Small Apple Pie Recipe: A Perfectly Portioned Delight
Are you craving a warm, comforting apple pie but don't want a huge slice? This recipe delivers a perfectly portioned small apple pie, ideal for one or two people, without compromising on flavour or texture. Forget about leftover pie lingering in your fridge – this recipe ensures you enjoy every delicious bite!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy and quick to prepare.
- For the Crust:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
- For the Filling:
- 1 medium apple (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let's bake this mini apple pie masterpiece! Each step is designed for simplicity and efficiency.
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix!
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier crust.
Assembling the Pie:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a small bowl, gently toss the sliced apples with the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice (if using).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the chilled dough into a 6-inch circle.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Carefully transfer the dough to a small, oven-safe pie dish (approximately 6-inch diameter). Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the dish.
- Add the filling: Spoon the apple filling into the pie crust.
- Top with remaining dough: Roll out the remaining dough and either cut it into strips for a lattice top or simply place it over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy your small apple pie warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It's the perfect treat for a cozy evening or a delightful dessert for two.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavour, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar to the top crust before baking for extra sweetness and texture.
- Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties for a unique flavour profile.
- If you don't have a pastry blender, you can use two knives to cut the butter into the flour.
This small apple pie recipe is a delightful way to enjoy this classic dessert without the commitment of a larger pie. Its perfectly portioned size makes it ideal for a personal treat or sharing with a loved one. Enjoy!