Mini Cider Spiced Cranberry Apple Pies

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 12 tarts

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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!

mini cider spiced cranberry apple pies with streusel in tart shells

*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.

mini cranberry apple pie on marble broken in half with fresh cranberries on the side

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!

overhead image of cranberry apple pies with tenderflake tart shells box

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!

step by step photos for cranberry apple pies with tenderflake tart shells
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Cider Spiced Cranberry Apple Pies

4.50 from 4 votes
Mini Cider Spiced Cranberry Apple Pies is so perfect for fall — I make them in pre-made tart shells for an easy holiday dessert that will impress your guests!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Servings 12 tarts
Calories 200cal

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

*I used frozen cranberries so that the recipe is accessible year round. You should be able to substitute fresh cranberries for the frozen if you reduce the flour to 1 teaspoon, but I haven’t yet tried it.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 200cal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 103mg | Potassium: 41mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Vitamin C: 1.8mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 2.6mg

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Meet Ashley

My name is Ashley Fehr and I love creating easy meals my family loves. I also like to do things my way, which means improvising and breaking the rules when necessary. Here you will find creative twists on old favorites and some of my favorite family recipes, passed down from generations!

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Comments

    • 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!

  1. 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?

  2. 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?

  3. 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!

  4. 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!

  5. 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!

  6. 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

  7. 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?

  8. 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!!

  9. 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

      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 😉

  10. 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!

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