EASY MINI APPLE PIES – A QUICK DESSERT WITH CRESCENT
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dessert, you’re going to fall in love with these Easy Mini Apple Pies. Made with buttery Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, tender apple slices, cinnamon, and sugar, these little pastries come together in minutes but taste like you spent all day baking.
These mini apple pies are perfect for any time you need a last-minute dessert, a cozy fall treat, or a fun baking project with the kids. Whether you’re making apple crescent rolls for a weeknight sweet tooth or serving them at a fall party, this easy recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE APPLE PIE BITES
There are so many reasons to love this simple take on apple pie bites:
- Minimal prep: Just a few ingredients and under 10 minutes to assemble.
- Kid-friendly: Easy for little hands to help with.
- No fuss: No pie crust rolling or slicing required.
- Versatile: Serve them as dessert, breakfast, or an afternoon snack.
- Portable: Perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or holiday trays.
With just one can of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, a couple of apples, and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, you can enjoy the flavors of a classic apple pie in a warm, flaky, handheld treat.
INGREDIENTS FOR EASY MINI APPLE PIES
To make 8 apple crescent pie bites, you’ll need:
- 1 (8-count) can of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: caramel sauce or powdered sugar for topping
These ingredients are pantry staples, making this one of the most convenient crescent recipes you’ll ever bake.
ESSENTIAL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
You don’t need much to make these mini apple pies, just:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Small bowl for cinnamon sugar
- Knife and cutting board
- Pastry brush or spoon
- Cooling rack (optional)
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, you’ll have everything you need in most standard kitchens.
STEP-BY-STEP: HOW TO MAKE APPLE CRESCENT ROLLS
STEP 1: PREHEAT YOUR OVEN
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray.
STEP 2: PREP THE APPLES
Wash, core, and slice your apples into thin wedges—about 8 slices per apple. Make sure they’re thin enough to soften while baking, but thick enough to hold their shape.
STEP 3: PREP THE CRESCENT DOUGH
Open the Pillsbury Crescent Rolls and separate them into 8 individual triangles.
STEP 4: COMBINE CINNAMON AND SUGAR
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This is your sweet-spice coating for the apple wedges.
STEP 5: ASSEMBLE THE MINI APPLE PIES
Brush each crescent triangle with melted butter. Sprinkle with a generous pinch of cinnamon sugar. Place one apple slice at the wide end of each triangle and roll up like a croissant.
Place each roll on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down. Brush the tops with any remaining butter and sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar.
STEP 6: BAKE
Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.
STEP 7: COOL AND SERVE
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. For extra flair, drizzle with caramel sauce or dust with powdered sugar.
TIPS FOR WORKING WITH PILLSBURY CRESCENT ROLLS
- Keep the dough chilled: It’s easier to handle and roll when cold.
- Don’t overfill: One apple wedge per crescent is perfect. Too much filling can make them burst.
- Use parchment: Keeps the bottoms golden and prevents sticking.
- Customize the flavor: Add nutmeg, a pinch of clove, or even chopped nuts to the cinnamon sugar.
Using Pillsbury Crescent dough makes this one of the fastest and most foolproof easy apple pie recipes you’ll ever bake.
CRESCENT RECIPES VARIATIONS: FUN WAYS TO SWITCH IT UP
These apple pie bites are a delicious blank canvas. Try these variations:
- Caramel Apple Bites: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce inside each roll before baking.
- Cream Cheese Apple Rolls: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the dough before adding the apple.
- Apple Pecan Rolls: Sprinkle chopped pecans inside for crunch.
- Spiced Pear Bites: Swap apples for pear slices and add a dash of ginger.
- Apple Pie Crescents with Icing: Mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla for a simple glaze.
You’ll never run out of creative ways to enjoy this classic treat.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR MINI APPLE PIES
These sweet little mini apple pies are incredibly versatile. Here’s how to serve them:
- As dessert: Add whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel drizzle.
- For breakfast or brunch: Pair with coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
- On a dessert board: Combine with other pie bites or cookies for parties.
- Holiday gatherings: Include them on your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.
They’re pretty enough to serve at a party and simple enough for everyday indulgence.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
These apple crescent rolls are best served warm but store well too.
- Storage: Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
- Freezing: Freeze fully baked and cooled pies for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temp and reheat before serving.
Make a double batch—they disappear fast!
HOLIDAY & PARTY IDEAS: USE THESE FOR FALL GATHERINGS
If you’re planning a party or holiday gathering, these easy mini apple pies are a perfect addition:
- Thanksgiving dessert trays
- Halloween snacks
- Christmas cookie swaps
- Fall brunch buffets
- School bake sales
They’re bite-sized, easy to transport, and look great on a platter. Plus, they’re made with just a few ingredients, so you can whip up multiple batches with minimal effort.
FAQ: EASY APPLE PIE BITE TIPS AND TRICKS
What kind of apples work best?
Granny Smith is great for tartness and firmness. Honeycrisp or Fuji are also good for a sweeter bite.
Can I use puff pastry instead of crescent rolls?
Yes! Just cut into triangles and adjust baking time.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake right before serving.
Do I need to cook the apples first?
Nope! Thin slices cook perfectly in the oven within the crescent roll.
How can I make them dairy-free?
Use a plant-based butter substitute or skip the butter and use a light oil spray.
CONCLUSION
These Easy Mini Apple Pies are everything a great dessert should be—simple, sweet, and absolutely delicious. With just a few ingredients and a can of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, you can enjoy warm, flaky, homemade apple pie flavor in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for holidays, family nights, or a quick weekend treat, these apple pie bites are a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. If you love this recipe, don’t forget to share it, pin it for later, and subscribe to our blog for more easy, crowd-pleasing desserts made simple.
PrintEASY MINI APPLE PIES – A QUICK DESSERT WITH CRESCENT
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini pies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Easy Mini Apple Pies are made with buttery Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, sliced apples, cinnamon, and sugar for a quick dessert that’s warm, flaky, and packed with apple pie flavor. Perfect for holidays, weeknight treats, or a fun family baking project.
Ingredients
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1 (8-count) can Pillsbury Crescent Rolls
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2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), sliced into thin wedges
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2 tablespoons butter, melted
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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Optional: caramel sauce or powdered sugar, for topping
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
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Prep the apples: Wash, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges (about 8 slices per apple).
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Separate the dough: Open the crescent roll can and separate into 8 triangles.
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Mix cinnamon sugar: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon.
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Assemble: Brush each crescent triangle with melted butter. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar. Place one apple slice on the wide end of each triangle and roll up like a croissant. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
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Top and bake: Brush tops with remaining butter and sprinkle with more cinnamon sugar. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden and flaky.
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Cool and serve: Let cool for 5 minutes. Optional: Drizzle with caramel or dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
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Keep dough chilled before using—it’s easier to handle.
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For extra flavor, try adding nutmeg or chopped nuts to the cinnamon sugar.
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Swap apples for pears or use puff pastry for a variation.