Mini Apple Pie Recipe
These Mini Apple Pies are the perfect balance of flaky, buttery pastry and sweet, spiced apple filling. They are perfect for a party, a special occasion, or when you simply crave a bite-sized dessert that packs all the comforting flavors of traditional apple pie into a convenient form. Let’s walk you through how to make these mini masterpieces, with every step broken down into easy-to-follow instructions.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 55g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 250g |
| Powdered sugar | 100g |
| Butter (cold, cut into cubes) | 125g |
| Lemon zest | 1 lemon |
| Fuji apples | 400g |
| Brown sugar | 30g |
| Lemons (juice) | 1 |
| Butter (for filling) | 80g |
| Almond flour | 50g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 40g |
| Brown sugar (for filling) | 50g |
| Maldon salt | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shortcrust Pastry
- Make the Shortcrust Pastry: Start by making the shortcrust pastry using the sabbiatura method. In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour (250g), cold butter (125g, cut into small pieces), and a pinch of Maldon salt. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (sandy texture).
- Add Sugar and Lemon Zest: Add powdered sugar (100g) and the zest of one lemon to the mixture. Pulse again briefly, just to combine everything well.
- Form the Dough: Quickly bring the dough together with your hands, and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let the dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and dry the Fuji apples (400g). Slice them in half, removing the core, and then julienne the apples into thin strips.
- Add Lemon and Sugar: Squeeze the juice of one lemon (1 lemon) over the apples to prevent browning. Then, sprinkle with brown sugar (30g) and mix well to coat the apple slices. Set the apple mixture aside for later.
Step 3: Assemble the Mini Apple Pies
- Prepare the Pastry: Remove the chilled shortcrust dough from the fridge and roll it out with a rolling pin to a thickness of about 4mm.
- Cut Out Discs: Using a fluted 6 cm round cutter, cut out 12 discs from the dough. Gently press the dough discs into a mini muffin tin (3 cm diameter cups), ensuring the pastry fits snugly against the bottom and edges of each cup.
- Fill the Pastry: Spoon about a teaspoon of the prepared apple mixture into each pastry-lined muffin cup, spreading the apples evenly.
- Top with Maldon Salt: Add a small pinch of Maldon salt on top of each apple filling to enhance the sweetness and add a subtle savory contrast.
Step 4: Bake the Mini Apple Pies
- Bake the Pies: Preheat your oven to 185Β°C (350Β°F) with the convection setting. Place the muffin tin with the mini apple pies in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Cool: Once baked, remove the mini apple pies from the oven. Let them cool slightly in the tin before transferring them to a cooling rack.
- Serve: Enjoy these mini apple pies warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or indulging in a solo treat!
Tips for the Perfect Mini Apple Pies:
- Pastry: To ensure the pastry stays flaky, donβt overwork the dough once it comes together. The less you handle it, the lighter and crisper it will be.
- Apples: Fuji apples are ideal for this recipe as they are sweet and firm, but you can also use Granny Smith apples for a slightly tart twist.
- Customization: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the apple filling if you want a more traditional flavor.
These mini apple pies bring together the delightful textures of buttery pastry, spiced apples, and a hint of salt to balance the sweetness. They make for a fantastic dessert or snack and are bound to be a hit at any gathering. Enjoy baking and indulging in this delicious treat!
