Apple-Pecan Mini Pies Recipe

This Apple-Pecan Mini Pies Recipe is an easy and quick recipe, which uses English muffins and Granny Smith apples. It’s the perfect quick dessert, ready in about 20 minutes.

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Apple-Pecan Mini Pies Ingredients

1/2 cup Sugar
2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
Dash Of Salt
8 whole Whole Wheat English Muffins
8 Tbsp. Softened Butter
1/3 cup Brown Sugar
1 whole Large Granny Smith Apple, Sliced Thin
Pecan Halves

How To Make Apple-Pecan Mini Pies

Prep Oven and Cinnamon Sugar: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Prepare the English Muffin Base: Split the English muffins in half. Spread each half with softened butter and sprinkle with brown sugar.
Arrange Toppings: Arrange the thin apple slices and pecan halves on top of the English muffins. Sprinkle generously with the prepared cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Bake and Broil: Place the muffins on a baking sheet and bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Then, turn on the broiler and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, watching very carefully, until the sugar starts to caramelize.
Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the mini pies sit for 5 minutes before serving. They can be served warm or at room temperature.

Recipe Tips

How to prevent the pecans from burning? The broiler is very hot and works quickly. Do not walk away from the oven during the broiling step. Watch the pies the entire time to ensure the pecans toast perfectly without burning.
What are the best apples to use? A firm, tart apple like Granny Smith is ideal as it balances the sweetness and holds its shape. Honeycrisp or Gala would also be delicious choices.
Can I use a different nut? Yes, chopped walnuts would be an excellent substitute for the pecan halves and would provide a similar delicious, toasty crunch.
How to get the butter to spread easily? Make sure your butter is fully softened to room temperature. This will allow you to spread a thin, even layer on the English muffins without tearing them.

What To Serve With Apple-Pecan Mini Pies

These simple treats are delicious on their own, but they are even better served warm with:

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
A drizzle of warm caramel sauce
A dollop of fresh whipped cream or crème fraîche

How To Store Apple-Pecan Mini Pies

Room Temperature: These mini pies are best enjoyed on the day they are made while the English muffin is still crispy. If you have leftovers, store them in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The muffin will soften over time.
Reheating: To re-crisp the base, you can reheat them in a 350°F oven or a toaster oven for a few minutes.

Apple-Pecan Mini Pies Nutrition Facts

Calories: 300-350 kcal
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 5g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Why use English muffins for a “pie”?

This is a clever and quick shortcut! The nooks and crannies of the English muffin toast up beautifully, creating a crispy, chewy base that mimics a pie crust without any of the work of making dough.

Do I have to peel the apples?

No, it’s a matter of personal preference. Leaving the skin on adds a nice color and some extra fiber to the mini pies.

Can I use a different type of bread?

While English muffins are ideal for their texture, you could try this with thick-sliced brioche or Texas toast for a softer, more French-toast-like result.

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