Individual Apple Pies
Who wants to share your apple pie? Not this guy! These Individual Apple Pies are a fun way to serve a classic Autumn dessert!
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For Christmas last year, Santa gave Robbie a toy construction kit. It came with a workbench, safety goggles, hard hat and a tool belt. When he puts it all on to “get to work?” Amazing! This kit also came with a tape measure, and we’ve been using that lately to teach him how to measure. We’ve measured everything from the height of the dining room chairs to the length of Dad’s leg. Robbie loves running around the house looking for things to measure. (To be fair, his accuracy is a little suspect…but he’s learning!)
Speaking of measuring, I realized I’ve never shared one of my favorite kitchen hacks. There are a lot of recipes out there which require measuring lengths. “Roll the dough out into a 10″x15″ rectangle.” “Roll dough into an 11″ circle.” Etc, etc. Now I know companies like Silpat make really nifty mats with measurements printed directly on the mats (affiliate link). However, I’ve never used those. I’m a bit more rustic. I use my handy-dandy paint stick ruler.
My paint stick ruler is just that. It’s a big paint stick from Home Depot that I turned into a ruler. It’s ~20″ long, which is plenty long enough for most recipes. And since it’s just a wooden stick, it makes it easy to rinse off whenever needed. Every once in a while, I have to redraw the measurement markings as they fade from the washing. But for a kitchen tool? This is perfect! I keep it on top of the refrigerator and pull it down when needed. (I use this thing a lot!) Oh, and I drilled a hole and tied a strap on there just to make the ruler easier to grab…but that’s totally not necessary.
Individual Apple Pies
Speaking of using this ruler, I used it the other day to make these Individual Apple Pies. Last winter, I used these mini-springform pans (aff. link) to make Mini Chicken Pot Pies. Those pies turned out quite well, and I immediately thought “Hmm, I should mini apple pies next.” Well, life happened. I didn’t get back around to that idea for several months, but I finally did. And these Individual Apple Pies? I’m serious when I say this is the end all-be all for apple pie recipes! No need to make any tweaks or changes ever again.
I could’ve polished off several of these apple pies all by myself, but I restrained myself. Robbie helped out with one of the pies, too. I explained to him how I made the pies (measure the dough, cook the filling, etc.), and he immediately hopped down from the table and ran off. I thought to myself, “Oh no.” Sure enough, I heard him rustling around in the other room, and he came trotting back with his tape measure. Once we confirmed that these Individual Apple Pies are 4″ in diameter, we proceeded to share one between us.
For these apple pies, I went with the classic cooked apple filling. There are a lot of ways to make apple pie. In the past, I’ve typically just put the apples straight into the pie shell. The apples don’t soften quite as much, so they come out with a slight crunch. I’m ok with that. It’s just a different style of pie. However, if you want the classic diner-style apple pie, then you’ve gotta cook the apples first. Trust me, the extra effort is worth it! These apple pies are amazing, and this is now my go-to recipe whenever I need an apple pie. (I might make them as individual versions, or I might adapt it to a full-sized pie. That’ll just depend on how I’m serving it. No matter the measurements, this is the recipe I’ll be using!)
I hope you enjoy these Individual Apple Pies as much as we do. Happy baking!
Did you make these Individual Apple Pies at home? Leave a comment, or snap a photo and tag me on Instagram (@Spicedblog). I’d love to see your version!
Individual Apple Pies
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsalted butter cut into cubes
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 Tbsp water
For the Filling
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 pounds apples peeled, cored and sliced (~5-6 large apples)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground allspice
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tbsp of water
- 2 Tbsp coarse sugar such as sanding sugar or turbinado
- {optional} vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
For the Dough
- Grease and flour (4) mini pie pans, each one measuring ~4”x2”. (Note: These mini springform pans work perfectly for this recipe.) Place pans on a foil-lined baking pan; set pan aside.
- Using a food processor, add the flour, butter and salt. Pulse several times until a crumbly mixture forms.
- Add egg yolk and 2-3 Tbsp of water; pulse until dough comes together in a ball.
- Divide dough into 4 equal pieces. Flatten each piece into a disc and wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour. (Note: Dough can be made the day before and refrigerated overnight.)
For the Filling
- Using a large, deep skillet, add butter and place over medium-high heat.
- Once butter has melted, add apples, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, ginger and salt; stir until well combined. Let cook for 5-7 minutes, or until apples have begun to soften.
- Add flour and cornstarch; stir until well combined. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 more minutes.
- Transfer apples into a large bowl. Add lemon juice; stir until well combined. Let mixture cool completely (~30 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Working on a lightly floured surface, roll each piece of dough into an 8” circle. Press one piece of dough into each of the 4 prepared pans.
- Divide filling evenly into 4 pans. Fold excess dough over top, but do not seal. Brush tops of dough with the beaten egg. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until tops of pies are golden brown.
- Let pies cool for 30 minutes before serving.
- {Optional} Serve pies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Looking for more apple recipes? Check out these other favorites, too:
I wouldn’t want to share either! These individual Apple Pies look incredible, David!
Robbie has grown so much!! His toy construction kit sounds fun and like a great learning ‘tool’ (bad pun, sorry. 😉 ). And great idea for the simple measuring stick for baking!
Thank you so much, Marissa! There’s something fun about having a whole apple pie to yourself. 🙂
And you’re telling me about Robbie…I don’t notice it day-to-day, but when I look back at older photos, I realize that he’s growing like a weed!
I am a huge fan of individual desserts, and these pies are gorgeous! And who can resist a classic apple filling? Delicious!
Thanks so much, Alex! I love individual desserts, too, and these Apple Pies take full advantage of apple season here in the States. 🙂
What did you do with remaining three pies? I’d be happy to forward my address.
