Description
Apple Pie Bites combine the comforting flavors of classic apple pie with a soft, buttery yeast dough, baked into easy-to-serve bite-sized treats. Filled with a spiced apple mixture and finished with a luscious cream cheese frosting and caramel drizzle, these sweet bites are perfect for dessert or a special snack.
Ingredients
Apple Pie Filling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 medium apples (about 550g, peeled, cored, and diced small; Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Dough
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into slices for easier melting)
- 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast (1 standard packet)
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (use clear for a whiter frosting)
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk (as needed to thin)
Finishing
- ⅛ - ¼ cup caramel sauce (warmed slightly for drizzling)
Instructions
- Prepare Filling: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring gently every few minutes until apples soften and release juices. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth, then add to skillet and stir. Cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Make Dough Mixture: Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl or stand mixer bowl. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm milk and butter to 90-110°F (32-43°C). Stir to melt butter fully. Ensure mixture does not exceed 110°F to preserve yeast integrity. Whisk in yeast until dissolved.
- Knead Dough: Add milk mixture and egg to dry ingredients. Mix to combine with a sturdy spoon or paddle attachment. Switch to dough hook and knead in mixer for about 3 minutes, or knead by hand on floured surface for 3-5 minutes until dough is wet but not sticky. Adjust with small amounts of flour or water if needed. Knead additional 30-60 seconds. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes until doubled in size.
- Prepare Oven and Dough Shape: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin pan. Punch down dough gently and transfer to a floured surface. Press or roll dough into a 12 x 16 inch (30 x 40 cm) rectangle.
- Add Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Brush dough rectangle with melted butter, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar evenly over the surface. Cut dough into twelve 4-inch squares.
- Form Dough Cups: Press each square into a greased muffin tin cavity, shaping the dough up the sides to form a cup. You can leave corners hanging or shape edges for a smooth appearance.
- Add Filling and Bake: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of cooled apple filling into each dough cup, gently pressing down to settle. You can heap apples slightly as they will shrink during baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes until dough is golden and cooked through.
- Make Frosting and Serve: While baking, beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; beat to combine. Thin with milk as needed until you achieve a thick drizzle consistency. Once bites are warm from the oven, drizzle cream cheese frosting over them, then finish with a light drizzle of warmed caramel sauce. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for best tartness and texture in the filling.
- Ensure milk and butter mixture is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
- Dough consistency can be adjusted with small additions of flour or water.
- Allow apple filling to cool completely before adding to dough to prevent sogginess.
- Frosting can be thinned with milk gradually to achieve desired drizzling consistency.
- Caramel sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness—adjust quantity based on preference.
- These bites are best served warm but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
