These Apple Pie Bites are like little pieces of happiness! With soft, cinnamon-spiced apples wrapped in a crispy crust, they are perfect for sharing or enjoying all by yourself!
Honestly, what’s better than the smell of warm apples and spices in your kitchen? I love making these when I’m craving something sweet, and they are so easy to whip up!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples give a nice tartness that balances the sweetness, while Honeycrisp offers a crunchy texture. If those aren’t available, you can use any firm apples. Fuji or Braeburn work well too!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best to control saltiness, but you can substitute with coconut oil or a vegan butter if needed.
Crescent Roll Dough: I find crescent roll dough super easy to use, but if you prefer, use pie crust dough or even phyllo sheets for a flaky texture. If gluten-free, look for gluten-free pastry dough options.
Nutmeg: This is optional but adds warmth. If you don’t have it, you can just stick with cinnamon or add a pinch of allspice for something different.
How Do I Get the Perfect Apple Filling?
Creating a delicious apple filling is key to these bites. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. This helps to evenly cook the apples.
- Add the apples, sugar, and spices, stirring gently. Cook until they soften, about 5-7 minutes—don’t rush this! You want them tender to make them easier to fill.
- Let the filling cool slightly before adding it to the dough. This prevents the dough from becoming soggy and ensures you can seal the bites properly.
Overall, the combination of sweet, spiced apples wrapped in a crispy crust is what makes these Apple Pie Bites so delightful. Enjoy making them!
How to Make Delicious Apple Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Bites:
- 1 (14-ounce) package refrigerated crescent roll dough or pie crust dough
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for coating)
- Cooking spray or butter, for greasing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty snack takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare and about 10-12 minutes to bake. With some cooling time, you can have a delicious treat ready in around 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
Start by melting the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if you’re using it), and lemon juice. Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples are tender and the mixture looks syrupy. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool for a moment.
2. Preheat and Prepare the Muffin Tin:
While your apple filling cools, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or a bit of butter to make sure nothing sticks.
3. Prepare the Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough and divide it into individual triangles. If you’re using the crescent dough, you might want to cut each triangle into smaller squares or rectangles that are roughly 2×2 inches for easier handling.
4. Assemble Your Bites:
Take each dough square and press it firmly into the mini muffin tin to create little cups. Now, fill each cup with a spoonful of the delicious apple filling. Pinch or fold the edges of the dough to make sure the filling is snug inside!
5. Bake:
Pop your filled muffin tin into the oven and let them bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the dough turns a lovely golden brown and is fully cooked.
6. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
While your bites are baking, mix together 1/4 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl for later. When the bites are done, take them out of the oven and immediately brush them with melted butter. Now, either roll them in or sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture all over the warm bites.
7. Cool and Serve:
Allow your Apple Pie Bites to cool slightly on a wire rack. They are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature—perfect for a snack or dessert!
These mini apple treats capture all the goodness of traditional apple pie in a bite-sized format. Enjoy sharing (or not!) with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, feel free to experiment with other firm apples like Fuji, Braeburn, or even Gala for a sweeter taste.
Can I Make These Apple Pie Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and assemble the bites a day in advance. Store the unbaked bites in the refrigerator, and bake them just before you’re ready to serve for the best freshness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Apple Pie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you wish to keep them longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Just reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness!
Can I Use Pie Crust Instead of Crescent Roll Dough?
Yes, using pie crust dough is a great alternative! Just make sure to roll it out to a similar thickness as the crescent dough, and adjust the baking time as needed to ensure the crust is golden and cooked through.
