If you love the comforting flavors of classic apple pie but want something quicker and easier, these Apple Pie Bites are the perfect treat. This easy recipe delivers all the cozy goodness of apple pie in a fun, handheld version. Crisp cinnamon sugar shells are filled with warm, gooey apple pie filling and topped with whipped cream or ice cream. Perfect for parties, fall gatherings, or whenever you crave a sweet bite-sized dessert.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar Shells
- 6 flour tortillas
- ½ cup butter
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon
Apple Pie Filling
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
For the Cinnamon Sugar Shells:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
- Cut out three 3 ¼″ circles from each tortilla.
- Generously brush both sides with melted butter, then dip each side in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Press each circle into a standard muffin tin and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until lightly golden and set.
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium pan, combine butter, cinnamon, apples, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the apple mixture.
- Continue to cook until the apples are tender (not mushy) and the filling thickens. Let it bubble for about 1 minute, then cool slightly.
- Just before serving, spoon the apple mixture into the cinnamon sugar shells. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Serving and Storage Tips
To make the most of your Apple Pie Bites, serve them warm right after filling for the best texture and flavor. The cinnamon sugar shells stay crisp, and the apple filling remains gooey and aromatic. If serving later, store the apple filling separately from the shells to prevent sogginess. You can reheat the filling in the microwave for 30–45 seconds before assembling. Store leftover shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The apple filling can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. If freezing, store unfilled shells and filling separately for up to 1 month—simply thaw and assemble before serving.
Variations
- Caramel Apple Pie Bites – Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before serving for an indulgent caramel twist.
- Maple Pecan Apple Pie Bites – Add chopped toasted pecans and a touch of maple syrup to the apple filling for extra crunch and warmth.
- Cranberry Apple Pie Bites – Mix in dried cranberries or cranberry sauce for a tart, festive flavor.
- Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bites – Add a sprinkle of sea salt over a caramel drizzle for a sweet-salty balance.
- Apple Cheesecake Bites – Add a layer of sweetened cream cheese at the base of each shell before adding the apple filling.
- Cinnamon Roll Apple Pie Bites – Use small cinnamon roll dough circles instead of tortillas for a richer, bakery-style version.
- Nutty Apple Pie Bites – Stir in finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the filling for a crunchy texture.
- Brown Sugar Oat Apple Pie Bites – Sprinkle a brown sugar-oat crumble over the top before baking for a streusel finish.
- Apple Pie Bites with Puff Pastry – Use puff pastry squares instead of tortillas for a flakier bite.
- Spiced Apple Chai Bites – Add a pinch of ground ginger, nutmeg, and cardamom to the filling for a chai-inspired flavor.
- Apple Blueberry Bites – Combine chopped apples and fresh blueberries for a fruity twist.
- Peanut Butter Apple Pie Bites – Spread a thin layer of peanut butter in each shell before adding the apple filling.
- Apple Pie Bites à la Mode – Serve warm bites with a scoop of vanilla or butter pecan ice cream.
- Apple Pie Bites with Cream Cheese Glaze – Drizzle a glaze made of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk over the top.
- Apple Pie S’mores Bites – Top each bite with mini marshmallows and broil for a few seconds for a toasted marshmallow topping.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought apple pie filling?
Yes, you can use canned apple pie filling for a quicker version. Just heat it slightly before spooning into the shells.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shells and apple filling in advance and store them separately. Assemble just before serving.
3. What apples are best for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples work best because of their tartness and firm texture, but Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well.
4. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Absolutely. Try pears, peaches, or berries for a fun twist on the recipe.
5. Can I air fry the shells instead of baking?
Yes, air fry at 350°F for 6–8 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
6. How can I make these bites vegan?
Use plant-based butter and vegan tortillas, and replace whipped cream or ice cream with dairy-free alternatives.
7. Can I make the shells gluten-free?
Yes, substitute with gluten-free tortillas or use mini gluten-free pastry shells.
8. How do I prevent the shells from getting soggy?
Assemble right before serving, and let the filling cool slightly to prevent excess moisture.
9. Can I freeze Apple Pie Bites?
Yes, freeze unfilled shells and cooked filling separately for up to 1 month. Thaw and assemble when ready to serve.
10. What can I serve with Apple Pie Bites?
They pair perfectly with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, caramel drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
These Apple Pie Bites are an irresistible, bite-sized version of a traditional dessert that everyone will love. With their crispy cinnamon-sugar shells and warm apple filling, they’re a guaranteed hit for any party or cozy night in. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy the taste of homemade apple pie. Serve them fresh from the oven for an unforgettable fall dessert.
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Apple Pie Bites
Description
If you love the comforting flavors of classic apple pie but want something quicker and easier, these Apple Pie Bites are the perfect treat. This easy recipe delivers all the cozy goodness of apple pie in a fun, handheld version. Crisp cinnamon sugar shells are filled with warm, gooey apple pie filling and topped with whipped cream or ice cream. Perfect for parties, fall gatherings, or whenever you crave a sweet bite-sized dessert.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Sugar Shells
- 6 flour tortillas
- ½ cup butter
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons cinnamon
Apple Pie Filling
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
For the Cinnamon Sugar Shells:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Combine cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
- Cut out three 3 ¼″ circles from each tortilla.
- Generously brush both sides with melted butter, then dip each side in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Press each circle into a standard muffin tin and bake for 12–14 minutes, or until lightly golden and set.
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium pan, combine butter, cinnamon, apples, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 5–7 minutes until softened.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the apple mixture.
- Continue to cook until the apples are tender (not mushy) and the filling thickens. Let it bubble for about 1 minute, then cool slightly.
- Just before serving, spoon the apple mixture into the cinnamon sugar shells. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Notes
To make the most of your Apple Pie Bites, serve them warm right after filling for the best texture and flavor. The cinnamon sugar shells stay crisp, and the apple filling remains gooey and aromatic. If serving later, store the apple filling separately from the shells to prevent sogginess. You can reheat the filling in the microwave for 30–45 seconds before assembling. Store leftover shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The apple filling can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. If freezing, store unfilled shells and filling separately for up to 1 month—simply thaw and assemble before serving.