Small Apple Pie (6-Inch Apple Pie for Two)
This small apple pie bakes in a 6-inch pie dish with a flaky double crust and a cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith filling. It’s the ideal apple pie for two, with all the cozy fall flavor of a full-size pie and no leftovers.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Sometimes you just want dessert for two without a whole pie sitting on the counter for days. This small apple pie has all the flavor of a classic double-crust apple pie, baked in a 6-inch pie dish so there are no extra slices hanging around.
It’s perfect for a Thanksgiving for two or a small gathering, since this apple pie for two can also be cut into four modest slices. Granny Smith apples are peeled, sliced and tossed in a spiced sugar mix, then piled high in the crust. I use my Homemade Pie Crust, and one batch makes enough for two small double-crust pies.
These little pies also make a lovely homemade gift for teachers, co-workers or neighbors. Look for 6-inch pie dishes online or at kitchen stores like Sur la Table, which is where I found mine.
The Best Apples for Apple Pie
I’m lucky to have both Fuji and Granny Smith apple trees in my backyard, so I’ve had plenty of chances to bake with each. For this small apple pie, Granny Smith is my favorite. Its bright tartness balances the two kinds of sugar in the filling, so the pie doesn’t taste overly sweet. Granny Smiths also hold their shape well in the oven, so you get tender slices rather than applesauce.
If you have a mix of apples on hand, a combination of Granny Smith and Fuji works well, too. Fuji brings a mellow, honeyed sweetness that rounds out the tart Granny Smiths.
Whatever apples you use, cut the thick slices into halves. This helps them pack into the 6-inch dish and makes slicing the finished pie easier.
How to Make Apple Pie for Two
Here’s a quick overview of how this small apple pie comes together. You’ll find the full measurements and detailed instructions in the recipe card below.
Make the filling. Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, then add both sugars, the apple pie spice and the flour. The lemon juice keeps the apples from browning while you prepare the crust. You can add the zest of the lemon for extra brightness, too.
Line the pie dish. Roll out half of the dough and press it into a 6-inch pie dish, trimming the excess with kitchen shears or a small knife. If the dough gets soft, chill the lined dish for a few minutes before filling.
Fill it high. Spoon in the apples and leave the extra juices in the bowl. Mound the filling in the center, because the apples cook down as the pie bakes.
Top and crimp. Lay the second crust over the apples, trim and tuck it under the bottom crust, then crimp the edges to seal. Save the scraps for decorative cutouts or pie crust cookies.
Vent and brush. Cut a few slits in the top so steam can escape, add any cutouts, and brush the crust with egg wash for a golden finish.
Bake. Cover the edges with foil and bake on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips. Remove the foil partway through so the edges brown.
Cool before slicing. Let the pie rest so the filling can set and slice cleanly.
When I first made these, I gave one to a friend and kept one for myself, since my homemade pie crust makes enough for two. Enjoy it on its own or with ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
If you have extra Granny Smith apples, try my Caramel Apple Cookies next.
Small Apple Pie (6-Inch Apple Pie for Two)
Ingredients
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 9-inch pie crust, divided
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon water
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the apple slices with the lemon juice. Add the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, apple pie spice and flour. Toss to combine and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Divide the pie crust in half and roll each half into a rough circle. Place the bottom crust in a 6-inch pie dish and trim the excess dough with kitchen scissors or a small knife.
- Spoon the filling into the crust, leaving the excess juices in the bowl. Mound the apples in the middle, since they cook down as they bake.
- Lay the top crust over the apples and trim, leaving about a 1-inch overhang. Tuck the top crust under the bottom crust, then crimp the edges or press with a fork to seal.
- Cut four 2-inch slits in the top crust. Use any leftover dough to cut decorative shapes with cookie cutters and place them on top.
- Whisk the egg with 1 teaspoon water to make an egg wash. Brush it over the entire crust.
- Gently cover the edges of the crust with foil or pie shield. Set the pie on a rimmed baking dish and bake on the center rack for 25 minutes. Remove the foil, rotate the pan, and bake another 30 to 35 minutes, until the crust is golden and crisp.
- Transfer to a cooling rack and let cool for 2 hours. Serve.
Notes
- Pie crust: Use half a batch of my Homemade Pie Crust. One full batch makes two 9-inch crusts, enough for two of these small double-crust pies.
- Pie dish: I used the Sur la Table Signature Mini Pie Dishes, but any roughly 6-inch pie dish works.
- Apples: Granny Smith apples hold their shape and balance the sweetness. Because this is a smaller pie, cut the slices in half as needed so they fit the dish.
- Mound the filling: Pile the apples higher in the center than seems right. They cook down quite a bit as the pie bakes.
- Chill the crust: If the dough softens while you work, return the crust-lined dish to the fridge for a few minutes before filling.
- Leftover dough: Make pie crust cookies. Cut out shapes with small cookie cutters, place them on a baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Bake at 350 degrees F until golden, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Making two pies: A full batch of pie crust and a doubled filling make two small pies, which fit side by side on one rimmed baking sheet.
- Storage: Cover and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this? Leave a comment below!
