These tasty Apple Pie Bites are little pockets of joy, filled with sweet apples and warm spices. They’re perfect for a quick dessert or snack!
They’re like mini apple pies that you can eat with your hands. I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top—it’s a treat everyone enjoys!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their tart flavor. If you prefer sweeter bites, consider using Fuji or Gala apples instead.
Butter: Unsalted butter keeps the flavor controlled. You could use coconut oil for a dairy-free option, or ghee if you’re looking for a lactose-free alternative.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard here, but you can substitute with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs. Just ensure it’s a 1:1 baking mix for best results.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts add texture, but you can easily swap these for pecans or omit them entirely if there are nut allergies.
How Do I Ensure My Apple Pie Bites Are Fluffy?
For fluffy Apple Pie Bites, mixing the wet and dry ingredients properly is crucial. Here’s how:
- Whisk the dry ingredients until combined to avoid any lumps. This helps distribute the baking powder evenly.
- When you add the wet ingredients, do so gently. Overmixing can lead to dense bites. Just stir enough so everything is combined.
- Let the batter rest for a few minutes before filling the muffin tin. This helps the baking powder activate and gives you a lighter texture.
These little tips will give you delightful, fluffy bites that everyone will love!
How to Make Apple Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for batter)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for batter)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Additional sugar and cinnamon for sprinkling on top
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing the muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15–18 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a total of approximately 35 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy treat to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter so your bites don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent browning. Set this aside while you prepare the filling.
3. Cook the Apples:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples along with 2 tablespoons of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the apples to be tender but not mushy. Once done, take the skillet off the heat and let it cool.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. This will ensure everything is evenly mixed!
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps—do not overmix!
7. Fold in the Apples:
Carefully fold the cooled spiced apples into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
8. Fill the Muffin Tin:
Spoon the batter into the prepared mini muffin tin, filling each cup nearly full. They will puff up while baking!
9. Add Toppings:
If you’re using walnuts, sprinkle a few on top of each bite, and then dust them with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for a sweet finish.
10. Bake:
Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the Apple Pie Bites to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you prefer them warm, serve right away!
12. Optional Indulgence:
For an extra treat, serve your Apple Pie Bites with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy your delightful, bite-sized desserts!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are popular choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can use any apples you like, such as Fuji or Gala for a sweeter flavor.
How Can I Store Leftover Apple Pie Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to reheat them gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I Make These Apple Pie Bites Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture!
How Can I Add More Flavor to the Filling?
You can enhance the filling by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a bit of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor. Adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can also make a delicious addition!