Dive into the enchanting world of Homemade Mini Apple Pies, a perfect blend of juicy apples and the smooth, rich taste of vanilla cream. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into exquisite tartelettes, promising a burst of flavors with every bite. Perfect for apple lovers and dessert aficionados alike, these mini pies are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
Why You'll Love This: You'll adore this recipe for its charming combination of textures and flavors. The caramelized apples offer a tender sweetness, perfectly complemented by the luxurious vanilla pudding. Encased in a buttery shortcrust pastry that's both crisp and melt-in-your-mouth, these mini pies strike the ideal balance between indulgent and comforting. It's homemade baking at its finest, with the delightful aroma of apples and vanilla wafting through your kitchen.
Perfect Occasion: These Mini Apple Pies are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a cozy family gathering, an elegant afternoon tea, or a festive holiday table. They're also wonderful as thoughtful homemade gifts, showing your loved ones just how much you care. Their individual serving size makes them especially appealing for parties and small get-togethers, allowing everyone to enjoy their own little piece of pie heaven.
Decoration Tips: For an extra touch of elegance, dust the cooled pies with powdered sugar or top them with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. If you're feeling adventurous, garnish with thin apple slices or mint leaves for a fresh contrast. Serving these beauties on a vintage platter or individual dessert plates can elevate the presentation, making each bite feel even more special.
Ingredients:
Makes 4 individual pies, 10 cm in diameter.
Apple Filling:
- 2 apples (such as Braeburn or Boskop), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 30 grams of sugar
- 25 grams of butter
Vanilla Cream Filling:
- 300 ml milk
- 30 grams of sugar
- 20 grams of cornstarch
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Buttery Shortcrust Pastry:
- 250 grams of plain flour
- 125 grams of cold butter, chopped
- 30 grams of sugar
- 4 tablespoons of ice-cold water
- A dash of salt
For Glazing:
- 1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon of milk
Directions:
- In a skillet, melt sugar and butter together until caramelized.
- Toss in the chopped apples and cook for 5-7 minutes until they're tender and beautifully caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks.
- Warm the milk in a saucepan and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix the egg mixture into the warm milk, stirring constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens into a pudding. Allow to cool.
- Blend flour, butter, sugar, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice-cold water to form a dough.
- Encase the dough in cling film and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Roll out the dough, cut into circles, and press into tartlet pans. Prick the base with a fork.
- Layer the vanilla pudding onto the pastry bases, followed by the caramelized apples.
- Craft a lattice top with remaining pastry dough strips and brush with the egg yolk-milk mixture.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until the pastry turns golden brown.
- Allow to cool before serving. Optionally, garnish with powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra delight.
Enjoy these heavenly Mini Apple Pies, where every bite brings a taste of homemade bliss.