Caramel Drizzled Mini Apple Pies
These delightful Caramel Drizzled Mini Apple Pies are a modern twist on traditional apple pie, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth in a single bite. Each small pie features tender, spiced Granny Smith apples caramelized to perfection, elevated by the indulgent richness of soft caramel and a touch of cream. Encased in a buttery, flaky double crust, these individual treats make for a fun and elegant dessert option for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home. Serve warm and topped with a generous scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream to create a truly memorable dessert experience.
N/A
Servings
175
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Granny Smith apples
3 (peeled, cored, and chopped)
Brown sugar
3/4 cup
Butter
3-4 tablespoons (cut into small pieces)
Apple juice
1/4 cup
Heavy cream
1/4 cup
Apple pie spice
1/4 teaspoon
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon
Soft caramel
1/4 cup (about 8 pieces)
Double crust pie mix
1 batch (prepared according to package instructions)
Egg
1 (lightly beaten)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, combine the chopped Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, butter, apple juice, heavy cream, apple pie spice, cornstarch, and soft caramel pieces.
2
Heat the mixture over high heat, stirring frequently until it reaches a boil, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the filling to thicken. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
4
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
5
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the pie crust to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to cut circles that are large enough to fit into a 12-cavity muffin tin, ensuring there's a slight overlap at the edges.
6
Cut smaller circles from the remaining pie crust to serve as the tops for the mini pies.
7
Gently press the larger circles of dough into the muffin tin, creating a small 'cup' shape in each cavity. Overlap the rim slightly to ensure a good seal.
8
Fill each dough cup with a scant 1/4 cup of the apple filling mixture.
9
Lightly brush the edges of the smaller circles with the beaten egg, then place them over the filled cups. Pinch the edges together to seal, making sure to secure them well.
10
Using a fork or a small knife, pierce the tops of the pies or cut out decorative shapes to allow steam to escape.
11
Finally, brush the tops of the pies with the remaining beaten egg to promote a lovely golden brown color while baking.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
1.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Caramel Drizzled Mini Apple Pies?
These are a modern twist on traditional apple pie, featuring spiced Granny Smith apples and soft caramel in a buttery, flaky individual crust.
How many calories are in one mini apple pie?
Each mini apple pie contains approximately 175 calories.
What type of apples is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using Granny Smith apples because they provide a tart flavor that balances the sweet caramel.
How many ingredients are needed to make these pies?
There are 10 ingredients: Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, butter, apple juice, heavy cream, apple pie spice, cornstarch, soft caramel, double crust pie mix, and an egg.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How long do the mini pies bake?
The pies bake for 15 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and chopped before being cooked in the filling mixture.
What is the purpose of the cornstarch in the filling?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to ensure the apple and caramel filling has the right consistency.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 7.5g of fat.
What is the protein content of these mini pies?
There is approximately 1.5g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each pie?
Each mini pie contains 25g of carbohydrates.
What kind of sugar is used for the apple filling?
Brown sugar is used to give the filling a deep, caramelized flavor.
How do I seal the mini pies?
Brush the edges of the dough circles with a beaten egg and pinch them together to create a secure seal.
Why do I need to pierce the tops of the pies?
Piercing the tops with a fork or knife allows steam to escape during the baking process.
What equipment do I need to shape the pies?
You will need a 12-cavity muffin tin and a round cutter to create the dough circles.
Can I use apple juice in the filling?
Yes, 1/4 cup of apple juice is included in the filling mixture to enhance the apple flavor.
How thick should the pie crust be rolled?
The pie crust should be rolled out to a thickness of about 1/4-inch.
What is the role of the heavy cream?
Heavy cream adds richness to the filling and helps create a smooth caramel sauce.
What spice is used in this recipe?
Apple pie spice is used to provide the traditional warm flavors associated with apple desserts.
How do I get a golden brown crust?
Brushing the tops of the pies with a beaten egg before baking promotes a lovely golden brown color.
Are these pies suitable for parties?
Yes, these individual servings are an elegant and convenient dessert option for parties and family gatherings.
Should the filling be cooked before baking?
Yes, the apple filling is cooked in a skillet for about 10-13 minutes before being placed into the dough cups.
How much caramel is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of soft caramel pieces, which is about 8 pieces.
How many pies does one batch make?
This recipe is designed to fill a standard 12-cavity muffin tin, making 12 mini pies.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Serve the mini pies warm with a generous scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream.
Can I use a store-bought pie mix?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests using a double crust pie mix prepared according to package instructions.
How long does it take for the filling to boil?
It takes approximately 8 to 10 minutes for the filling mixture to reach a boil over high heat.
Should I let the filling cool before assembly?
Yes, it is recommended to set the filling aside to cool slightly after thickening before filling the dough cups.
How do I fit the dough into the muffin tin?
Gently press larger dough circles into the cavities to create a cup shape, ensuring a slight overlap at the edges.
What is the total amount of butter used?
The recipe requires 3 to 4 tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces, for the filling.