the muffin tin and let them cool on a wire rack for 8-10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Serve alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee.
- Serve with a sprinkle of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for added crunch.
Cooking Tips:
- Dicing apples: Cut apples into small, uniform pieces (¼ inch/6 mm) to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overfill: Be careful not to overfill the puff pastry cups to avoid spills during baking.
- Ventilation: Leave small gaps in the pastry for air to escape and ensure even baking.
- Egg wash: While optional, brushing with egg wash helps create a shiny, golden finish on the pies.
- Use a cooling rack: Allow the pies to cool on a wire rack for a crispier crust.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Apples provide a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C.
- Puff pastry offers a light source of carbohydrates for energy.
- Brown sugar adds depth of flavor and sweetness without being overwhelming.
- Cinnamon may help regulate blood sugar levels.
- These pies are a lower-fat alternative to deep-fried desserts.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: Suitable for vegetarians.
- Nut-free: Does not contain nuts.
- Egg-free: The egg wash is optional; you can skip it for an egg-free version.
- Dairy-free option: Use plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.
Nutritional Facts (per mini pie):
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9g
Storage:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: These mini pies freeze well. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven to crisp up.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 45 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for gatherings: Great for parties or family desserts.
- Warm and comforting: The combination of cinnamon and apples creates a cozy flavor.
- Portable: These pies are mini and easy to serve as handheld treats.
- Versatile: You can customize the filling or toppings to your liking.
Conclusion:
These Mini Apple Puff Pastry Pies are an irresistible dessert, blending the sweetness of apples with the buttery flakiness of puff pastry. With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these mini pies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give them a try for your next gathering or cozy night in, and you’ll love the results!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use store-bought puff pastry? Yes, store-bought puff pastry works perfectly and saves time.
- Can I make these pies ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make them in advance and store them in the fridge or freezer, then reheat before serving.
- Can I use other fruits besides apples? Yes, you can use pears, peaches, or even mixed berries as filling.
- How can I make the pies vegan? Use a plant-based butter and skip the egg wash to make these pies vegan.
- Can I make larger versions of these pies? Yes, simply use larger puff pastry squares and adjust the baking time accordingly.