Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry (No Peeling)

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that feels special but is so easy to make, these Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry (No Peeling) are just the thing! Imagine warm, flaky pastry wrapped around sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples. It’s a treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family get-together. Plus, the best part? You don’t even have to peel the apples!

This recipe has quickly become a favorite of mine because it combines simplicity with scrumptiousness. In just about an hour, you can whip up these adorable mini pies that everyone will love. They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just five ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have these little delights ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t resist the charm of mini apple pies—perfect for any occasion!
• Make Ahead: Bake them in advance and enjoy them later; they taste great warm or at room temperature.
• Versatile: Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or add-ins for a personal touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These mini apple pies come together with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have at home. Let’s gather what we need for this delightful dessert!

For the Apple Filling

• 4 small fresh apples, cores discarded and finely diced (about 1/4 inch/6 mm)
• 1 tablespoon butter (add 1/4 teaspoon salt if using unsalted butter)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or 3 tablespoons for sweeter pies)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Pastry

• 1 sheet puff pastry dough, thawed

Optional Finishing Touch

• 1 egg mixed with 1 teaspoon water for egg wash (for that beautiful golden finish)
• 2 teaspoons powdered sugar (to sprinkle on top)

Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Mix in dried fruit: Consider adding raisins or cranberries for a sweet twist on the classic filling.
• Spice it up: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for a warm spice blend.
• Try different fruits: Substitute some of the apples with pears for a deliciously different flavor profile.

How to Make Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry (No Peeling)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature ensures your pies will bake up beautifully crispy. While you’re at it, lightly spray nine cups of your muffin tin with oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Pre-Cook the Apple Filling

In a medium skillet, combine your diced apples, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon over medium-high heat. Stir them together for about 2-3 minutes until the apples start releasing their juices. Then, lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it cook for another 10 minutes. Uncover it afterward and let it simmer until all the liquid evaporates—this helps concentrate those delicious flavors!

Step 3: Prepare the Puff Pastry

Lay your thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out gently into an approximately 11×11 inch square; this gives us enough dough to work with. Cut it into nine squares using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Place each square into your muffin tin cups; stretch them slightly if needed so they fit nicely.

Step 4: Fill and Complete Pies

Now comes the fun part! Fill each puff pastry cup with about 3/4 full of your apple mixture—aim for around 2.5-3 tablespoons per cup. To cover each pie, fold over two corners towards the center and pinch them together. Then repeat this with the other two corners. Don’t worry about making them perfect; rustic is totally fine! If you’d like that gorgeous golden finish, brush some egg wash on top.

Step 5: Bake Your Pies

Pop those little gems in the oven on the middle rack and bake them for about 20-25 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Ovens can be tricky sometimes; keep an eye on them as they bake! Once done, transfer them carefully to a cooling rack and let cool for about 8-10 minutes.

Step 6: Finishing Touch

To give your mini pies a lovely final touch, use a small fine mesh sieve to shake powdered sugar over each one. This step adds sweetness and makes them look extra special!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry (No Peeling)! They’re sure to become a beloved recipe in your home just like they have in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry (No Peeling)

Creating these delightful mini apple pies is a breeze with a few helpful tips!

• Choose the right apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith, to achieve a balanced flavor that makes each bite irresistible.

• Don’t overcook the filling: Pre-cooking the apple filling just until they start releasing juices ensures your pies don’t turn soggy. You want that perfect flaky crust!

• Keep puff pastry cold: Make sure your puff pastry stays chilled before baking. This helps it puff up beautifully in the oven, giving you that flaky texture we all love.

• Be creative with shapes: Feel free to experiment with how you fold the pastry over the filling! Rustic and imperfect is charming, so let your creativity shine.

• Let them cool before serving: Allowing your mini pies to cool for a few minutes after baking helps set the filling, making them easier to eat without spilling everywhere.

How to Serve Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry (No Peeling)

These mini apple pies are not just delicious; they also make for an adorable presentation! Here are some fun ways to serve them up.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, fluffy contrast to the warm pies and enhances their sweetness.

• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle some caramel sauce on top for an extra indulgent touch that pairs perfectly with the cinnamon flavors.

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the apples beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside warm mini pies creates a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.

• Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with berries and citrus adds brightness to your dessert table, balancing out the richness of the pies.

• Cheese Platter: Pairing these mini pies with a selection of cheeses can create an interesting flavor profile. Sharp cheddar or creamy brie work well against the sweet apple filling.

• Hot Chocolate: For cooler days, serving these pies with a warm cup of hot chocolate can make for a cozy dessert experience that’s perfect for gathering around with family and friends.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your mini apple pies are sure to be a hit! Enjoy every bite of this delicious treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry are perfect for meal prep! You can whip them up in advance and enjoy them throughout the week, making them a delightful treat that’s ready when you are.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the mini pies to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore their crispiness.

Freezing

• Prepare the mini apple pies but do not bake them.
• Freeze them individually on a baking sheet until firm.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the pies on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy on the outside.

FAQs

If you have any questions about making these mini apple pies, you’re in the right place!

Can I use other fruits instead of apples in mini apple pies?

Absolutely! Fruits like pears or berries can also work wonderfully. Just adjust the sugar based on their sweetness.

What makes these Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry (No Peeling) so special?

These mini pies are not only easy to make but also eliminate peeling apples, saving you time while keeping all that delicious flavor intact. The flaky puff pastry combined with sweet cinnamon apples creates a delightful experience with every bite!

How long do Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry (No Peeling) last?

When stored properly, these mini apple pies can last up to 3 days in the fridge or up to 2 months in the freezer. Just remember to reheat them for that fresh-baked taste!

Can I make these mini pies vegan?

Yes! You can substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and skip the egg wash or replace it with a plant-based alternative like almond milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch for shine.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this recipe as delightful as I do! These Mini Apple Pies With Puff Pastry are not only simple and fun to make but also perfect for sharing with family and friends. Enjoy creating these little treasures in your kitchen, and I’m sure they’ll bring smiles all around. Happy baking!