Salted Caramel Apple Pies

<p>These Salted Caramel Apple Mini Pies bring together the perfect balance of tart apples and rich caramel wrapped in a flaky crust. They capture the essence of fall beautifully and make a cozy dessert that’s just right for chilly evenings or festive gatherings. Their individual size means each guest gets a personal treat that looks as good as it tastes. The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all levels while delivering impressive flavor.</p> <p>I first made these during a weekend when the leaves were turning bright orange, and the kitchen smelled magical as the pies baked. Now, they’re a go to dessert whenever I want to impress guests without spending hours baking.</p>

Ingredients

<ul><li><strong>Granny Smith Apples:</strong> provide tartness and hold their shape well when baked choose firm apples without bruises for the best texture</li><li><strong>Lemon Juice:</strong> brightens the flavor and prevents the apples from browning freshly squeezed is best for freshness</li><li><strong>Granulated Sugar:</strong> sweetens the fruit filling adjust amount based on your preference for sweetness</li><li><strong>Brown Sugar:</strong> adds rich molasses notes and moisture light or dark brown sugar works depending on desired depth</li><li><strong>Ground Cinnamon:</strong> warm spice that complements apples beautifully fresh ground offers more fragrance</li><li><strong>Ground Nutmeg:</strong> subtly enhances autumn flavors optional but recommended for complexity</li><li><strong>Salt:</strong> balances sweet flavors and enhances caramel notes</li><li><strong>Cornstarch:</strong> thickens the apple filling to keep it from becoming soggy during baking can substitute with flour if needed</li><li><strong>Water:</strong> mixes with cornstarch to form a slurry ensuring even thickening</li><li><strong>Vanilla Extract:</strong> enhances overall flavor profile with sweet aroma pure vanilla extract delivers best results</li><li><strong>Premade Pie Crust:</strong> convenient and yields a flaky crust a homemade crust elevates texture if you have time</li><li><strong>Flour for Dusting:</strong> keeps rolling surface smooth preventing sticking alternatives include cornmeal or icing sugar</li><li><strong>Nonstick Cooking Spray:</strong> ensures easy removal of pies from muffin tin</li><li><strong>Salted Caramel Sauce:</strong> brings the perfect sweet and salty finish store bought or homemade both work well</li></ul>

Instructions

<dl><dt><strong>Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin:</strong></dt><dd>Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. While it warms, spray a 12 cup muffin tin generously with nonstick spray. This step helps the mini pies release easily once baked and prevents sticking, ensuring a clean shape with a golden crust.</dd><dt><strong>Mix the Apple Filling:</strong></dt><dd>In a large bowl, combine four cups of diced Granny Smith apples with the juice of one lemon. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg if using, and a pinch of salt. Toss the mixture thoroughly to coat the apples and let it rest for about ten minutes. This process draws out juices and melds flavors, creating a juicy and aromatic filling.</dd><dt><strong>Create the Thickening Slurry:</strong></dt><dd>In a separate small bowl, stir together two tablespoons of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the apple mixture along with one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gently stir everything so the filling thickens evenly during baking without clumping.</dd><dt><strong>Roll Out the Pie Crust:</strong></dt><dd>On a lightly floured surface, roll your premade pie crust to about one eighth inch thick. Use a four inch round cutter to cut approximately twelve circles from the dough. These circles become the base of your mini pies, perfectly sized for individual servings.</dd><dt><strong>Form the Mini Pie Shells:</strong></dt><dd>Press each dough circle carefully into the muffin tin cups, lining the bottom and sides fully. This forms sturdy shells to hold the filling once baked and creates that pleasant flaky bite around the juicy apples.</dd><dt><strong>Fill with Apple Mixture:</strong></dt><dd>Spoon the apple filling into each crust, filling them about three quarters full to allow space for bubbling juices as they cook. Distribute the filling evenly so every mini pie bursts with flavor and warmth.</dd><dt><strong>Drizzle with Salted Caramel:</strong></dt><dd>Pour a generous amount of salted caramel sauce over the fruit filling in each pie. This sauce deepens the richness and adds a glossy, inviting finish that turns these treats into something truly special.</dd><dt><strong>Optional Topping:</strong></dt><dd>If you like, create a lattice top with extra pie dough strips or cover each pie with a second crust. Cut small slits for venting so steam escapes during baking, and your pies bake evenly with a beautiful golden finish.</dd><dt><strong>Bake to Perfection:</strong></dt><dd>Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for twenty to twenty five minutes. Watch closely for a golden crust and bubbling filling. These indicators mean your pies are perfectly cooked inside and out, filling your kitchen with a comforting aroma.</dd><dt><strong>Cool and Serve:</strong></dt><dd>Remove the pies and allow them to cool in the tin for a few minutes to set. Carefully lift each pie out and transfer to a wire rack. For an irresistible touch, drizzle more salted caramel over the top while still warm. Serve fresh to enjoy that flaky crust and luscious filling at their best.</dd></dl>

<p>Whenever I make these pies, it reminds me of cozy family nights where everyone gathers around the kitchen, sharing stories as the aroma fills the house. The combination of tart apples and caramel sauce has become a beloved tradition that brings warmth and joy every autumn.</p>

Storage Tips

<p>Store baked pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness. Reheat in a moderate oven to restore crispiness. For longer storage, freeze the pies unbaked in a single layer before transferring to an airtight container to preserve shape and flavor. Frozen pies bake straight from the freezer with a slight increase in baking time.</p>

Ingredient Substitutions

<p>Swap Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp or Fuji if you prefer sweeter pies. Cornstarch can be replaced with flour for thickening the filling but expect a slightly different texture. Homemade pie crust adds a personal touch and flakiness versus store bought crust, though convenience is a worthy tradeoff. Using dairy free butter and milk alternatives can adapt this recipe for those with dietary needs.</p>

Serving Suggestions

<p>Pair these mini pies with vanilla ice cream for a classic combination or fresh whipped cream for a lighter complement. Hot apple cider or spiced tea creates a cozy autumnal beverage pairing. For a brunch twist, serve alongside cinnamon sugar donuts or a tangy cheese platter to balance sweetness.</p>

<p>This recipe is one of those cozy fall classics that delivers on flavor with a straightforward approach. Treat yourself to this lovely dessert and savor the sweet moments of the season.</p>

Common Questions About Recipes

→ How to select the best Granny Smith apples?

Choose firm apples with vibrant green skin and no blemishes. Heavier apples tend to be juicier and crisp, ensuring nice texture and balanced tartness in the filling.

→ What’s the best way to store leftover mini pies?

Keep baked mini pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. Reheat gently to restore flaky crust.

→ Can I freeze these mini pies?

Yes, freeze unbaked pies in a single layer, then transfer to airtight containers. They keep for up to 2 months and bake well from frozen with slightly extra time.

→ How to fix runny apple filling?

Add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch and allow the mixture to rest before filling the crusts. This helps thicken the juices released from the apples during baking.

→ Are these suitable for pets?

No, ingredients like sugar and caramel are harmful to pets. Always keep these treats away from animals and consult a vet if needed.

→ How to adapt for dietary restrictions?

Use gluten-free pie crusts for gluten sensitivities, substitute sugars as preferred, and try dairy-free butter or coconut oil in crusts for a vegan option.