Make It: Mini Apple Pies with Walnut Crumble Topping

Posted by Aleah & Nick on Friday, July 13, 2012 · Leave a Comment

Oh, summer. We love you just as much as fresh apple pie baked from the best Washington Apples {they really are the best, but we’re a little biased}. As we prep for the weekend what better treat to enjoy than apple pie and, for a little dose of cuteness, why not make them mini? We love mini pies as they’re wonderful to make ahead for parties and weddings and serve as excellent take-home favors for guests.

Ingredients for the pies {yields 2 mini pies}: 2 Granny Smith apples | 2 pie crusts from the package {as we have yet to master a crust as good as either of our grandmas’, we buy store-bought!} | 1 teaspoon cinnamon | 1 tablespoon sugar | 2 tablespoons butter | 2 teaspoons flour or cornstarch | 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients for the crumble {you could opt to use pie crust to top this, but we love the nuttiness the toasted walnuts add}: 1 cup of walnuts | 1 tablespoon melted butter | 1 teaspoon cinnamon | 1 teaspoon sugar | 3 tablespoons brown sugar

1. Prep your ingredients and line a small ramekin with pie dough. You could also use disposable mini pie tins, but we love the look and height of a ramekin.

2. Slice and peel your apples {or peel then slice…we prefer the former!}

3. Stir the apples in a large mixing bowl with the cinnamon, sugar, vanilla, and flour and place in a sauce pan with the butter. Cook on medium-low heat until the apples are softened, about 10-15 minutes and stirring continually.

4.Place the softened apples in your ramekins and set aside.

5. Make the crumble by mixing chopped walnuts with melted butter, brown sugar, sugar, and cinnamon. You can add a bit of flour for texture, but we like a loose crumble.

6. Sprinkle the crumble atop the apple mixture generously.

7. Place the apple pies on a baking sheet and place in a preheated oven at 400 degrees. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the crust and crumble are golden brown.