Mini Apple Pies: The Perfect Personal-Sized Dessert
by Julie Lopez, RD
“When life gives you Kanzi apples, Make mini pies!” Kanzi apples might not be the first variety you think of for apple pies, but their unique mix of sweetness and tanginess makes them an unexpectedly delicious choice!
As a registered dietitian, I love creating recipes that are not only fun and delicious but also pack a punch when it comes to nutrition. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between flavor and wholesome goodness!
That’s why I’m excited to share my go-to mini apple pie recipe with you, featuring the perfectly sweet and tangy Kanzi apples! These little pies are easy to make and packed with flavor, thanks to the crisp texture of Kanzi apples.
But that’s not all—be sure to check out the fun video where my friends and I put Kanzi apples to the test with a taste test! Spoiler alert: the results were deliciously unanimous.
Ready to bake? Let’s get started!
Why Kanzi Apples?
Let me start by saying—Kanzi apples are a game-changer for classic apple desserts! Their crisp texture and perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors bring a whole new level of deliciousness to every bite. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll never go back!
Kanzi apples are a delicious blend of two favorites—juicy Gala and flavorful Braeburn—which gives them a uniquely complex taste that pairs perfectly with warm spices like cinnamon and brown sugar in apple pie recipes. And the best part? They’re packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, so your mini apple pies aren’t just irresistibly tasty—they’ve got a healthy twist too!
Goodbye, mushy apple pies! Kanzi apples hold their shape like a pro, so your pies come out perfectly textured every time. Plus, they’re naturally high in fiber and antioxidants, adding a little extra goodness to your dessert.
As a mom and dietitian, I’m all about finding ways to fuel your body and satisfy your taste buds every day. These mini apple pies are the perfect balance of both! They’re portioned just right, so you can indulge without overdoing it, plus they taste amazing. I had a blast experimenting with Kanzi apples to create this recipe. I have a feeling these pies are about to become your new favorite treat!
Kanzi apples make a difference
And now, here is my apple pie taste test video! We have as much fun as the vibe you get from seeing this thumbnail image. After preparing two apple pies—one featuring Kanzi Apples and the other with an alternate apple choice—I invited tasters to pick their favorite. Watch the video to discover their reviews!
The verdict? Kanzi Apple Pie wins every time, proving that the right apple makes all the difference!
Feel great about making this recipe! Not only are you creating something delicious, but you’re also supporting a cause. This post, along with others that feature our amazing brand partners, helps fund donations to Feeding America food banks. In 2023, an estimated 47 million people—about 1 in 7 Americans—faced food insecurity, according to Feeding America. Healthy Family Project has provided 22 million meals through our partnerships since 2014. Your visit helps sustain these donations, and we truly appreciate your support!
Mini Apple Pies
Ingredients
- 2 rolls of prepared pie crust at room temperature
- 4 Kanzi apples peeled and diced small
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Prepare the pie crusts. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out 10 circles from each roll of pie crust. Knead and roll out the remaining dough, if needing to cut more circles. Then roll out 10 of the dough circles increasing their size by 1/3. Place these circles of dough in the small foil pie tin, lightly pressing the dough up the sides to adhere to the pan. Set the remaining dough circles aside, you will use these for the tops of the pies.
- Place diced Kanzi apples in a medium bowl. Add the brown sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, flour, salt, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and the cinnamon. Stir to mix.
- Divide the apple filling between the 10 pie crusts. Then place the remaining circles of dough on top of the pies, and use a fork or press down with your fingers to seal the pie crust in place.
- Using a sharp knife, make 4 small slashes on the top to vent air.
- Bake the pies for 25 minutes. Then remove from the oven and brush with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Return the pies to the oven for 10 minutes letting them become golden brown. You can serve the pies warm or at room temperature.
