Delightful Mini Sour Cream Apple Pies with Streusel Topping: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert
Who can resist the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked apple pie? Now imagine all that classic goodness, but in an adorable, perfectly portioned package! These mini sour cream apple pies are not just a dessert; they’re little cups of autumnal bliss, combining a tender, flaky crust with a creamy apple filling and a crumbly streusel topping. Forget the hassle of slicing a large pie; these individual treats are a game-changer for any occasion, especially as a delightful fall dessert.
The Irresistible Charm of Individual Mini Pies
“Fun-size” is usually reserved for candy bars, but we believe fun-sized pies deserve their moment in the spotlight! These mini apple pies capture all the beloved qualities of a traditional, full-sized pie – the rich apple flavor, the comforting spices, and the perfect balance of textures – but in a small, individual, and incredibly portable format. They’re ideal for picnics, potlucks, lunchboxes, or simply enjoying a single serving without the temptation of an entire pie. Why settle for a fun-sized snickers when you can indulge in a fun-sized apple pie? We’d choose the pie every single time!
A Twist on a Classic: Sour Cream Apple Pie Perfection
While we adore a traditional double-crust apple pie, sometimes it’s fun to explore new horizons. The inspiration for these mini pies came from a desire to do something a little different. Instead of one large pie, we transformed it into twelve charming mini versions, baked conveniently in a muffin pan. The secret ingredient? A luscious, creamy sour cream filling that adds a delightful tang and incredible moisture to the sweet apples. This is all crowned with a golden, buttery streusel topping, providing a satisfying crunch that beautifully contrasts with the soft filling.
The Perfect Crust-to-Filling Ratio, Every Time
One common challenge with large pies can be achieving the ideal crust-to-filling ratio. Some bites might be all crust, others all filling. These mini pies inadvertently solve that problem! If you’re like us and go crazy for a perfectly flaky pie crust, you’ll be thrilled to know that with every single bite of these individual mini sour cream apple pies, you get a mouthful of that glorious, buttery crust. It’s truly a harmonious balance that makes each mini pie a complete and utter delight. These treats are simply perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday tables, or just a cozy evening in. And if, by chance, mini pies aren’t quite your preference, you can always find our recipe for a full-sized sour cream apple pie.
Baking Tip: The Best Apples for Baking
Choosing the right apples is crucial for any successful apple pie. The best apples to bake with are those that are tart, firm, and will hold their shape without turning to mush in the oven. Our top recommendations include:
- Granny Smith: A classic choice, offering a delightfully tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the pie.
- Jonagold: A sweet-tart variety with a crisp texture.
- Jonathan: Known for its tangy flavor and firm flesh.
- Gala: Sweet and aromatic, it softens well without becoming mushy.
- Honeycrisp: Exceptionally crisp and sweet, maintaining its texture beautifully.
- Pink Lady/Cripps Pink: A great balance of sweet and tart with a firm bite.
For a more complex and nuanced apple flavor in your mini pies, we highly recommend using a combination of two or three different apple varieties. This layering of flavors will truly elevate your dessert!
Shop Essential Tools for This Delicious Recipe
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. For these mini sour cream apple pies, a few key items will ensure your success and make the process enjoyable. We recommend a good quality muffin pan, a 4-inch round cutter for your pie crusts, and a reliable pastry blender for that perfect streusel topping. These tools will help you achieve consistent results and make preparing this delightful fall dessert a breeze.

Mini Sour Cream Apple Pies
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Ingredients
- 1 double crust pie crust recipe
Filling:
- 1 cup sour cream (226 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- Pinch salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 large apples , peeled, cored and cut into small chunks
Topping:
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (65 grams)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (36 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (56 grams), cold and cut into cubes
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200°C). Prepare your standard 12-cup muffin pan by greasing each cup thoroughly with butter or a non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and ensures your mini pies pop out easily after baking.
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2On a lightly floured surface, roll out your prepared double crust pie pastry to an even thickness of about ¼ inch. Using a 4-inch round cutter (or a glass of similar diameter), cut the dough into 12 individual rounds. Carefully press each dough round gently into the prepared muffin cups, molding it to fit the shape.
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3In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sour cream, granulated sugar, pinch of salt, vanilla extract, large eggs, and all-purpose flour until well combined and smooth. Gently fold in the chopped apples until they are evenly coated with the creamy mixture. Spoon the filling into each pie crust, filling them almost all the way to the top.
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4To create the irresistible streusel topping, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry blender (or your fingertips) to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse, moist sand. Evenly sprinkle this crumbly topping over the apple filling in each mini pie.
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5Bake the mini pies in the preheated oven for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the streusel topping is beautifully golden brown and the creamy apple filling is bubbling around the edges. Allow them to cool in the muffin pan for at least 10 minutes before attempting to remove them. If necessary, carefully run a thin knife around the edges of the pies to loosen them from the pan. Serve these delightful mini pies warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Information (per mini pie)
Calories: 311kcal, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 47mg, Sodium: 145mg, Potassium: 125mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 20g, Vitamin A: 302IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 41mg, Iron: 1mg
Embrace the Joy of Mini Apple Pies This Fall
These mini sour cream apple pies are more than just a dessert; they are a celebration of autumn flavors and baking convenience. With their individual servings, delightful sour cream tang, and crunchy streusel topping, they offer a fresh take on a beloved classic. Whether you’re serving them at a festive gathering or simply enjoying a quiet moment, these portable pies are guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy any sweet tooth. They are incredibly versatile, pairing wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of cinnamon ice cream, or even just a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Don’t let the season pass without trying this wonderfully easy and immensely satisfying recipe.
This recipe was originally published October 2015 and has been updated for clarity, enhanced SEO, and additional helpful tips.