These Apple Pie Bites are a sweet and fun treat! They have soft apples wrapped in flaky pastry, making them perfect for a quick dessert or snack.
Honestly, who can resist little bites of apple pie? I love to serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. It’s like having a mini celebration on your plate! 🍏🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith for their tartness or Fuji for sweetness. If you’re short on apples, other varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn can work well too, depending on how sweet or tart you want your bites to be.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, substitute with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. It will maintain the richness.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a nice depth of flavor. If you’re out, use regular granulated sugar mixed with a tablespoon of molasses or maple syrup for a similar result.
Biscuit Dough: While I love refrigerated biscuit dough for convenience, you can use homemade dough or even ready-made pie crust. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free biscuit mixes or dough!
How Do I Get the Apples Just Right for My Apple Pie Bites?
Getting the apples right is key to making these bites perfect. You want them soft but not mushy. Here’s how:
- Start by cooking the diced apples for just a few minutes in melted butter. This softens them while keeping some bite.
- Mix in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg—these spices bring out the apple’s natural sweetness.
- Cook the mixture until thickened but still slightly chunky, as this will hold up in your bites.
Let the filling cool a bit to prevent the dough from getting soggy when you fill it.
These tips will help you create delicious Apple Pie Bites that your family and friends will love! Enjoy!
Apple Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (or pie crust dough)
For the Coating:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
Optional Serving:
- Caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes roughly 15 minutes to prepare and about 15-18 minutes to bake. All in all, you’ll have your tasty Apple Pie Bites ready in less than 30 minutes—perfect for a quick dessert or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, prepare your mini muffin tin by greasing it or lining it with mini paper liners.
2. Cook the Apples:
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced apples and let them cook for about 3-5 minutes until they start to soften. You want them tender but still holding their shape.
3. Add the Sweetness:
Stir in the brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, all-purpose flour, and lemon juice. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens up slightly. Afterward, remove it from heat and let it cool down to room temperature.
4. Prepare the Dough Cups:
While the apple filling cools, unroll the biscuit dough. Cut each biscuit into quarters (if you’re using pie crust, cut it into small squares). Take each piece and press it into the mini muffin tin wells, forming little cups for your filling.
5. Fill the Cups:
Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the cooled apple filling into each dough cup. Don’t overfill them, as they will expand while baking!
6. Bake:
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the dough is golden brown and cooked through.
7. Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
While the bites are baking, take a small bowl and mix together the granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
8. Coat the Bites:
When the bites are out of the oven, immediately roll each one in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat them well.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the Apple Pie Bites cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra treat, drizzle with caramel sauce or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your warm and delightful bites of apple pie goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! You can use any apples you like, but Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp offer sweetness. Mixing different varieties can also create a more complex flavor!
What If I Don’t Have Biscuit Dough?
No problem! You can use pie crust dough, puff pastry, or even store-bought phyllo pastry as alternatives. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly, especially if using phyllo, as it may bake faster.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Apple Pie Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them briefly in the oven at a low temperature.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just assemble the bites and bake them when you’re ready to serve for the freshest taste.