Individual Apple Pies
Highlighted under: Tasty Treat Recipes
Deliciously flaky and filled with sweet cinnamon apples, these Individual Apple Pies are the perfect dessert for any occasion.
These Individual Apple Pies are inspired by the classic American dessert, but served in a cute, personal size. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Flaky crust that perfectly complements the sweet apple filling
- Warm, aromatic spices that fill your kitchen with delightful aromas
- Great for portion control – no need to share!
The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion
Individual Apple Pies are not just a treat; they are a delightful way to celebrate any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a festive holiday dinner, or simply a sweet indulgence on a weekend, these mini pies will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings. Their charming size makes them ideal for serving at parties or just enjoying a warm dessert at home.
These pies can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer, allowing you to have a delicious dessert ready at a moment’s notice. When baked fresh, the aroma of cinnamon and apples wafts through the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that enhances any gathering. Plus, the individual servings mean everyone gets their own pie, making them perfect for portion control.
Customization Options
One of the wonderful aspects of Individual Apple Pies is their versatility. While the classic apple filling is a favorite, you can easily customize the flavors to suit your taste. Consider adding dried cranberries or raisins for a pop of sweetness, or mix in nuts for added crunch. Experimenting with different apple varieties can also yield unique flavor profiles, from tart to sweet.
If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for an extra layer of flavor. You can also swap out some of the sugar for brown sugar or maple syrup for a richer taste. The possibilities are endless, ensuring that your Individual Apple Pies can be tailored to your preferences.
Tips for the Best Pies
For the flakiest crust, ensure your butter is well-chilled before mixing it with the flour. This prevents the butter from melting into the flour, which is key to achieving that desired flaky texture. Additionally, avoid overworking the dough to keep it tender. Knead it just enough to bring it together, and then let it rest in the fridge to relax the gluten.
When choosing apples, opt for a mix of sweet and tart varieties for a more complex flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices that balance perfectly with the sweetness of sugar and spice. Lastly, brushing the tops with an egg wash not only gives your pies a beautiful golden color but also helps to seal in the filling, preventing any spills while baking.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Individual Apple Pies:
For the Apple Filling
- 4 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Pie Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ice water
For Assembly
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sugar for sprinkling on top
Make sure you have everything ready before you start baking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Individual Apple Pies:
Prepare the Pie Crust
In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
Make the Apple Filling
In a large bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Assemble the Pies
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out each dough disk on a floured surface and fit into individual pie dishes. Fill each crust with the apple mixture.
Bake the Pies
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender. Let cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your freshly baked Individual Apple Pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Storage and Reheating
Once baked, these Individual Apple Pies can be stored at room temperature for a day or refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them before baking. Wrap each pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to three months.
To reheat, simply place the frozen pies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until heated through. For a quicker option, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes. However, reheating in the oven is recommended for maintaining that crispy crust.
Serving Suggestions
These Individual Apple Pies are delightful on their own, but they can be elevated even further with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. The creaminess beautifully complements the warm, spiced apples and flaky crust, making each bite heavenly.
For an extra touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before serving, or sprinkle with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Pairing these pies with a hot cup of cider or tea also creates a cozy dining experience that’s hard to resist.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! Store-bought pie crust can save you time and still yield delicious results.
→ What type of apples are best for pies?
Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are great choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness.
→ Can I make these pies in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and pie crust ahead of time. Assemble and bake them just before serving.
→ How do I store leftover pies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Individual Apple Pies
Deliciously flaky and filled with sweet cinnamon apples, these Individual Apple Pies are the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Tasty Treat Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Apple Filling
- 4 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Pie Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup ice water
For Assembly
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Sugar for sprinkling on top
How-To Steps
In a bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into 4 portions, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out each dough disk on a floured surface and fit into individual pie dishes. Fill each crust with the apple mixture. Roll out the remaining dough for the top crust and cut slits for steam. Place on top of the filling, seal the edges, and brush with the beaten egg. Sprinkle with sugar.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the apples are tender. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g