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To make these tasty salted caramel apple mini pies, you need the following ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon sugar - 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed - 6-8 tablespoons ice water - 3 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought) - Sea salt crystals for garnish These ingredients create a perfect blend of sweet and salty. You can enhance the taste of your mini pies with these optional ingredients: - Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) for crunch - A splash of vanilla extract for added depth - Dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity twist Adding these ingredients can elevate the flavor profile. If you don't have some ingredients, here are some easy swaps: - Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nutty taste. - Swap brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness. - Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. These substitutions can help you adapt the recipe to your needs. To make the pie crust, start with a mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix these dry ingredients well. Next, add 1 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the blend looks like coarse crumbs. Now, it's time to add water. Pour in 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix until the dough barely comes together. Then, divide the dough into two disks. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and place them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling helps the crust stay flaky. While the dough chills, prepare the apple filling. In a large bowl, combine 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced. You can use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best flavor. Add 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir the mixture until the apples are well coated. Let it sit for a few minutes. This helps the flavors mix and makes the filling even tastier. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Now, roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter, about 4 inches in diameter, to cut out circles of dough. Repeat this step with the second disk. Take half of the dough circles and place them in a greased muffin tin. Spoon the apple mixture into each circle. Then, drizzle a bit of salted caramel sauce over the apples. Top each mini pie with another dough circle. Press the edges to seal them well. Don't forget to cut small slits in the top crust, so steam can escape. Bake the mini pies in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling filling. Once done, allow the mini pies to cool for a few minutes in the tin. Drizzle more salted caramel sauce on top and sprinkle sea salt crystals before you serve. Enjoy your delightful mini pies! To make a flaky pie crust, start with cold butter. Cut it into small cubes and chill it. Mix the flour, salt, and sugar well. When you add the butter, use a pastry cutter or your fingers. You want small pieces of butter in the mix. This creates layers when you bake. Also, don't overwork the dough. Just mix until it holds together. Chill the dough before rolling it out. This helps keep the crust flaky. For the best flavor, pick tart apples. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work great. They hold their shape when baked. Tart apples balance the sweetness of the caramel. If you like a sweeter pie, mix in some Fuji or Gala apples. Always peel and core your apples before dicing them. This step makes the filling smooth and easy to eat. You can make your own salted caramel or buy it. If you make it, heat sugar until it melts and turns golden. Then add butter and cream. Stir until smooth. Add a pinch of sea salt to taste. For a quick option, store-bought works too. Just heat it slightly before using. This makes it easy to drizzle. Top your mini pies with the caramel once they cool a bit. This keeps the drizzle from melting away. {{image_2}} You can switch up the apples for other fruits. Pears add a sweet, soft touch. Cherries bring a tart flavor that pairs well with caramel. Peaches offer a juicy bite, perfect for summer. Just make sure to adjust the sugar based on the fruit's sweetness. If you want a lighter pie, try using whole wheat flour. This gives the crust more fiber. You can swap the brown sugar for coconut sugar. It adds a nice flavor and cuts refined sugars. For the filling, reduce the caramel sauce or use a sugar-free option. This way, you can enjoy your mini pies guilt-free. Mix and match flavors for fun twists. Add a bit of almond extract to the apple filling for a nutty taste. Try mixing apples with cranberries for a tart contrast. For a spicier kick, add ginger or cardamom to the filling. These small changes make each mini pie unique and exciting. To keep your salted caramel apple mini pies fresh, store them in a sealed container. Place them in the fridge. They stay good for about three days. If you want to enjoy them later, follow the freezing tips below. You can freeze these mini pies for up to three months. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each pie in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pies in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. This way, you’ll know when you made them. To reheat, take the mini pies out of the fridge or freezer. For fridge-stored pies, place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. If they are frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight first. Then, reheat as above. Enjoy the warm, gooey filling and flaky crust! Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. It saves time and still tastes great. Look for a brand that has a rich flavor and a smooth texture. If you want to boost the taste, warm the sauce slightly before using it. This makes it pour easily over the apple filling. To prevent soggy crusts, make sure your dough is cold. After mixing, chill it for at least 30 minutes. When you roll out the dough, keep your work surface floured. You can also blind bake the crusts for a few minutes before adding the filling. This helps create a barrier, keeping moisture out. Serve the mini pies warm for the best taste. Drizzle more salted caramel sauce on top. A sprinkle of sea salt adds a nice touch. You can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This perfect combo makes for a delightful dessert experience. You’ve learned about the key ingredients and steps to make mini pies. We covered filling options, pie crust tips, and storage best practices. Remember, fresh apples and a flaky crust can make a big difference. Don’t forget to try different fruit flavors and healthy swaps. These mini pies are easy to enjoy today or save for later. With these tips, you can create delightful treats that impress everyone. Happy baking, and may your mini pies turn out perfectly every time!

Salted Caramel Apple Mini Pies

Indulge in the deliciousness of Salted Caramel Apple Mini Pies that are perfect for any occasion! With a buttery crust and a sweet apple filling drizzled with rich salted caramel, these mini pies are a delightful treat. Follow the easy steps from preparing the dough to baking perfection, and savor every bite. Ready to impress your friends and family? Click through to explore the full recipe and get baking today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

6-8 tablespoons ice water

3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Sea salt crystals for garnish

Instructions
 

Make the Pie Crust: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the chilled butter cubes and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together. Divide the dough into two disks, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

    Prepare the Apple Filling: In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir until the apples are well coated and set aside to let the flavors meld.

      Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

        Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disk of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Using a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter), cut out circles of dough. Repeat with the second disk.

          Assemble Mini Pies: Place half of the dough circles onto a greased muffin tin. Fill each with a spoonful of the apple mixture, then drizzle a small amount of salted caramel sauce over the apples. Top each mini pie with another dough circle, pressing the edges to seal. Cut small slits in the top crust for steam to escape.

            Bake: Bake the mini pies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

              Cool and Serve: Allow the mini pies to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. Drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt crystals before serving.

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12 mini pies