Easy Apple Pies Recipe – Cinnamon & Lime Pastry Delight

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Apple Pies Recipe – Cinnamon & Lime Pastry Delight

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, the smell of cinnamon and baked apples instantly feels like a warm hug. I stumbled upon this recipe years ago, looking for a simple dessert to make with my niece, and it’s been a family favourite ever since. These little apple pies are so easy to whip up, and the little zing of lime really brightens everything up. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat, or even a festive gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honestly, who doesn’t love a good apple pie? But this isn’t your grandma’s complicated, all-day affair. This recipe is quick, uses minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavour. Plus, the individual pie format is just so charming, don’t you think? It’s a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and wonderfully flaky.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful apple pies:

• 300gm puff pastry
• 2 apples
• 10gm butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 0.25 tsp cinnamon
• 0.5 tsp lime juice
• Milk, for brushing

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

Puff Pastry: Types & Quality

You can find ready-made puff pastry in most supermarkets these days. I usually go for all-butter puff pastry when I can – it really does give a richer flavour and flakier texture. But if you’re short on time, any good quality puff pastry will work.

Apples: Best Varieties for Baking

Granny Smith apples are my go-to for baking because they hold their shape really well and have a lovely tartness. But you can also use Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or even Fuji apples. A mix of varieties can be nice too!

Butter: Salted vs. Unsalted & Regional Ghee Options

I prefer using salted butter in this recipe, as it balances the sweetness nicely. If you only have unsalted, just add a tiny pinch of salt to the apple filling. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a teaspoon of ghee instead of butter adds a beautiful, nutty flavour – a little nod to traditional Indian cooking!

Cinnamon: Ceylon vs. Cassia – Flavor Profiles

There are two main types of cinnamon: Ceylon and Cassia. Cassia is the more common and affordable variety, with a bolder, spicier flavour. Ceylon cinnamon is milder and more delicate. Either will work, but adjust the amount to your preference.

Lime Juice: Fresh vs. Bottled & Regional Citrus Variations

Fresh lime juice is always best! It adds a brightness that bottled juice just can’t match. If you’re in India, you could even experiment with a little bit of nimbu (Indian lime) juice for a slightly different flavour profile.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking!

1. First, let’s get that puff pastry ready. Thaw it according to the package instructions. While it’s thawing, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. This prevents sticking, trust me!
2. Now for the apple filling. Peel and dice your apples – I like to keep the pieces fairly small, about 1cm cubes.
3. In a pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook gently for about 5-7 minutes, until the apples soften slightly but still hold their shape. You don’t want them mushy!
4. Stir in the lime juice and let the filling cool completely. This is important, otherwise it will melt the pastry.
5. Once the pastry is thawed, lightly flour a clean surface and roll it out. Cut the pastry into 4 equal squares.
6. Spoon a generous amount of the apple filling onto one half of each pastry square. Fold the pastry over diagonally to form a triangle, and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
7. Place the pies onto the prepared baking tray. Brush the tops with a little milk – this gives them a lovely golden colour.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up.
9. Let them cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious warm!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overfill the pies, or the filling will ooze out during baking.
• For extra flavour, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
• If your pastry is getting too warm while you’re working with it, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Apple Pies

Simply use vegan puff pastry and a plant-based butter alternative. You can also brush the tops with a little plant-based milk or maple syrup instead of dairy milk.

Gluten-Free Apple Pies (Pastry Alternatives)

Use a gluten-free puff pastry. They’re readily available in most supermarkets now. Or, for a more rustic vibe, try making a crumble topping with gluten-free oats, flour, and butter.

Spice Level Adjustments (Adding Cardamom or Nutmeg)

My friend Priya loves adding a pinch of cardamom to the apple filling – it gives it a lovely warming flavour. A little nutmeg is also delicious!

Festival Adaptations (Diwali or Christmas Inspired)

During Diwali, I sometimes add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds to the filling. For Christmas, a dash of allspice or cloves adds a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

These apple pies are wonderful on their own, but they’re even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A cup of chai or a glass of warm milk is the perfect accompaniment.

Storage Instructions

Leftover apple pies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions!

Can I make the apple filling ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can make the apple filling a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.

What is the best way to prevent soggy pie bottoms?

Make sure your oven is properly preheated, and bake the pies on a preheated baking tray. You can also sprinkle a little flour on the bottom of the pastry before adding the filling.

Can I use a different type of fruit filling?

Definitely! This recipe works well with other fruits like peaches, plums, or berries.

Is it possible to freeze these apple pies after baking?

Yes, you can freeze baked apple pies. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven from frozen.

What can I substitute for milk when brushing the pastry?

You can use an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water) or a little melted butter instead of milk.