Mini Apple Pies with Cinnamon Crumble Topping

There’s something truly magical about Mini Apple Pies with Cinnamon Crumble Topping that instantly brightens any dessert table. These perfectly spiced, bite-sized pies are not just adorable but bursting with warm apple flavors enhanced by a golden cinnamon crumble. Whether you’re craving a cozy fall treat or a simple homemade dessert, these mini pies offer a delightful combination of crispy, buttery crust and sweet, tender apple filling topped with a crunchy cinnamon crumble that makes every bite unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly portioned: Mini apple pies are great for individual servings, so everyone gets their own personal treat without the need for slicing.
• Easy to share: Their small size makes them ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or just a fun family dessert night.
• Balanced sweetness: The cinnamon crumble topping adds just the right amount of spice and crunch, complementing the naturally sweet apple filling.
• Versatile and adaptable: You can easily tweak the spice levels or crumble texture to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
• Inviting aroma: Baking these pies fills your kitchen with the comforting scent of cinnamon and baked apples, making the experience just as enjoyable as the dessert itself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients work harmoniously to create the rich flavors, delightful texture, and warm color of Mini Apple Pies with Cinnamon Crumble Topping. Each element plays a key role in making this dessert irresistible.

• Apples: Choose firm and tart varieties like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness and keep the filling from becoming mushy.
• Pie crust: Either store-bought or homemade, a flaky crust is vital for that buttery base and structure of your mini pies.
• Cinnamon: Fresh ground cinnamon enhances the apple’s natural flavor and is the star spice in the crumble topping.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor to both the filling and the crumble topping.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a crisp, golden crumble topping.
• Lemon juice: A splash brightens the apple filling, balancing the sweet and spicy tones.
• All-purpose flour: Used in the filling to thicken the apple juices and in the crumble for texture.
• Nutmeg: Adds warmth and depth, working beautifully with cinnamon in the filling and topping.

Variations for Mini Apple Pies with Cinnamon Crumble Topping

Feel free to get creative and personalize this classic dessert. These Mini Apple Pies with Cinnamon Crumble Topping are simple to modify to fit different tastes, diets, or seasonal ingredient swaps.

• Gluten-free crust: Use your favorite gluten-free pie crust mix or recipe for a celiac-friendly version that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
• Vegan option: Replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine and use a plant-based crust to make it completely vegan.
• Add nuts: Mix chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble topping for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Spiced up: Boost the spice with extra cloves or cardamom for a more aromatic crumble.
• Mix fruit fillings: Combine apples with pears or cranberries for a colorful and tangy twist.

How to Make Mini Apple Pies with Cinnamon Crumble Topping

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a bowl with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a bit of flour to thicken any juice released during baking. This mixture should be sweet, slightly tangy, and beautifully spiced.

Step 2: Roll Out the Pie Crust

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to punch out circles slightly larger than your mini pie molds or muffin tin cups. Carefully place the dough circles into the wells to form the crust base.

Step 3: Fill the Pies

Spoon the prepared apple filling evenly into each crust lining, being careful not to overfill. The filling should be juicy but not overly packed to avoid spillover during baking.

Step 4: Make the Cinnamon Crumble Topping

Mix together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter cut into small cubes. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, combine the ingredients until crumbly clusters form. Sprinkle this topping generously over the apple filling in each mini pie.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the mini pies on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden and the crumble topping is crisp and browned. Let cool slightly before removing from the tin.

Pro Tips for Making Mini Apple Pies with Cinnamon Crumble Topping

• Choose firm apples: This ensures your filling stays nice and chunky without turning mushy during baking.
• Keep butter cold: For the crumble topping, cold butter creates that perfect crumbly texture instead of a doughy one.
• Use a tart apple variety: It creates a beautiful flavor profile balancing the sweetness of the sugar and crumble.
• Do not overfill: Overstuffed pies can bubble over and cause a mess in the oven.
• Let them cool: Cooling slightly helps the filling to thicken and sets the crumble in place for easy handling.

How to Serve Mini Apple Pies with Cinnamon Crumble Topping

Garnishes

Sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar over the pies after baking to add a delicate touch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side perfectly complements the warm spices and crisp crumble.

Side Dishes

Pair these mini pies with a warm cup of chai tea, apple cider, or freshly brewed coffee to elevate the cozy dessert experience. For brunch, they’re splendid alongside a simple green salad or yogurt parfait.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your mini apple pies on a rustic wooden board adorned with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices for a charming display. Use mini pie tins or ramekins for an inviting handcrafted look that wows guests right from first glance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain freshness while keeping the crumble topping crisp if possible.

Freezing

Mini Apple Pies with Cinnamon Crumble Topping can be frozen either before or after baking. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat baked pies in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the crumble topping.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or a berry mix can be delicious substitutions or additions to your mini pies, each adding unique flavors and textures.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Using a thickening agent like flour or cornstarch in the filling helps absorb excess juices. Pre-baking the crust slightly also creates a barrier against sogginess.

Can I make the crumble topping ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crumble topping the day before and keep it refrigerated in an airtight container, making your pie assembly quick and easy.

What’s the best apple variety for this recipe?

Granny Smith apples work wonderfully due to their tartness and firm texture, which hold up well during baking and balance the sweetness nicely.

Is it necessary to use lemon juice in the filling?

Lemon juice brightens the apple flavor and prevents browning, but you can omit it if unavailable; just be aware the apples may darken slightly before baking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a charming, delicious treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress, Mini Apple Pies with Cinnamon Crumble Topping are your new best friend. Their perfect balance of warm spices, tender apples, and buttery crumble will have everyone asking for seconds. So go ahead and bake a batch—your taste buds and guests are in for a real delight!

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