Crispy Mini Dutch Apple Pies Recipe

Golden Crispy Mini Dutch Apple Pies Recipe: Sweet Bite-Sized Joy

Sweet, buttery pastry meets a classic dutch apple pie with a crispy twist that will make your taste buds dance.

These miniature dutch apple pies pack incredible flavor into bite-sized delights that steal the show at any gathering.

Small yet mighty, these treats blend traditional apple pie comfort with a modern, portable approach.

Flaky crust and warm spices create a harmonious balance that screams homemade goodness.

Cinnamon and tender apples nestle perfectly inside delicate pastry shells, promising a delectable experience.

Perfectly portioned and easy to share, these mini pies transform an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Prepare to fall in love with every single golden, crisp bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Sweet and Spiced Mini Dutch Apple Pies

For Pie Crust:
  • Pie Crust: Provides the delicate, flaky base for these adorable mini desserts, ensuring a tender and buttery foundation.
For Apple Filling:
  • Apples, Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Combine to create a sweet, caramelized filling with natural fruit complexity and balanced sweetness.
  • Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic depth that perfectly complements the apple's natural flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the filling and prevents apple browning while balancing sweetness.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling, creating a luscious, cohesive texture.
For Streusel Topping:
  • Flour, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Melted Butter: Blend together to create a crunchy, golden-brown crown that adds irresistible texture and caramelized richness to the mini pies.

Tools for Making Mini Dutch Apple Pies Easily

  • Muffin Tin: Essential for creating perfect mini pie shapes.
  • 3-Inch Round Cutter or Glass: Helps cut precise pie crust circles.
  • Rolling Pin: Crucial for rolling out smooth pie dough.
  • Mixing Bowls: Two needed – one for apple filling, another for streusel topping.
  • Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for preparing ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Sharp Knife: Useful for dicing apples precisely.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps mix fillings and streusel easily.

How to Make Mini Dutch Apple Pies Step-by-Step

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F and give your muffin tin a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

  • Shape the Pastry Shells

Sprinkle some flour on your work surface and roll out the pie crust. Use a round cookie cutter or drinking glass to create perfect little circles. Gently press each circle into the muffin tin, creating adorable miniature pie vessels.

  • Create Apple Magic

Toss diced apples with a sweet blend of sugars, a dash of cinnamon, a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of cornstarch. Let the flavors mingle and get excited about the deliciousness to come.

  • Craft the Crumbly Topping

Mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until you have a beautiful, crumbly mixture that looks like golden sand.

  • Build Your Mini Pies

Spoon the apple mixture into each pastry shell, then generously sprinkle the streusel topping over each one.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the muffin tin into the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes until the tops turn a gorgeous golden brown and the filling starts to bubble with excitement.

  • Cool and Indulge

Let the pies rest for 10 minutes, then carefully remove them from the tin. Serve warm with a scoop of creamy ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Tips and Twists for Mini Dutch Apple Pie Lovers

  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pie crust and apple filling a day ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator. This smart prep technique saves time and lets flavors develop beautifully.
  • Gluten-Free Twist: Swap regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour for the crust and streusel topping. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
  • Spice It Up: Experiment with warm spices like nutmeg or cardamom to give the classic apple pie a unique flavor profile. A pinch of ginger can add unexpected warmth to the filling.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Replace granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly version. Cut the sugar quantity by half to reduce overall sweetness while maintaining delicious apple flavor.
  • Vegan Variation: Use dairy-free butter alternative and plant-based pie crust. Replace butter in streusel with coconut oil for a completely vegan-friendly mini apple pie that doesn't compromise on taste.

Serving Mini Dutch Apple Pies at Any Gathering

  • Sweet Companion Treat: Serve these mini dutch apple pies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic dessert combo that melts perfectly together.
  • Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange these adorable mini pies on a rustic wooden board with a dusting of powdered sugar, creating an eye-catching display for weekend gatherings.
  • Cozy Afternoon Pairing: Complement the warm spices with a steaming mug of chai tea or cinnamon-rich coffee, enhancing the pie's rich, comforting flavors.
  • Gift-Worthy Package: Pack these mini pies in cute individual clear boxes with a ribbon, making them a delightful homemade present for friends and family during holiday seasons.

Best Way to Store Mini Dutch Apple Pies Fresh

  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store these mini Dutch apple pies in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cool environment helps maintain their delicate texture and prevents rapid spoilage.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pie crusts and apple filling a day before baking. Keep the prepared components separately wrapped in plastic film to maintain freshness and reduce day-of cooking stress.
  • Freezing Finesse: Unbaked mini pies can be frozen for 2-3 months. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Reheating Ritual: Warm individual pies in a 350F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore their crispy streusel and restore that fresh-baked taste. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy crusts and maintain the delightful crunch.
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Crispy Mini Dutch Apple Pies Recipe

Crispy Mini Dutch Apple Pies Recipe


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4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Dutch apple pies highlight classic Netherlands baking with buttery pastry and caramelized apple filling. Homemade crumble topping completes these delightful personal-sized desserts you’ll savor with afternoon tea or after dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 premade pie crust (or homemade)
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar
  • 2 tbsps (30 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp (15 grams) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsps (28 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp (15 milliliters) flour (for dusting)
  • 1 tsp (5 grams) cornstarch
  • 1 tsp (5 milliliters) lemon juice
  • ½ tsp (2.5 grams) cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 grams) cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat kitchen oven to 375F (190C) and generously grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or butter to prevent pastry adhesion.
  2. Pastry Forming: Roll out pie pastry on a flour-dusted surface, cutting 3-inch circular dough rounds using a cutter or glass. Press each round delicately into muffin cavities, creating ruffled pie shells with elegant edges.
  3. Apple Filling: Combine diced apples with granulated and brown sugars, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to intensify and juices to develop.
  4. Streusel Construction: Blend flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until the mixture transforms into coarse, sandy crumbs with delectable irregular clusters.
  5. Assembly and Baking: Fill each pastry shell with apple mixture, distributing evenly. Lavishly sprinkle streusel topping across mini pies, creating a golden, textured crown. Bake in preheated oven for 18-22 minutes until edges turn golden and filling becomes bubbly.
  6. Cooling and Serving: Allow mini pies to rest in the tin for 10 minutes, facilitating setting and easy removal. Serve warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for enhanced indulgence.

Notes

  • Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Pat apple pieces dry before mixing to reduce excess moisture and ensure crisp, flaky pie crusts.
  • Streusel Texture Trick: Keep butter cold and use your fingertips to create uneven crumble for a more authentic, rustic topping.
  • Smart Apple Selection: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better structural integrity and balanced sweetness.
  • Portion Control Hack: Use uniform apple dice sizes to guarantee consistent baking and prevent uneven cooking in mini pie shells.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Dutch

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 16 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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