Apple Pie Bites are mini treats filled with sweet apples and warm spices. Wrapped in buttery pastry, they’re the perfect little dessert to enjoy anytime!
These bites are so fun to make; it’s like a mini pie party! I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Who can resist that combo? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweetness. Honeycrisp is also a great choice for a sweet crunch. If you have a different type on hand, just go with what you enjoy!
Lemon Juice: This keeps the apples from browning and adds a nice tang. If you’re out of lemon juice, you can use vinegar in a pinch.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling the saltiness of the filling. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter works well too.
Crescent Roll Dough or Puff Pastry: I prefer puff pastry for a flakier bite, but crescent rolls are easier to work with. If you want a homemade option, a simple pie crust works too!
Spices: Ground cinnamon is essential, but you can omit nutmeg if you’re not a fan. Try adding cloves or allspice for extra warmth if you like.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Apples for Filling?
Cooking the apples beforehand ensures they’re tender and flavorful inside your bites. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start by melting butter in a medium skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced apples and lemon juice, stirring gently for even cooking.
- Sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg and cook for about 5-7 minutes.
- The apples should be soft but not mushy, and the mixture should thicken; let it cool a bit before using.
This will bring out the best flavor in your Apple Pie Bites!
Apple Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
For the Dough:
- 1 package (about 14 oz) refrigerated crescent roll dough or puff pastry, thawed
For the Topping:
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for sprinkling)
For Serving:
- Caramel sauce or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 15-18 minutes to bake, totaling around 35-40 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious treat that will impress your family and friends!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your Apple Pie Bites will bake evenly and become perfectly golden brown.
2. Cook the Apples:
In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the sliced apples and drizzle with lemon juice. Stir gently to coat the apples with the butter.
3. Add the Sweetness:
Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt over the apples. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens slightly. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let it cool a little.
4. Prepare the Dough:
Unroll the crescent roll dough or puff pastry onto a clean, flat surface. Use a pizza cutter or knife to cut the dough into small squares, about 3×3 inches. This will be where your apple filling goes.
5. Fill the Dough Squares:
Spoon about 1 to 2 teaspoons of the apple mixture into the center of each dough square. Don’t overfill, or they might burst when baking!
6. Seal the Bites:
Gather the corners of the dough squares up over the apple filling and pinch them together to seal, creating little “bites.” Make sure they are securely sealed to prevent any filling from leaking out during baking.
7. Bake the Bites:
Place the wrapped bites seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the tops of the bites for added sweetness and flavor.
8. The Final Bake:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the bites are golden brown and puffed. Keep an eye on them as baking times can vary slightly.
9. Cool & Serve:
Once baked, remove the bites from the oven and let them cool slightly. They will be really hot! Serve warm, and if you like, drizzle with caramel sauce or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a truly indulgent treat!
Enjoy your warm, flaky, delicious Apple Pie Bites—perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a party, snack time, or dessert!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my favorites for their balance of sweet and tart flavors, feel free to use any apples you have on hand. Just make sure they’re firm and not overly soft, so they hold up during baking!
Can I Prepare the Apple Filling in Advance?
Yes! You can make the apple filling a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to assemble your bites, let it come to room temperature before filling the dough.
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Pie Bites?
Store any leftover bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.
Is It Possible to Freeze These Bites?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked bites. Just assemble them, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
