Apple Pie Bites are little treats filled with sweet, spiced apples wrapped in a flaky crust. They’re like mini hand pies, perfect for snacking anytime!
They’re incredibly fun to make, especially when you get to roll out the dough. I like to serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream. Who can resist? 🍏❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: For the best flavor, use sweet apples like Fuji or Gala. If you want a tart touch, Granny Smith works well too. You can also use canned or frozen apples if you’re short on time, just drain them well.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar is perfect for both the filling and the coating. If you prefer a healthier alternative, try coconut sugar or even a sugar substitute suitable for baking like erythritol.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth to the recipe. If you’re looking to mix it up, consider using pie spice blends or a pinch of cardamom for a different flavor profile.
Baking Powder: This helps the bites puff up and stay fluffy. If you don’t have baking powder, you can make a substitute using baking soda and vinegar or lemon juice (use 1/4 tsp baking soda plus 1/2 tsp vinegar).
How Do I Ensure My Apple Pie Bites Turn Out Perfectly?
Getting these bites just right takes a bit of attention to detail:
- Apple Filling: Cook the apples just until they soften but retain some texture. This keeps them from becoming mushy when baked.
- Batter Consistency: When making the batter, fold the wet and dry ingredients gently to avoid overmixing. This helps keep the bites light and airy.
- Cooling Time: Let the bites cool a few minutes before coating to prevent the sugar from melting too quickly.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on them in the oven. Ovens vary, so they may need slightly more or less time.
A little patience goes a long way in achieving those perfectly tasty, bite-sized apple pie treats!
How to Make Delicious Apple Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 large apples (preferably Fuji or Gala), peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for batter)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for batter)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for batter)
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Cooking spray or extra butter for greasing the mini muffin pan
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25 minutes of prep time followed by 15-18 minutes of baking time. In total, you can expect about 45 minutes to have delicious Apple Pie Bites ready to serve. They are quick to whip up and perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
Start by melting 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add in the finely diced apples, along with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook everything while stirring frequently for about 5-7 minutes, until the apples become slightly soft and the mixture is fragrant. Once done, take it off the heat and allow it to cool.
2. Make the Batter:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and melted butter together until the mixture is well combined. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, gently folding them together to create a smooth batter.
3. Preheat the Oven:
While you prepare everything, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget to lightly grease a mini muffin pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking!
4. Assemble the Apple Pie Bites:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the batter into each mini muffin cup. Then, take approximately 1 teaspoon of the cooled apple filling and place it on top of the batter in each cup. Finally, cover the filling with another tablespoon of batter, making sure that the apple filling is completely sealed inside.
5. Bake the Bites:
Place the muffin pan in the oven and let them bake for 15-18 minutes. They should turn a lovely golden brown color. Make sure to test with a toothpick—it should come out clean when inserted into the batter (not touching the filling).
6. Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
While the bites are baking, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar with the 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a small bowl. This will make the delicious coating for the bites!
7. Coat the Bites:
Once the apple pie bites are slightly cool but still warm, pop them out of the muffin pan. Quickly roll or brush each bite in melted butter and then coat them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, making sure they’re nicely covered.
8. Serve Warm:
Your Apple Pie Bites are now ready to enjoy! They are best served warm, and you can pair them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you fancy.
Enjoy these mini apple pie treats that combine warm cinnamon-spiced apples with a soft, cake-like batter and a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating!
Can I Use Store-Bought Pie Crust Instead of Making Batter?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought pie crust. Simply roll it out and cut it into small squares, then fill with the apple filling and fold to create your bites. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly as the crust will bounce back to cook more quickly than the batter.
What Can I Substitute for Apples?
If you don’t have apples, try using pears or even canned pie filling. Just ensure any canned varieties are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the bites. Adjust spices to suit the fruit you choose!
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Pie Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat in an oven or microwave before serving to restore their fluffy texture.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can add a nice crunch. You can also include raisins or even chocolate chips for a fun twist! Just be mindful of the quantity so the filling stays balanced.