If you’ve been searching for a cozy, irresistibly delightful dessert, your quest ends right here with this Mini Dutch Apple Pies Recipe. Imagine tiny, golden-brown pies bursting with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, topped with a buttery crumble that adds the perfect crunch. These little gems are perfectly portioned for sharing yet so tasty you’ll want to keep them all for yourself. Whether it’s a family gathering, a friendly potluck, or just a special treat for yourself, these mini pies bring warmth and comfort to every bite, making them an absolute go-to recipe any time of the year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A kitchen scene with a close-up of a white pan filled with small chopped pieces of red and white apples layered at the bottom. On top of the apples, there is a mound of brown sugar and white flour sprinkled unevenly. A woman's hand is adding a spoonful of a pale liquid ingredient into the pan. Behind the pan is a wooden cutting board holding a large silver knife, two cut apple pieces with a red outer skin and pale inner flesh, a small bowl with pink salt, and a clear glass of water. All items are placed on a white marble surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Mini Dutch Apple Pies Recipe relies on simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients that work beautifully together. Each element plays a crucial role, adding texture, sweetness, spice, or richness to create that classic apple pie magic in a mini package.

3 medium apples (diced into ¼” cubes): The star of the show, providing juicy, tender fruit pieces perfect for filling.
½ cup brown sugar (packed): Adds deep caramel sweetness that balances the tartness of the apples.
1 Tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the filling and keeps the apples from browning too quickly.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces a warm, aromatic undertone that enhances all the spices.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Classic spice essential for that unmistakable apple pie flavor.
½ teaspoon nutmeg: Adds subtle nutty warmth to the filling’s spice blend.
¼ teaspoon cardamom (optional): A fragrant twist that elevates the spice profile with a hint of citrusy complexity.
¼ teaspoon allspice: Complements cinnamon and nutmeg with rich, deep spice notes.
1 pinch ground cloves: Just a touch brings out earthy, slightly peppery hints that make the filling unforgettable.
¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors subtly.
1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting): Helps thicken the apple filling as it cooks.
½ cup rolled oats: Provides chewy texture in the crumble topping.
½ cup all-purpose flour: The base for the crumble, creating structure and bite.
¼ cup brown sugar (packed): Sweetens and caramelizes the crumble for a perfect golden finish.
½ teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses the crumble topping with familiar warmth.
4 Tablespoons salted butter: Binds the crumble ingredients together and adds rich, buttery flavor.
1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade): The tender, flaky vessel that holds all the delicious filling and crumble.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Mini Dutch Apple Pies Recipe

Step 1: Making the Apple Pie Filling

Start by dicing the apples into neat ¼ inch cubes; tiny pieces ensure every bite fits perfectly inside the mini pies and allows the spices to coat each morsel evenly. In a medium pot, combine the diced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, a blend of spices, flour, and salt. Stir everything gently to mix, then cook the mixture over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes. The apples will soften and become enveloped in a thick, spiced syrup that smells like autumn in a pot. Once ready, remove from heat and let it cool; cooling helps the filling thicken just right for stuffing into the crusts.

Step 2: Preparing the Crumble Topping

The crumble topping is what really makes these pies shine, adding buttery crunch alongside the soft, spiced apples. In a bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, packed brown sugar, and cinnamon with a fork until evenly combined. Pour in the melted butter and stir again until the mixture turns crumbly but holds together when pinched. Set this aside for topping the pies later; the crumble will bake to a golden, crispy perfection, creating irresistible texture contrast.

Step 3: Preparing the Mini Pie Crusts

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grab a dark-colored muffin pan; it’s the secret to getting beautifully crisp and golden crusts. Roll out your chilled pie crust on a lightly floured surface, taking care to roll in only one direction from the center outward and rotating the dough regularly to avoid sticking. Aim for about 3 mm thickness—thin enough to bake evenly but sturdy enough to hold the filling. Use a 4-inch (10 cm) round cutter to create circles to line your muffin pan. Press the dough carefully into each muffin hole to form mini tart shells. Don’t stress if a circle tears—patch it up and keep going! Use any leftover dough by re-rolling after chilling briefly if needed.

Step 4: Filling and Topping the Mini Apple Crumble Pies

Divide the cooled apple filling into the crusts, spooning about 2 to 3 tablespoons into each one. Press the filling gently downward to pack it, which helps prevent gaps when adding the crumble. Spoon a generous tablespoon of the crumble mixture on top of each apple-filled shell, smoothing it out; avoid piling it too high to ensure it browns evenly and crisps up perfectly without burning.

Step 5: Baking the Mini Apple Pies

Pop the muffin pan into the oven’s center rack and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Dark pans tend to crisp and brown the pies quicker, so start checking around 15 minutes. The pies are done when the filling bubbles enticingly and both the crust and crumble are a gorgeous golden brown. Once baked, let the pies cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Use a fork carefully to release each mini pie and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely—this keeps the crust from getting soggy. Then, enjoy every bite of your perfect Mini Dutch Apple Pies Recipe.

How to Serve Mini Dutch Apple Pies Recipe

A dark gray muffin tray holds 12 pie crusts, each pale beige with soft, raised edges pressed into each cavity. Five of the crusts in the middle are being filled with a chunky, cooked filling that is orange-brown with small diced pieces, possibly fruit or vegetables. A woman's hand is seen holding a silver spoon, scooping the filling into the crust on the left middle row. Above the tray is a white pot with the same filling inside, resting on a green knitted mat. To the right of the pot, a small pile of folded pale dough sits near a metal dough scraper with a black handle. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Mini Dutch Apple Pies are delightful on their own but can be made even more special with simple garnishes. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy touch that looks as good as it tastes. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream brings creamy richness that melts beautifully over warm pies.

Side Dishes

These mini pies shine as a sweet finish alongside autumn-inspired beverages like hot apple cider or a warm chai latte. For a full dessert spread, pair them with spiced nuts or a small cheese platter featuring mild cheeses like brie or camembert, which complements the pie’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Since these pies are bite-sized, they’re perfect for festive gatherings or buffet tables. Arrange them on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks around for an inviting presentation. You can also serve them in colorful mini paper liners for an added pop of charm, especially for party settings or kids’ events.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Mini Dutch Apple Pies left over, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the crust crisp and filling delicious. For longer storage, refrigeration is best, though the crust may lose a little crunch.

Freezing

These mini pies freeze exceptionally well. Wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap, then store them all together in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to restore flakiness.

Reheating

To bring those mini pies back to freshly baked glory, heat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. This will warm the filling and crisp the crust without drying out the pie. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the crust.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this Mini Dutch Apple Pies Recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully for a balanced sweetness, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to dice them small so they cook evenly.

Is it necessary to use a store-bought pie crust?

Not at all! You can definitely use your favorite homemade pie crust recipe if you prefer. The key is to roll it thin enough for even baking and to chill it properly to make handling easier.

What if I don’t have rolled oats for the crumble topping?

If you’re out of oats, you can substitute with crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts to add a delightful crunch. Alternatively, just increase the flour slightly for a softer crumble texture.

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the apple filling can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Bring it back to room temperature and stir gently before filling the pie crusts to ensure the best texture.

How can I make these pies gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the flour in the filling and crumble topping with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the oats you use are labeled gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about mini desserts that feel both personal and festive, and this Mini Dutch Apple Pies Recipe hits every note perfectly. The combination of tender, spiced apples with a buttery crumble topping inside a crisp, flaky crust is utterly comforting and delightful. Once you try this recipe, these miniature pies are guaranteed to become your new favorite treat for any occasion. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and start baking today—you’ll thank yourself later!

Mini Dutch Apple Pies Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need