These Mini Cider Spiced Cranberry Apple Pies are so perfect for fall — I make them in pre-made tart shells for an easy holiday dessert that will impress your guests!
*This post is generously sponsored by Tenderflake — thank you for supporting the brands that help me bring you these tasty, holiday treats!
I have to admit, I was a little shocked with the popularity of this Cranberry Apple Cider from last fall. I can’t blame you for loving it — the cranberry apple combo is one of my favorites!
For me, as a self-professed tea hater, apple cider is like everything good about tea without the actual tea. A warm, soothing drink for cold days, filled with tons of fruit flavor and just enough spice.
I definitely wanted to recreate the drink into a more solid form — and this Cider Spiced Cranberry Apple Pie (in mini style!) was born! It’s loaded with apples, cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg and topped with a crunchy brown sugar streusel (because what’s better than streusel?!).
I love to make them in pre-made tart shells for an easy holiday dessert that’s perfect for potlucks! individual desserts are so much easier because there’s no need to slice or serve — they are ready to go once you put them out. Family and friends can grab one (or two… or three…) and go!
Another thing I love about these? You can make them completely ahead of time and freeze.
I got this idea from my mom and my grandma, who would often set aside just to make a pile of apple pies in the fall. They would freeze them both before and after baking, and both work just as well! For me, that’s a big thing in the midst of holiday chaos. Make ahead takes so much stress out of Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings and potlucks!
Cider Spiced Cranberry Apple Pies
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 12 tart shells frozen
- 1 baking apple diced
- 1 cup frozen cranberries
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 3//4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon nutmeg depending on your preference
Streusel
- 1/4 cup butter cold
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup large oats
- 1/4 cup flour
Instructions
- Place tarts on a baking sheet (line with parchment paper for easy clean up!) and preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, stir together apple, cranberries, 1 tablespoon flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg (a little or a lot depending on how much spice you like).
- Spoon fruit into unbaked tart shells — I piled it high and got 12 tart shells, but you could easily get a few extra if you leave a little more room.
- StreuselIn a large bowl, cut together butter, brown sugar, oats and ¼ cup flour until cookie dough consistency.
- Gently press streusel onto tarts and bake for 26-30 minutes, until golden brown and filling is bubbly and thickened.
Notes
Nutrition Information
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Rebecca Kathryn Thiessen says
Can you use dried (like raisins)cranberries?
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Rebecca! I’ve only tested it with frozen/fresh cranberries so it would be hard to say. The dried ones are smaller and will not give off any juice. If you decide to experiment, let me know how it goes!
Samantha says
I want to make these tonight but I also want to make a full sized pie to match. Any idea on converting the recipe to a full pie?
Ashley Fehr says
I have actually never tried, but I think I would double the filling for sure, and maybe add in some extra apples. I hope that helps!
Joanne says
My son has an oat allergy. Is there a rolled grain or something similar that I can substitute that would give me the same consistency in crumbles?
Ashley Fehr says
You could definitely top with traditional pastry or use a flour/sugar/butter crumble instead of oats.
Laura says
These look perfect for bringing to a holiday party! Do you think they could be frozen after baking? Or would it be best to freeze and bake the day of? Thanks!
Laura says
Wow I totally missed the paragraph where you answered exactly this ha. Can’t wait to try these!
Ashley Fehr says
Haha, no problem! I hope you enjoy them!
Laura says
They were awesome! And mom approved 😉
Cara Palumbo says
Do you combine the cranberries as frozen? With the apples at room temp? And that’s not a problem with the filling baking consistently? Thanks!
Ashley Fehr says
I throw them in frozen yes! No problem at all 🙂
Robin says
If you freeze before baking does that change the baking time or do you need to thaw first?
Ashley Fehr says
You should be able to bake from frozen, but you will need to add to the baking time. I would just add 5 minutes to the baking time and watch carefully after that.
Betty H says
This recipe looks so easy and imagining the end product makes my mouth water just thinking about it. I do have a couple of questions, though.
1. Where does “cider” enter this recipe?. There is no liquid at all mentioned in the directions. Was this an accidental omission or does the combination of ingredients provide a “cider” flavor, hence the name of the dish?
2. If the pie-crust type tart shells are unavailable, are fillo shells a viable substitute?
Ashley Fehr says
They are “cider spiced”, so inspired by the flavors of cider which come through because of the spices. No omission 🙂 As far as phyllo shells, I’m honestly not sure how they bake up as I’ve never used them before. If the baking time is similar to pastry and they won’t be overcooked by the time the fruit is done, then it could work fine. I hope that helps!
Bea cole says
I don’t like cranberries…can I sub with more Apple’s…..but I will make the cranberries ones for family..thanks
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, absolutely!
Jeannette Allyson says
Are these supposed to be served hot or cold? I want to make them ahead and take them to a family Thanksgiving but I’m not sure if I can do that if they are served hot. Can you give me some advice on this?
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
Ashley, I love these mini cider spiced cranberry apple pies!! Nothing wrong with pre-made tart shells for an easy holiday dessert!!!! love it!
Ashley Fehr says
Exactly! Thanks Alice!
marcie says
Those mini tart shells would be a total life saver, and I love the apple-cranberry combination! I know I wouldn’t be able to stop eating these!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Marcie!
Kelly says
These mini pies are just the cutest, Ashley!! I love the cranberry and apple combo! So perfect for the holidays and that streusel topping is just calling my name!!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Kelly! One of my favorites!
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Ashley! I do like self serve desserts! The combination of apples and cranberries is perfect. I am going on a search for the pastry shells.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Dorothy! I love apple and cranberry together too!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Oh my goodness, these little pies are BEYOND adorable, Ashley! And since they’re so tiny, I can totally grab two right?? Dying over how cute these are!
Ashley Fehr says
Um, absolutely. AND they’re filled with fruit and spices and oats and all kinds of things that are totally good for you! They’re practically breakfast tarts 😉
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I’m picky when it comes to tea, but I LOVE cider! And I’m loving your mini pies, Ashley! These cranberry apple cuties look SO good! I don’t think I’ve ever had this mashup before, let alone in hand-held version. What a fun dessert to serve for the holidays!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Gayle! I love cider too but we don’t have it that often — I’m thinking cider in pie version is even better! Lol