Let’s not talk about the remaining three pies. Or shall we say the pies formally known as remaining.
David, these look and sound delicious and they look pretty easy too! Your son has grown up so fast, remember reading about him when he was a toddler.
Yes, Robbie really is growing quickly these days. He now requests to eat the apples whole instead of having me slice them. I remember when he wouldn’t think about taking a bite of an apple whole!
In other news, I highly recommend these apple pies, Rahul. They are classic in the best way possible!
Aww, These are so cute! absolutely love the serving sized pies. I like the idea of measuring it with a simple ruler, it is so much fun to work, than the pre printed once. Sugar sprinkles and scoop of ice cream is perfect for my kids. So love this recipe, thank you for sharing!
These individual apple pies really are quite fun, Aarthi! I highly recommend making a batch – the only problem is you’ll want to eat all of the apple pie filling before they go into the mini apple pies! 🙂
Apple pie is always a favourite here David. The thing is I always make a huge apple pie which means there so much to eat meaning we usually overeat. Well that wouldn’t happen with these individual apple pies would it? What a great idea and delicious looking too!
I totally understand about overeating when it comes to delicious desserts – a good apple pie is one of my favorites, too! These individual pies are a fun way to serve ’em, and it limits you to one. Well, I mean I guess you could go back for a second…haha. 🙂
Ahh, great minds think alike! I just made some mini apple pies too, except I also used some strawberries and cherries in the filling and they were gone in a blink. I love the look of yours, David, especially the cooked filling – it looks perfectly soft and spiced to me.
And I love this age – Robbie sounds very curious and inquisitive. My twins have loved their toolboxes and have been “fixing” things around the house for a couple of years now. I will often hear some random banging noises from somewhere around the house – it’s quite funny really. Something to look forward to!
Oooo…apple + strawberry + cherry pies? Those sound delicious, Katerina! Next time I make a batch, I’ll have to play around with adding more fruit.
Oh, I had to laugh at your comment about random banging noises in the house – we know that feeling all too well. In fact, just last night we paused our tv show to identify a strange sound. Turns out it was just Robbie singing at the top of his lungs up in his room. Haha!
Awww, that’s so cute with his little construction kit! He is certainly growing up fast!! I love individual desserts (though I’m not confident I’d eat just one ;)). These are such a great way to use fall apples and I bet they make the house smell amazing!! One of these and a bit scoop of ice-cream and I’m set. Happy Monday, my friend 🙂
Robbie really is growing up fast. I don’t notice it on a daily basis, but then I look back at old photos, and I realize he’s growing like a weed!
Also, these individual apple pies are fun…but like you said, it’s not easy to limit yourself to just one. Haha! Thanks, Dawn! Happy Monday to you, too!
I love the measuring stick! Perfect and I’m sure you can’t beat the price! These apple pies look delicious. I always love an individual dessert – no fighting over who gets the bigger piece!
Exactly! You can’t beat the price when it comes to my homemade measuring stick. But you know what? It’s perfect for the kitchen! I seriously pull that thing out all the time! Thanks, Kathy!
these look really cute, as does your son. pretty as a picture and good enough to eat – as they say.
Hah! I haven’t heard that phrase in years – but it’s the perfect way to describe this one. Thanks, Sherry!
Dang David!
If I’d known you were going to be baking up these individual apple pies as well as those bear claws, I would indeed have moved into y’alls neighborhood- even offered to baby-sit Robbie – though from that pic, I should say ‘lil-man’-sit him! That adorable chap of yalls is growing up quick!
But back to these- I like the idea of NOT sharing treats so these are going on my holiday baking list for sure!
Wait – did you just say you’d be willing to babysit Robbie?? I’ll make you more scones, bear claws, apple pies and anything else that you want! Yes, I’ll even share my individual apple pies with you – well some of them. Haha!
I love indidual desserts. They are so much fun to make and eat. These apple pie look perfect. Robbie is getting so big. I like how he likes to measure things.
You’re right, Dawn – Robbie really is getting so big these days. I can hardly believe it myself! And these individual apple pies are perfect for the fall baking season. Thanks so much! 🙂
Wondering if these can be frozen, IF there are any left?
Hey Leon! Great question – I haven’t tried freezing this yet as we’ve never had leftovers. 🙂 However, with that said, I do believe these would freeze well. I would wrap each individually in plastic wrap and then put in a freezer bag. For reheating, I would let them thaw to room temperature first and then pop them in a toaster oven or oven for like 8-10 minutes just to try and “recrisp” the crust. I hope this helps! If you do make these and freeze them, then swing back by and let me know how it worked out? Happy baking!
Very resourceful and to add to that do you know wood has an antibacterial property so it is the best thing to use for cooking items, hence I love my wooden chopping block, would never replace it with those plastic ones. BTW those apple pie looks awesome!
Interesting! I did not realize that about wooden cookware. Like you, I don’t like plastic cutting boards. I do have a composite one (made from paper composite of all things) that I absolutely love. Either way, thank you for the kind words about the apple pies – these are definitely a household favorite!!
Individual apple pies, such a brilliant idea! No more fighting for the last slice 😉
Haha! Good point, Michelle. This way no one has to argue over the last slice…unless you happen to have an extra individual pie leftover. 🙂
Very nice recipe. I cooked it yesterday, I can say this is the best apple pie that I’ve ever tried before, and if you put ice cream on the top, it makes it more delicious 🙂
Thanks so much, Den! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe. I think this is the best apple pie I’ve ever tried, too – I go back to this exact recipe whenever I’m craving apple pie! And, yes, the ice cream on top is a requirement! 🙂