Friday, June 7, 2013

Mini Apple Pie

Apples and Cinnamon is a classic and artful combination. Last year I made Apple Strudel using Phyllo Sheets. It turned out to be very delicious. So next, i thought of making and sharing with you Apple Pie. Almost every one loves Apple Pie. But its difficult to have a perfect big apple pie & also difficult to cut and serve. So, I thought why not try mini apple pies. Its simple, easy to serve & has added advantage of portion control.
Mini Apple Pie

Prep. Time - 10 mins
Cooking Time - 30-35 mins

Ingredients
1 cup Peeled and Chopped Apples
1 tsp Cinnamon Powder
1/4th cup Sugar
1 tsp butter
1/4th cup Oats
Frozen Pie Crust
1 tsp Orange / Lemon zest
Few Drops of Lemon juice

Normally, I like to try and post made-from-scratch recipes, but I have taken the liberty to do little cheating here. I have used the Pillsbury frozen pie crust. This is really an easy and simple party dessert. So lets get started !!

Thaw the Frozen Pie Crust according to package instructions.
In a small bowl mix apples and cinnamon. Add few drops of lemon juice and mix well.  By adding lemon juice, the apples will not turn brown. Let the mixture rest for atleast 20 mins. 
Preheat oven at 375 F / 180 C.

Unroll the pie crust and cut several circles out. Line each cup of your muffin /cup cake tray with tiny pie crusts.  Press gently to the sides and bottom.
Heat butter in a pan add Oats and stir them for a minute. Add orange or lemon zest and turn off the gas. I had this delicious Orange Marmalade at home, so i used that in place of zest. Add sugar and apple-cinnamon mixture. Mix everything well. Gently fill the lined crusts with the apple mixture. Top it with a small tsp of butter (optional). Cover as desired with the rest of the dough.  
Brush the top with butter. Place the muffin/cupcake pan for baking. Bake them for around 30-35 minutes, until the outer layer is crisp and tooth pick inserted comes out clean. Baking time differs. So start checking after 15 minutes. Once done, remove the cupcakes from the oven, dust powdered sugar and allow them to cool. Enjoy these delicious Mini Apple Pies with tea or coffee or just like that!! :)


Note: Adding Sugar at the end will not only save the mixture from getting watery but there would also be nice caramelized flavor in the baked apple pies. 
               I am taking this delicious dessert to Jagruti's Potluck Party!!