When the cool breath of autumn sweeps in, it brings delightful memories of hot apple cider, cozy blankets, and the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pies wafting through the home. Perfectly embodying this season’s spirit is our Salted Caramel Apple Mini Pies recipe, a charming dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite. This easy and delectable dessert combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with a buttery crust, creating an irresistible harmony of flavors. Topped with rich, gooey salted caramel, these bite-sized delights will have you and your loved ones begging for seconds!
Not only are these mini pies delightful in taste, but they are also remarkably simple to prepare. Using pre-made pie crusts means that you can whip up a batch of these desserts in just about 45 minutes, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – enjoying time spent with family and friends. The individual portions are perfect for gatherings and make for an impressive presentation at holiday parties. Plus, there’s something about a warm pie with a drizzle of gooey caramel that instantly brings smiles to everyone’s faces!
Why You’ll Love This Salted Caramel Apple Mini Pies
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The tartness of apples perfectly balances the sweetness of caramel.
- Quick and Easy: Using pre-made pie crusts makes this recipe simple and accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Perfect for Gatherings: Individual portions are perfect for sharing and make serving easy.
- Gorgeous Presentation: These mini pies are as delightful to look at as they are to eat!
- Comforting Dessert: Ideal for fall festivities and holiday gatherings.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into baking these delightful mini pies, it’s essential to prepare both your workspace and tools. Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment—this includes a mixing bowl, measuring cups, and spoons, a 12-cup muffin tin, a rolling pin, a 4-inch round cutter, and a spatula. Ensure your work surface is clean and dusted with flour to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your muffin tin with nonstick spray, ensuring that each cup is ready for the buttery crusts.
Having everything within reach can streamline the process, allowing you to focus on creating these delicious salted caramel apple mini pies. With your apples diced and your ingredients ready, you’re just a few steps away from indulging in a heavenly treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced Granny Smith apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package pre-made pie crust
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- Flour for dusting
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, prepare your muffin tin by greasing it lightly with nonstick cooking spray. This will ensure that your mini pies come out easily without sticking.
Step 2: Make the Apple Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced Granny Smith apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This mixture will not only bring out the natural sweetness of the apples but also help them retain moisture as they bake. Let this sit for about 10 minutes; this resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Thicken the Filling
In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will act as your thickening agent. Add this slurry to the rested apple mixture along with the vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined. This addition will help keep your filling nice and cohesive while it bakes.
Step 4: Prepare the Crusts
Roll out your pre-made pie crust on a clean, floured surface. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Each circle will serve as a base for your mini pies. Carefully press each crust circle into the muffin tin, forming pie shells that will hold the apple filling.
Step 5: Fill and Drizzle
Now, spoon the prepared apple filling into each crust, filling them about 3/4 full to allow for bubbling during baking. Once filled, generously drizzle salted caramel sauce over each filled pie. This will add a rich flavor and make for a deliciously sticky topping as they bake.
Step 6: Top and Bake
You can choose to create a lattice top with additional pie crust cutouts for a more decorative finish, or cover each pie with a whole crust, cutting small vents to allow steam to escape. Place your muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crusts are beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Step 7: Final Touch
Once baked, remove the mini pies from the oven and drizzle them with a bit more salted caramel while they’re warm for an extra touch of indulgence. Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before serving, making sure your guests are ready to enjoy!
Variations
- Protein: Add crumbled bacon for a sweet-savory twist.
- Vegetables: Mix in shredded carrots or pumpkin puree for added sweetness and texture.
- Spices: Experiment with nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom for added warmth in flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure that your apples are diced evenly for consistent cooking.
- Adjust the amount of sugar according to the tartness of your apples.
- For an added flavor boost, consider using a splash of bourbon or apple cider in the filling.
- These pies can be frozen unbaked; just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a classic combination.
- Top with extra whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elegant touch.
Tips
- To avoid a soggy bottom crust, bake the crusts for a few minutes before adding the filling if you prefer extra crunch.
- If creating lattice tops, ensure the strips of dough are cold for easier handling.
- For an additional layer of flavor, consider caramelizing the apples in butter before layering them into the pie crust.
- These mini pies are perfect for make-ahead desserts; simply reheat before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 210 per pie
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples work wonderfully for their tartness, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added sweetness.
Can I make these mini pies ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them in advance and store them in the fridge. If you plan to bake them later, simply allow them to come back to room temperature before baking.
Is it possible to substitute the salted caramel sauce?
Yes! You can use homemade caramel sauce or chocolate sauce if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How should I store leftover mini pies?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and enjoy within 2-3 days.
Conclusion
In summary, Salted Caramel Apple Mini Pies are not just a treat; they’re an experience that encapsulates the warmth and joy of the autumn season. Each mini pie is a delightful blend of tart apples, sweet caramel, and a buttery crust that is truly irresistible. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday gathering or simply indulging yourself, these mini desserts are sure to create memorable moments. We encourage you to try this recipe, share it with loved ones, and don’t be shy about experimenting with your unique variations. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the comforting scent of homemade goodness!
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Salted Caramel Apple Mini Pies
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 pies 1x
Description
Delightful mini pies filled with tart apples and drizzled with salted caramel, perfect for autumn and gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced Granny Smith apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package pre-made pie crust
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce
- Flour for dusting
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, prepare your muffin tin by greasing it lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced Granny Smith apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Let this sit for about 10 minutes.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the rested apple mixture along with the vanilla extract.
- Roll out your pre-made pie crust on a clean, floured surface. Use a 4-inch round cutter to cut out circles from the dough. Press each crust circle into the muffin tin.
- Spoon the prepared apple filling into each crust, filling them about 3/4 full. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over each filled pie.
- Place your muffin tin in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the mini pies from the oven and drizzle them with more salted caramel while they’re warm.
Notes
These mini pies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Warm them before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 210 per pie
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 1 g