Mini Dutch apple pies are a delicious, bite-sized version of the classic dessert, featuring a buttery crust, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a sweet, crumbly streusel topping. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a quick sweet treat, these mini pies deliver all the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie in a convenient, handheld size.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Portioned – Individual servings make them great for sharing.
- Crispy & Buttery – A flaky crust paired with a crunchy streusel topping.
- Warm & Spiced – Classic apple pie flavors with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Easy to Make – Uses store-bought or homemade pie dough.
- Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for holidays, brunch, or dessert tables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
- Store-bought pie crust (or homemade)
For the Apple Filling:
- Apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, peeled and diced)
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon juice
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
- Vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Butter (melted)
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin.
- Prepare the Crust – Roll out the pie crust and cut into circles using a round cutter. Press each circle into the muffin tin to form mini pie shells.
- Make the Apple Filling – In a bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Fill the Pies – Spoon the apple mixture evenly into each mini pie shell.
- Make the Streusel Topping – In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Top & Bake – Sprinkle the streusel topping over each pie. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool & Serve – Let the pies cool slightly before removing from the muffin tin. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel drizzle.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 mini pies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Caramel Apple Pies – Drizzle caramel sauce over the pies before serving.
- Nutty Streusel – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
- Spiced Apple Pies – Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for extra warmth.
- Cheesecake Apple Pies – Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese before the apple filling.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free pie crust and flour substitute.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage – Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for 4 days.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
- Freezing – Freeze baked mini pies for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie filling?
Yes, but homemade filling has better flavor and texture.
What apples work best?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples hold their shape and provide a sweet-tart balance.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate unbaked pies for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I prevent soggy crusts?
Blind bake the crusts for 5 minutes before adding the filling for extra crispiness.
Can I make these in a mini tart pan?
Yes! A mini tart pan works just as well as a muffin tin.
What can I serve with mini apple pies?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a caramel drizzle make great toppings.
Can I make these without a streusel topping?
Yes, top with a lattice crust or a second layer of pie dough instead.
How do I keep the streusel from burning?
If it starts browning too quickly, tent the pies with foil for the last 5 minutes of baking.
Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?
Yes! Puff pastry will give a flakier, lighter texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free butter in the streusel topping and a dairy-free crust.
Conclusion
Mini Dutch apple pies are a fun, bite-sized twist on the classic dessert, combining sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, a flaky crust, and a crunchy streusel topping. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy treat, these easy-to-make mini pies are sure to be a hit. Try them today and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of homemade apple pie in every bite!
PrintMini Dutch Apple Pies
These Mini Dutch Apple Pies have a buttery, flaky crust, a sweet cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a crunchy streusel topping. They’re the perfect bite-sized dessert for parties, holidays, or anytime you’re craving apple pie!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 premade pie crust (or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon flour (for dusting)
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Streusel Topping:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin.
- Cut the crust – Roll out the pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Use a 3-inch round cutter (or glass) to cut out circles. Press each circle into the muffin tin to form mini pie shells.
- Make the apple filling – In a bowl, mix diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Prepare the streusel topping – In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Assemble the pies – Spoon apple filling into each crust. Top with streusel.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool & serve – Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from the tin. Serve warm with ice cream!
Notes
Apple Choices: Use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness.- Make Ahead: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a GF pie crust and flour substitute.