It seems fall weather really has arrived; we had such a wonderful September and October with above average warm temps. But now it’s really time to start thinking about hunkering down, pulling out the heavy coats, mittens and hats…November is right around the corner. That’s ok though, it’s also time to start storing for the winter and it is pie season, right? Sticking with simply delicious this weekend, I have a mini version (so you don’t feel bad about inhaling 4 of them in less than 5 minutes), my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bites! Easy, appetizing and adorable.
Since it’s almost November, a lot of us are thinking about the holidays this year and how different they will look. Holidays can cause so much stress as it is without all these other factors we are facing this year. So, I say make the things you can control easier on yourself. In this case, really easy on the taste buds too! I am a big fan of dessert boards, mini assorted desserts, because if you’re like me, you like to try everything! When you go with a dessert board, you can make a couple different little bites for your tasting pleasure.
These cutie pies (see what I did there?) won’t cause you any added stress. I used store bought puff pastry, canned apple pie mix and homemade salted caramel (easy and can be made well ahead of time). That’s it, easy as pie…sorry, that was too good to pass up. Then baked up in under 25 minutes. You’ll be enjoying your pie bites in record time!
Lightly brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. Then cut into perfectly measured squares!
All tucked in and ready to go!
Spiced apple pie filling laced with salted caramel. So freakin’ good!
Perfectly puffed pie pillows!
Honestly, aren’t these the cutest little things…not too cute to eat though!
Ready for the dessert board!
Since it is pie season and we could all use some warming up, I say take these gals on a test drive this weekend. Whip them up for a mini dessert and bubbles night tonight! No need to wait for a special occasion, make your own special occasions. Starting now with my Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bites.
Happy Weekending & Apple Pie Biting It!
Diane
- For the Crust:
- 1 sheet of defrosted puff pastry
- 1 tbsp. cinnamon
- ¼ cup granulate sugar
- 2 tbsp. melted butter
- For the Salted Caramel: (can use store bought, but why homemade is so easy)
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp. sea salt
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp. unsalted butter cubed
- For the Filling:
- 1 can of apple pie filling
- ¼ tsp. cardamom
- ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
- ⅛ tsp. allspice
- ⅛ tsp. ginger
- a pinch of ground cloves
- ½ tsp. salt
- 3 tbsp. salted caramel
- Make the Salted Caramel Ahead:
- In large heavy bottom pot over medium high heat add the granulated sugar and stir constantly until completely melted. Don't walk away. Cook until it's a deep amber color, but don't let go too far. Carefully add the heavy cream while stirring. It will bubble up a lot. Stir for another minute. Remove from heat and add the salt, vanilla extract and butter. Stir until the butter is completely melted. Store in heat proof jar. Allow to cool at room temp, then can be stored in the fridge until ready to use.
- For the Filling:
- Chop the apples from the apple pie filling into small little bits. Try not taking too much of the mixture with the apples. Place the chopped apples into a medium bowl. Mix in the filling spices and salted caramel. Set aside while you prepare the crust.
- For the Crust:
- Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees. Lightly spray a mini cupcake pan with non-stick spray and set aside. Pace a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface.
- Lay the sheet of puff pastry over and gently roll out to a little bit larger and even rectangle.
- In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar and set aside. Melt the butter in another small bowl in the microwave in 20 second intervals until completely melted and set aside.
- I used a ruler and pizza cutter to cut the squares in the puff pastry. I measured out 16 squares that were 2.5 x 2.5 in size. Once you have cut your squares, lightly brush the top of the puff pastry with the melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon/sugar mixture over top. You will have left over sugar.
- Place each square in the prepared mini cupcake tin and gently press down and up the sides.
- Using a tsp., scoop a heaping tsp. of the apple pie filling into each of the puff pastry squares.
- Place filled squares into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating halfway through, and remove from oven when puffed and golden brown.
- Allow to cool in pan on wire rack for about 15 minutes. Remove from pan and place on serving dish. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store left overs in airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.
- Enjoy!
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