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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1/2 cup caramel sauce - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup rolled oats - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted When I plan to make caramel apple mini pies, I gather these ingredients first. The all-purpose flour gives a great base for my pie crust. I use cold, cubed unsalted butter to keep the crust flaky. The granulated sugar mixes in to add sweetness. For the filling, I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. These apples balance tartness and sweetness well. For the filling, I use caramel sauce to give a rich flavor. A splash of lemon juice brightens the apples. I add ground cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth and spice. The streusel topping adds a crunchy layer. Brown sugar gives it a deep sweetness, while rolled oats add texture. I use a bit more flour in the streusel to help it bind. Finally, I melt some unsalted butter and mix it all together for that perfect crumbly topping. Each ingredient plays an important role in making these mini pies delicious. They help create a balance of flavors and textures. To start, mix the dry ingredients. In a bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. This mix brings balance to your crust. Next, incorporate the butter. Add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step is key for a flaky texture. Now, add cold water. Gradually pour in 5-6 tablespoons of cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix until the dough holds together. Wrap it in plastic and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough relax for easy rolling later. For the filling, prepare the apples first. Peel and dice 3 medium apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples add a nice tartness. Next, add caramel and spices. In a bowl, mix the diced apples with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 cup of caramel sauce, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Stir well to coat the apples. This creates a sweet and spicy filling. Now, let’s make the streusel topping. In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of flour, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. This mix will add a crunchy texture. Combine with melted butter. Pour in 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter and stir until crumbly. This will give your topping a rich flavor. Roll out the dough next. Once chilled, roll the dough out on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut circles about 4 inches in diameter. Place the dough rounds in a greased muffin tin. Fill each cup with the caramel apple mixture. Top each pie with the streusel topping. Make sure to cover the apples well. Preheat the oven now. Set it to 375°F (190°C) so it's hot when the pies go in. Bake the mini pies. Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the crust to be golden brown and the apples bubbling. The aroma will fill your kitchen! Let the pies cool. Once baked, allow them to cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes. This makes them easier to remove. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving. If you like, add extra caramel sauce on top for a sweet finish. Enjoy your delicious caramel apple mini pies! For baking, I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. These types have the right mix of tartness and sweetness. Granny Smith apples bring a nice zing, while Honeycrisp adds a soft, sweet bite. To balance flavors, I suggest mixing both types. This mix gives your pies depth and makes each bite exciting. You can also try Fuji apples for a sweeter taste. To make a flaky pie crust, keep your butter cold. I cube it straight from the fridge. When mixing, stop when you see small lumps of butter. This creates those nice, flaky layers. Preventing sogginess is key. I recommend chilling your crust before filling it. A quick chill helps keep the crust firm when the filling goes in. You can also brush the inside with a little melted butter before adding the apples. For the perfect streusel, focus on crumb texture. You want it to be crumbly but still hold together. Mix the oats, flour, and sugar well. Then add melted butter gradually until it looks like wet sand. You can add flavors to your streusel too! Try mixing in chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts. You can also add some cocoa powder for a chocolate twist. This makes your pies even more special. {{image_2}} To mix things up, try adding nuts or chocolate to your streusel. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you love chocolate, consider mixing in mini chocolate chips. Both options elevate the flavor and texture. You can also experiment with different fruits. While apples shine, pears or berries can be delicious too. Each fruit brings its own unique taste. You can even mix them for a fun twist. If you need a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Many great blends work well in pie crusts. Make sure to check if your blend has a binding agent like xanthan gum. Adjust your baking times slightly. Gluten-free crusts can bake faster. Keep an eye on the mini pies to avoid over-baking. For a vegan version, replace butter with plant-based alternatives. Coconut oil or vegan butter works well. You can also use coconut cream or a nut-based cream as a caramel substitute. Other dairy-free options include almond or soy milk. These swaps keep your mini pies tasty and suitable for a plant-based diet. Don’t hesitate to get creative! To keep your caramel apple mini pies fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the crust crisp and the filling tasty. Your mini pies will last up to five days in the fridge. They make a great snack or dessert anytime! If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. First, let the mini pies cool completely. Then, wrap each pie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as you can before sealing. They can stay good in the freezer for about three months. When you're ready to eat, take one out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in a warm oven for about 10 minutes. This way, the crust stays crisp! These mini pies are perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess goes well with the warm pie. For a fun touch, drizzle some extra caramel sauce on top before serving. You can also sprinkle a little cinnamon for extra flavor. Serve them on a pretty plate to impress your guests! Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. It saves you time later. Here are some tips for preparing dough in advance: - Chill the Dough: After mixing, wrap the dough in plastic wrap. Chill it for at least 30 minutes. - Store It Right: If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. - Thaw Before Use: When ready to bake, thaw the dough in the fridge overnight. To avoid a watery filling, use these techniques: - Choose Firm Apples: Select apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well. - Add Thickeners: Mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch or flour with your filling. This helps absorb excess moisture. - Cook the Filling: You can cook the apple mixture for a few minutes. This will reduce some moisture before filling the pies. If you don’t have caramel sauce, you have options: - Homemade Caramel: You can make your own with sugar and cream. It’s simple and tasty. - Sweetened Condensed Milk: Heat it lightly for a caramel-like flavor. - Maple Syrup: This gives a different flavor but still adds sweetness. In this post, we covered how to make delicious mini apple pies. You learned about key ingredients like flour, butter, and apples. We detailed the steps for mixing, filling, and baking the pies. You also got tips on choosing apples and perfecting the crust. Remember the variations to customize your pies and the storage tips for keeping them fresh. Making these mini pies can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy sharing them with friends and family!

Caramel Apple Mini Pies with Streusel

Indulge in the deliciousness of Caramel Apple Mini Pies with Streusel! These bite-sized treats combine flaky crust, sweet caramel, and spiced apples for the perfect dessert. Follow our easy recipe to whip up 12 delightful mini pies that are sure to impress at any gathering. Whether for a party or a cozy night in, these treats are a hit! Click through to discover the full recipe and make your own tasty creations today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

5-6 tablespoons cold water

3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for the streusel)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions
 

Make the Pie Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

    Prepare the Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the diced apples, lemon juice, 1/2 cup of caramel sauce, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to combine and set aside.

      Make the Streusel Topping: In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, 1/4 cup of flour, brown sugar, and melted butter until crumbly. Set aside.

        Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

          Roll Out the Dough: Once chilled, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or glass to cut out circles, about 4 inches in diameter.

            Assemble the Mini Pies: Place the dough rounds in a greased muffin tin. Fill each dough cup with the caramel apple mixture. Top generously with the streusel topping.

              Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are bubbling.

                Cool and Serve: Let the mini pies cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove them. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top if desired.

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 mini pies