These Apple Pie Bites are like little hugs of sweetness! With tender pastry and warm, spiced apples inside, they’re perfect for a cozy snack.
Honestly, who can resist a tasty treat that’s easy to grab? I love making these for movie nights, plus they make the house smell amazing—just like fall! 🍏🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their balance of tartness and sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, Fuji or Gala apples work well too. Feel free to mix different types for added depth in flavor!
Puff Pastry: This is a star ingredient, giving those lovely layers and flaky texture. If you want a healthier option, you could use phyllo dough, but it won’t have the same flakiness. Just layer it and oil between sheets for a decent alternative.
Brown Sugar: While brown sugar brings great caramel flavor, you can substitute it with white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses or maple syrup for sweetness. Coconut sugar can also work for a lighter option!
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon does wonders for the apple filling. If you like warm spices, you could add nutmeg or allspice too. It really enhances that cozy pie flavor.
How Do I Fold the Puff Pastry to Make Apple Pie Bites?
Folding puff pastry correctly is key to a nice, sealed bite. Here’s how to do it:
- After placing the apple filling in the center, bring up two opposite corners of the pastry over the filling.
- Next, do the same with the remaining corners to form a bundle.
- Pinch or fold the edges tightly to seal, ensuring no filling can escape during baking.
If you like, you can twist or crimp the edges with a fork to make them pretty! Just be sure not to overfill, as this can make sealing difficult.
How to Make Apple Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Pastry:
- 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Granulated sugar for sprinkling
For Serving (Optional):
- Caramel sauce
- Vanilla ice cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for baking, bringing the total time to around 40 minutes. Just enough time to quickly whip up these tasty treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your bites from sticking.
2. Cook the Apple Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt your tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add in the diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together, cooking for 5-7 minutes until the apples become tender and fragrant. Once they’re cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Puff Pastry:
On a lightly floured surface, roll out your thawed puff pastry sheet into a rectangle, aiming for about 12×12 inches. Using a knife or a pizza cutter, slice the pastry into 12 equal squares, each about 3×3 inches.
4. Fill and Fold:
Take a spoonful of your cooked apple filling and place it in the center of each pastry square. Now, bring the edges of the pastry squares together and pinch or fold to seal the filling inside, forming tiny bundles. Make sure they’re sealed well to keep the delicious filling from leaking out while baking!
5. Bake the Bites:
Arrange the apple pie bites on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg, giving them a lovely golden finish. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for extra sweetness. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown and puffed up.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Once baked, allow the bites to cool for a few minutes. Serve them warm, either plain or with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for those extra special moments!
Enjoy your cozy, sweet Apple Pie Bites—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can also use Fuji, Gala, or even a mix of different apples for varied flavor and texture!
Can I Make These Apple Pie Bites Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling in advance and keep it stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, assemble the bites and bake them fresh for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or refrigerate them for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Can I Freeze Apple Pie Bites?
Yes, you can freeze these! Assemble the bites without baking them, then place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 5-10 minutes.
