Mini Apple Pie Bites with Puff Pastry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mini Apple Pie Bites with Puff Pastry combine the best parts of apple pie—sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and a crispy, buttery crust—in a fun, portable format. The puff pastry makes these bites extra flaky and golden, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite. Plus, they’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and bake up quickly in the oven. With the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these mini treats will impress your guests and are perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual snacks.

Ingredients

• 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought, thawed)

• 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften. Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.

2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. Prepare the Puff Pastry: Unroll the thawed puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into small squares (about 3×3 inches) or rectangles, depending on your desired size for the mini bites.

4. Assemble the Bites: Place a small spoonful of the apple filling in the center of each puff pastry square. Be careful not to overfill. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to form a little parcel or triangle shape (you can also leave them open if you prefer). Pinch the edges to seal them.

5. Egg Wash: Beat the egg and brush it over the top of each puff pastry bite. This will give the pastries a beautiful golden color when baked.

6. Sprinkle with Sugar: Sprinkle a little sugar over the top of each pastry bite for extra sweetness and a nice crunch.

7. Bake: Place the mini apple pie bites on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and flaky.

8. Serve: Let the bites cool slightly before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 12-15 mini apple pie bites

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Caramel: For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the baked bites or mix a bit into the apple filling before baking.

• Use Different Fruits: Swap the apples for other fruits like pears, berries, or a mix of both for a unique twist on these mini pies.

• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the apple filling for added crunch and flavor.

• Spiced Apple Filling: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves to the apple filling for a deeper spice flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover mini apple pie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until they are crispy and warm again.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought pie filling instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought apple pie filling if you’re short on time. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid before using it in the puff pastry.

2. Can I use phyllo dough instead of puff pastry?

While puff pastry gives these bites their signature flakiness, you can use phyllo dough as a substitute, though the texture will be different. Phyllo dough is thinner and more delicate than puff pastry.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the apple filling and assemble the bites ahead of time. Store the assembled bites in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before baking. When you’re ready, just brush them with egg wash and bake as directed.

4. How can I make these mini apple pie bites more decadent?

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top of the mini pies for an extra indulgent treat.

5. Can I freeze these bites?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled mini apple pie bites before baking. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze them, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to bake, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

6. Can I use other pastry dough instead of puff pastry?

You can substitute puff pastry with pie dough or shortcrust pastry for a different texture, but puff pastry will give you that light, flaky crunch that makes these mini pies so delicious.

7. Can I make these with a different filling?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings, such as berries, peaches, or even a savory filling like cheese and spinach.

8. How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?

To avoid the filling spilling out, make sure to pinch the edges of the puff pastry well to seal it. You can also fold the edges over slightly to create a little border.

9. Can I make these mini apple pie bites larger?

Yes, you can make the mini apple pie bites larger by cutting the puff pastry into bigger squares or rectangles. Just be sure to adjust the baking time, as larger pies may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

10. Can I add more sugar to the filling?

If you prefer a sweeter filling, feel free to add a bit more sugar to the apple mixture. Taste it before assembling to ensure the sweetness is to your liking.

Conclusion

Mini Apple Pie Bites with Puff Pastry are a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that offers all the warm, comforting flavors of traditional apple pie in a fun, bite-sized form. The flaky puff pastry and spiced apple filling create a perfect balance of texture and taste, making these mini bites a crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or enjoying them as an after-dinner snack, these mini apple pie bites are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!