Name: Mini Apple Pie A La Mode
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts); 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (cut into small pieces); 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash); Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

When it comes to delightful desserts, the Mini Apple Pie A La Mode has an irresistible charm that truly stands out. These adorable mini pies, featuring flaky crusts and a sweet, spiced apple filling, are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual weeknight dinners. The combination of freshly diced apples, warm spices, and a scoop of luscious vanilla ice cream makes each bite a taste of comfort that warms the heart. They offer the perfect portion size, allowing each person to indulge without overdoing it, making them ideal for sharing.

While apple pie is a classic favorite, the mini version brings a fun and festive twist that everyone loves. Not only are these mini pies visually appealing, but they are also surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and about 45 minutes of your time, you can create a dessert that will impress friends and family alike. The sweet aroma of baking pie will fill your kitchen, pulling everyone in with anticipation. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a sweet family treat or wow your guests at a party, these Mini Apple Pies A La Mode are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Mini Apple Pie A La Mode

Individual Servings: Each pie is perfectly portioned for easy serving and less mess.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet apples and spices make for a delightful flavor explosion.
Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples, making it an accessible recipe for all.
Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, perfect for last-minute dessert needs.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the filling to suit your taste; add nuts or raisins for extra texture!

Ingredients

1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
Vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for ensuring that your Mini Apple Pies bake evenly and achieve that golden-brown crust. While the oven heats up, take a moment to lightly grease a muffin tin, which will help prevent the mini pies from sticking during the baking process.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crusts

Next, you’ll need to prepare your pie crusts. Unroll the refrigerated pie crusts on a clean, lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter or a cup, cut out circles that will fit into your muffin cups to form the mini pie shells. Gently press each circle into the muffin tin, making sure to create a nice edge that can hold the filling. This step doesn’t have to be perfect; rustic edges can add to their charm!

Step 3: Make the Apple Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated with the sugary, spiced mixture. The sugars will enhance the natural sweetness of the apples, while the spices add warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.

Step 4: Fill the Pie Shells

Now it’s time to fill your prepared pie shells with the delicious apple mixture. Spoon the apple filling into each mini pie shell, filling them generously but be careful to not overfill as the apples may bubble over during baking. Dot each pie with small pieces of butter to add richness and flavor.

Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake

For a decorative touch, you can create a lattice top with extra pie crust or simply lay a single crust over each mini pie. Crimp the edges to seal them securely. Finally, brush the tops with the beaten egg, which gives the pies a beautiful, shiny finish. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pies are golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t brown too quickly—if necessary, cover them with foil.

Variations

Protein: Add a crispy layer of crumbled bacon before the apple filling for a sweet and savory twist.
Vegetables: Experiment with different fruits like pears or berries for a fun mix.
Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding nutmeg, ginger, or even a splash of vanilla extract in the filling.

Cooking Notes

Ensure the apples are diced uniformly to guarantee even cooking.
If needed, let the pies cool for a few minutes in the muffin tin before removing to help maintain their shape.
For extra crunch, consider adding chopped nuts to the apple filling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert experience.
Consider drizzling with caramel sauce or making a homemade whipped cream for an added touch of sweetness.

Tips

To prevent the crust from getting soggy, you can pre-bake the pie crusts for a few minutes before adding the filling.
Keep an eye on your pies as they bake. Ovens can vary, and you don’t want your pies to overbake.
Leftover filling can be used to make a delicious topping for oatmeal or yogurt!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210 (per mini pie)
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 150mg

FAQs

Can I make these mini apple pies ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the filling and crust and assemble the pies a day prior. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What can I do if I don’t have pie crust?

If you don’t have pie crust on hand, you can use biscuit dough or even puff pastry as a substitute.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover mini pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze mini apple pies?

Absolutely! You can freeze both unbaked and baked mini pies. Just thaw before baking or reheating!

Conclusion

These Mini Apple Pies A La Mode embody everything that’s delightful about homemade desserts. They’re not only adorable but pack a punch of flavor that is sure to win over everyone at your table. From their warm, spiced apple filling to the creamy vanilla ice cream topping, every bite is a celebration of fall’s flavors, regardless of the season. Try this recipe at your next family gathering or special occasion, and watch as they disappear in seconds. Don’t forget to share your experiences or your own variations in the comments—we’d love to hear how these delightful desserts turned out for you!