Apple Pie Bites are mini treats filled with sweet, juicy apples and warm spices, all wrapped in a golden, flaky pastry. They’re perfect for snacking or dessert!
These little guys are super easy to make and perfect for sharing—if you can resist the urge to eat them all yourself! I love serving them with a scoop of ice cream on the side. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. If you’re short on time, pre-sliced apples work too! Just make sure they’re not too mushy.
Granulated Sugar: This is key for sweetness. If you prefer natural sweeteners, try honey or maple syrup, but adjust the quantity since they’re sweeter.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices give the bites their warm flavor. If you like a spicier kick, add a dash of allspice or ginger as a substitute.
Lemon Juice: This brightens the filling. If you don’t have fresh lemons, apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch, but use less.
Biscuit Dough: I use refrigerated biscuit dough for ease. However, homemade dough or puff pastry can make these extra special!
How Do I Make Sure My Apple Pie Bites Stay Sealed?
It’s important that the filling doesn’t leak out. Here’s how to ensure a secure seal:
- After adding your apple filling, carefully fold the dough over and pinch the edges tightly. Ensure there are no gaps.
- Press the edges with a fork for an extra seal, which also adds a nice decorative touch!
- When placing the filled dough into the muffin pan, make sure they fit snugly without stretching too much.
This will help keep the delicious filling inside while baking.
How to Make Apple Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Filling:
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (about 16 biscuits)
Coating:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll have about 30-35 minutes until you can enjoy your delicious Apple Pie Bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Apple Filling:
In a medium skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook while stirring occasionally until the apples are soft and the mixture has thickened. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Biscuit Dough:
Open your package of refrigerated biscuit dough and separate it into individual biscuits. Flatten each biscuit into a small circle, about 3 inches in diameter, using your hands or a rolling pin.
4. Fill the Dough:
Take about 1-2 teaspoons of the apple filling and spoon it into the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause leaking!
5. Seal the Bites:
Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges closed to seal. Gently press each filled dough ball into the prepared mini muffin pan, shaping them into a rounded form.
6. Bake in the Oven:
Pop the muffin pan into your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
7. Make the Coating:
While the bites are baking, mix together the 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a small bowl. This will be your delicious coating for the bites.
8. Coat the Bites:
Once the Apple Pie Bites come out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, brush or dip each bite in the melted butter, followed by rolling them in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This adds that perfect sweet crunch!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm and enjoy these delightful, bite-sized apple pies as a tasty treat! Perfect for sharing—or not!
These tender, warm Apple Pie Bites are sure to be a hit, combining the comforting flavors of classic apple pie in an easy-to-eat dessert form. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! A mix of sweet (like Honeycrisp) and tart (like Granny Smith) apples creates a balanced flavor. Feel free to use any apples you enjoy, just make sure they’re compatible for baking.
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the apple filling a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and then use it when you’re ready to assemble and bake the Apple Pie Bites.
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Pie Bites?
If you have leftovers (although they might not last long!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days, but they are best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Freeze Apple Pie Bites?
Yes! Allow the bites to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven straight from the freezer until warmed through.
