Mini Apple Pie Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s bite-sized, easy to serve, and full of cozy apple pie flavor without the work of rolling out pie crust. The bourbon adds depth to the filling, while cinnamon and nutmeg make the apples taste warm and comforting. I also enjoy how quickly these come together, making them ideal for holidays, parties, or whenever I want a sweet treat without fuss.

Ingredients

Apple Pie Filling:
1 TBS Unsalted Butter
3 Whole Honeycrisp Apples – peeled, cored and small dice
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon – plus more for garnish
1/8 tsp EACH: Kosher Salt and Ground Nutmeg
¼ Cup Dark Brown Sugar – packed
1/3 Cup Bourbon
1 tsp Lemon Juice
3 TBS Cornstarch
1/3 Cup Water

For the Bites:
2 Boxes Mini Phyllo Shells (30 shells)

Optional Garnish: Whipped Cream – to taste
Optional Garnish: Salted Caramel Sauce – to taste

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. I start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. I add the diced apples, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, and brown sugar, cooking until the apples begin to soften.
3. I pour in the bourbon and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to cook off the alcohol.
4. I stir in the lemon juice for brightness.
5. In a small bowl, I whisk together the cornstarch and water, then stir it into the apple mixture until thickened and glossy.
6. I remove the filling from the heat and let it cool slightly.
7. I spoon the apple mixture into the mini phyllo shells, filling each generously.
8. I bake the filled shells at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes until warmed through and crisp.
9. I garnish with whipped cream, salted caramel, and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 30 mini bites. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, for a total of around 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the Honeycrisp apples for Granny Smith for a more tart flavor. I also like adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch. For a kid-friendly version, I skip the bourbon and use apple cider instead.

Storage/Reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place them in the oven at 325°F for about 5 minutes to crisp the shells again. I don’t recommend microwaving since the shells lose their crunch.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the filling in advance, refrigerate it, and assemble the bites just before baking.

Do I need to cook the phyllo shells first?

No, the shells are pre-baked, so I just fill and warm them in the oven.

Can I make this recipe without bourbon?

Yes, I replace it with apple cider or extra water for a non-alcoholic version.

What apples work best?

I like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji because they hold their shape well when cooked.

Can I freeze mini apple pie bites?

I don’t recommend freezing them after assembly, but I can freeze the filling separately and use it later.

How do I keep the shells from getting soggy?

I cool the filling before spooning it in and bake just before serving.

Can I use puff pastry instead of phyllo shells?

Yes, I bake puff pastry cups and fill them with the same apple mixture.

How do I make them extra indulgent?

I drizzle with both caramel and melted chocolate before serving.

Can I make this recipe into a full pie?

Yes, I use the filling for a standard pie crust or hand pies.

Do I have to peel the apples?

I prefer peeling them for a smoother filling, but leaving the peel on works too if I want more texture.

Conclusion

These Mini Apple Pie Bites are one of my favorite ways to bring apple pie flavor to the table in a fun, easy-to-serve format. I love how the crispy shells contrast with the gooey, spiced apple filling, and the option to add caramel or whipped cream makes them even more decadent. They’re a simple yet impressive dessert that always delights.

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