Do I need to cook apples before putting them in a pie?

Cooking apples before baking a pie is optional. For mini pies, uncooked apples work well since they soften quickly during baking. Pre-cooking apples can help release excess moisture, preventing a soggy crust and ensuring a perfectly balanced filling.

Why does McDonald's apple pie taste so good?

McDonald’s apple pie owes its deliciousness to a combination of warm spices, sweetened apples, and a crispy, fried crust. The nostalgic flavor comes from their unique recipe, which balances sweetness with just the right hint of tartness, making it a satisfying treat.

What is the thickener in apple pie filling?

Cornstarch or all-purpose flour is commonly used as a thickener in apple pie filling. These ingredients help absorb excess liquid from the apples, creating a luscious and rich filling that doesn’t run when sliced.

What is a small pie called?

A small pie is often referred to as a "hand pie" or "mini pie." These petite versions are perfect for individual servings and can be baked in ramekins, muffin tins, or mini pie pans.

Small Apple Pie Recipe

Description

This small apple pie recipe is the perfect mini dessert, featuring a buttery crust and a spiced apple filling. Ideal for intimate dinners or festive gatherings, these personal-sized pies are easy to make and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
6–8 tbsp ice water

For the Filling

2–3 medium baking apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced thin
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice

For Assembly

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together.
Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

In a bowl, combine apple slices, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
Mix well and set aside.

Assemble the Pies:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface and cut circles to fit mini pie pans or muffin tins.
Line the pans with dough and fill with apple mixture.
Roll out the second disc, cut circles or strips for lattice tops, and cover the pies.
Pinch edges to seal, cut small vents, and brush with egg wash. Sprinkle sugar on top.

Bake:

Place pies on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes (mini pies) or 35–45 minutes (6-inch pies), until golden brown and bubbly.
Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

You can use store-bought pie crust for convenience.
To prevent a soggy bottom crust, brush the base with egg wash and pre-bake for 5–7 minutes.
Pies can be frozen unbaked; bake directly from frozen, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 mini pie
Calories: 250
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: small apple pie recipe, mini apple pie, 6-inch apple pie, individual apple pie