These Apple Pie Bites are like little hugs of sweetness! They’re made with tender apple pieces wrapped in flaky pastry, sprinkled with cinnamon—perfect for a cozy treat.
Making these is super fun! I like to bake them until they’re golden and bubbly, then share them hot out of the oven. Who can say no to warm apple goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples work well for their tartness, balancing the sweetness of the sugar. Fuji apples are another great choice. If you want more sweetness, Honeycrisp apples could work, too. Just aim for a mix of tart and sweet apples when you can!
Butter: Unsalted is best for controlling the saltiness in your dish. However, you can use salted butter if that’s all you have—just skip adding any extra salt elsewhere in the recipe.
Crescent Roll Dough: This is a fantastic time-saver and adds a buttery flavor. You can substitute with puff pastry, which will give a flakier texture. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free crescent dough options that can be found at many grocery stores.
Spices: Ground nutmeg adds a warm flavor but can be left out if you don’t have it. Instead, a pinch of allspice or even ginger can create a nice variation!
How Can I Make My Bites Even More Delicious?
One of the most important steps is cooking the apple filling just right. Here’s how to ensure delicious bites:
- Cook the apples until they are tender but not mushy. This usually takes 5-7 minutes.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice! It brightens the flavors and prevents the apples from browning.
- Make sure to roll the dough tightly around the filling. This keeps the apples in and creates a nice bite-sized treat!
Lastly, always coat the warm bites in cinnamon-sugar while they’re fresh from the oven. This gives them an irresistible sweet crunch!
How to Make Apple Pie Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Filling:
- 2 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For The Dough:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (or puff pastry sheet)
For The Brushing and Coating:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 25 minutes of prep time and another 12-15 minutes for baking. In total, set aside around 40 minutes to make these delightful Apple Pie Bites.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to keep your bites from sticking.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender. Remove the pan from the heat and let the filling cool slightly.
3. Roll Out the Dough:
If you’re using crescent roll dough, unroll it and separate it into triangles. For puff pastry, cut it into about 2-inch squares. Lay it out on a clean surface, ready to fill!
4. Fill and Roll the Bites:
Take about 1 tablespoon of your apple filling and place it at the wide end of each dough piece. Now, roll the dough tightly around the filling from the wide end to the pointy end, forming small bite-sized rolls.
5. Brush and Bake:
Arrange your rolls on the parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure the seam is facing down. Brush the tops of each apple bite with melted butter for a lovely golden color.
6. Baking Time:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the bites are beautifully golden brown and puffed up. Watch them closely so they don’t overbake!
7. Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
As soon as they come out of the oven, roll the warm bites in the cinnamon-sugar mixture for an extra sweet touch. This creates a lovely crunchy coating.
8. Cool and Serve:
Let the Apple Pie Bites cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy them warm or at room temperature. They make a fantastic snack or dessert!
These Apple Pie Bites are a delightful treat that packs all the traditional flavors of apple pie into bite-sized pieces. Perfect for sharing or enjoying all on your own!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Fuji are great choices, you can use any apples you prefer. Mixing a couple of different varieties can add depth to the flavor!
Can I Make These Apple Pie Bites Vegan?
Yes! To make them vegan, use plant-based butter instead of regular butter and check that your crescent roll dough or puff pastry is dairy-free. Many brands offer suitable options!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain some crispiness!
Can I Freeze Apple Pie Bites?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking! Just assemble the bites, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
