Step 1

Place the flour, salt, sugar, and butter in a food processor and pulse 4-5 times until pea-sized butter flakes are still visible. Add one tablespoon of water at a time and pulse 1-2 times after every tablespoon. Stop adding water when the dough starts to clump together.

Step 2

Transfer the crust onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a 1-inch (2.5cm) thick disc. Cover tightly with the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 2 days.

Step 3

Place the apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a large mixing bowl and stir to combine. Let sit for 15 minutes so that the apples start to release some juice.

Step 4

In the meantime, on a lightly floured surface, cut the dough into 4 equal pieces. Then cut each piece into 2/3 and 1/3 pieces so that you have 4 larger pieces of pie crust for the bottom of the ramekins and 4 smaller ones for the top of the 4 mini apple pies.

Step 5

Roughly shape each piece into a round disc and roll out until the bottom pieces are big enough to cover the bottoms and sides of the ramekins with a little overhang and the top pieces also cover the tops of the baking forms with a slight overhang on the sides.

Step 6

Fit the bottom pieces into the forms, spoon the apple pie filling into the crust without any excess liquid, and place a few butter pieces on top. Then place the top pie crust pieces on top of the filling and seal and flute the edges. Cut a few slits in the top to allow the steam to escape while baking. Decorate the pie crust to your liking and brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.

Step 7

Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 18 minutes. Then reduce the heat to 325°F (163°C) and bake for another 7 minutes. If you notice that it browns too quickly, you can cover the pies loosely with aluminum foil* for the last few minutes if necessary.

Step 8

Let cool at room temperature for 2 hours. Then place in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours or up to 4 days. Serve with vanilla ice cream if desired and enjoy!