Mini Caramel Apple Pies – A Perfect Bite-Sized Dessert for Any Occasion

Mini Caramel Apple Pies are adorable, handheld versions of the classic apple pie, combining warm cinnamon-spiced apples with rich, buttery caramel. Despite their small size, each pie is packed with flavor, offering the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and crunch. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a holiday dessert table, or simply craving something warm and comforting, these mini pies are guaranteed to impress. The process is simple, and with a bit of care in each step, you’ll create a batch of golden, fragrant pies that look as good as they taste.

1. Cook the Apple Filling

The heart of this recipe lies in the apple filling. Begin by peeling and dicing fresh apples into small, even cubes to ensure they cook uniformly. Melt a generous amount of butter in a pan, then add the apples and sauté them until slightly softened. As the apples warm, stir in brown sugar to create a deep, caramel-like sweetness. Add cinnamon for that classic autumn aroma, along with a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavors and prevent the apples from turning brown.

As the mixture simmers, the apples will release their juices. To thicken the filling, mix a little cornstarch with water and pour it into the pan, stirring until the mixture becomes glossy and thick. The perfect apple filling should be tender but not mushy, coated in a warm, spiced glaze. Remove from the heat and let it cool completely before assembling the pies. Cooling helps the mixture firm up so it won’t make the crust soggy.

2. Make the Caramel Sauce

The next layer of flavor comes from homemade caramel. Start by heating granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow the sugar to melt and gradually turn into a deep amber color. This process requires patience—avoid stirring too much and let the sugar liquefy slowly.

Once the sugar has reached the right color, carefully whisk in butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously, but that’s expected. After the butter melts, slowly pour in heavy cream, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes smooth and silky. When finished, the caramel should be slightly thickened, shiny, and aromatic. Set it aside to cool, keeping some extra to drizzle on top of the baked pies later.

3. Prepare the Pie Crust

You can use store-bought pie crust or make your own from scratch. Either way, roll the dough out until evenly thin, then use a round cutter or a glass to cut circles that fit into the cups of a muffin tin. Gently press each dough circle into the tin, ensuring it lines the bottom and sides neatly.

With the leftover dough, cut thin strips that will later form the classic lattice pattern on top of each mini pie. These crisscrossed strips allow steam to escape during baking and give the pies a charming homemade look.

4. Assemble the Mini Pies

Once all components are prepared, it’s time to assemble. Spoon a generous amount of the cooled apple filling into each crust. Then drizzle a small amount of caramel sauce over the apples to add richness and depth.

Next, arrange the thin dough strips over the top, weaving them to create a lattice. Press the ends of each strip gently into the edges of the crust so they stay in place. Finally, brush the tops lightly with egg wash. This step is essential—it gives the mini pies a beautiful golden shine as they bake.

5. Bake and Serve

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pies for 20–25 minutes or until the tops are golden and the filling is bubbling slightly. Your kitchen will fill with the comforting scent of apples, cinnamon, and buttery crust.

Once baked, let the pies cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. While they are still warm, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top for an irresistible finishing touch. The combination of flaky crust, tender apples, and smooth caramel makes each bite incredibly satisfying.

Mini Caramel Apple Pies are not only delicious but also easy to serve, transport, and share. Their small size makes them perfect for gatherings, and their rich flavor ensures they will be remembered long after the last crumb disappears. Enjoy baking—and enjoying—these delightful treats!