Print

Crispy Mini Apple Pie Bites Easy Homemade Lunch Box Treat Recipe

crispy mini apple pie bites - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy mini apple pie bites are a perfect balance of sweet and tart, flaky and crunchy, ideal for lunch boxes or a quick snack. They come together quickly with simple ingredients and deliver a comforting, nostalgic treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water, chilled
  • 2 medium apples (about 2 cups diced), preferably Granny Smith
  • ¼ cup (50g) packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar or turbinado sugar

Instructions

  1. Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cut in ½ cup cold unsalted butter using a pastry blender or food processor until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces. Add 3 tablespoons ice water and mix gently until dough starts to come together. Add extra tablespoon water if needed. Wrap dough in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Filling: Peel, core, and dice 2 medium apples. Toss apples with ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract if using. Set aside to meld flavors.
  3. Roll and Cut the Dough: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out about 24 circles (2 ½ inches wide) for bottoms and tops.
  4. Assemble the Pie Bites: Lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Press half the dough circles into muffin cups. Spoon about 1 teaspoon apple filling into each cup without overfilling. Brush edges with egg wash. Place remaining dough circles on top and press edges gently to seal. Crimp edges with a fork if desired.
  5. Finish and Bake: Brush tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Place muffin tin on baking sheet and bake 20 to 25 minutes until crust is golden and crisp. Check after 20 minutes to avoid burning.
  6. Cool and Serve: Let mini pies cool in tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Best served warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Keep butter cold to ensure flaky crust. Do not overwork dough to avoid toughness. Use firmer apples like Granny Smith for best texture. If edges brown too quickly, tent with foil halfway through baking. Add extra cornstarch if filling is watery. Dough can be made and chilled up to 2 days in advance. For gluten-free, substitute flour with 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. For dairy-free, use coconut oil or vegan butter. Reheat in oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to maintain crispness; avoid microwave reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: mini apple pie bites, crispy apple pies, lunch box treats, homemade snacks, easy apple dessert, bite-sized pies

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/crispy-mini-apple-pie-bites-easy-homemade-lunch-box-treat-recipe/