Mini Dutch Apple Pies are the perfect dessert for any occasion. They are a delicious combination of sweet and tart apples, spices, and a flaky crust that is sure to please any palate.This recipe makes 12 tiny pies and is simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
1 recipe for pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
6 cups peeled and thinly sliced Granny Smith apples
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Cut up two tablespoons of unsalted butter.
1 egg yolk, beaten with 1 tsp water
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 12-count mini pie pan.
Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out 12 circles of crust using a round cookie cutter or a glass. Press the crust circles into the prepared mini pie pan.
In a large bowl, blend together the sliced apples, flour, sugar, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg and vanilla extract. In the tiny pie pan with the crust on it, distribute the apple mixture.
Dot the top of each pie with butter. Cut out a small circle of remaining crust for each pie and place on top of the butter. Brush the top of the crust with the beaten egg yolk.
Place the mini pie pan on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Before removing the tiny pies from the pan, let them cool for about 10 minutes. If desired, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and serve warm or at room temperature.
These mini pies are perfect for a fall dessert or as a sweet treat for any occasion. The combination of sweet and tart apples, combined with the spices and flaky crust, make these pies irresistible. They are also easy to transport, making them great for parties or as a gift for a friend.
You can also make a big dutch apple pie, which is a perfect dessert for the holiday season. The recipe is the same as above, but you will use a bigger pie pan and bake it for a longer time.
You can make these mini pies with other types of apples as well, such as Fuji or Honeycrisp, to add a different flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different spices, such as adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger, to give the pies a unique twist.
Overall, Mini Dutch Apple Pies are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is sure to please any crowd. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of warm, comforting apple pie in a bite-sized form.
Another way to add some variation to these mini pies is by adding a streusel topping. A streusel topping is a mixture of butter, flour, sugar, and sometimes nuts that is sprinkled on top of the pies before baking. This adds a crunchy texture and a sweet, buttery flavor to the pies.
To make the streusel topping, simply mix together 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), and 1/4 cup cold, unsalted butter. Mix the ingredients together until crumbly and sprinkle over the top of the mini pies before baking.
Another variation of these mini pies is adding a caramel layer. To make a caramel layer, place 1/2 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir the sugar constantly with a wooden spoon until it melts and turns a golden brown color. Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully pour the caramel over the apple mixture in the mini pie crusts, making sure to divide it evenly.
You can also make a homemade caramel sauce which you can drizzle over the top of the pies after they are done baking. A simple recipe for caramel sauce is to mix 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the sugar has dissolved, add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup unsalted butter to the pan. Stir the ingredients together until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Mini Dutch Apple Pies are also a great recipe to make with kids. They can help with peeling and slicing the apples, mixing the ingredients, and even pressing the crust into the mini pie pan. Not only will they have fun making the pies, but they will also learn valuable cooking skills.
Conclusion
Mini Dutch Apple Pies are a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed any time of the year. The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit any taste. Whether you add a streusel topping, a caramel layer, or even a homemade caramel sauce, these mini pies are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the taste of warm, comforting apple pie in a bite-sized form.