This adorable 6-inch apple pie is the perfect dessert when you're craving something sweet but don’t want a lot of leftovers. It’s small, satisfying, and just as impressive as a full-sized pie without the need to scale down other recipes.

This recipe makes the exact amount of dough and filling for a deep dish 6-inch pie. It’s ideal for two people, and great for gifting, holidays, or cozy nights at home.
Want to scale your own recipes? Check out my guide on Scaling Recipes for Baking.
Which 6-Inch Pie Pan Is Best?
Not all 6-inch pie pans are created equal. The term "6-inch" refers to the top diameter, but depth makes a big difference. Choosing the right pan affects how much filling you need, your dough weight, and bake time.
There are two common types:
- Standard 6-inch pie pans hold about 6 ounces of filling and are around ¾ inch deep. They’re great for custard-style pies like pumpkin or simple fruit pies with a single crust.
- Deep dish 6-inch pans hold 10 to 12 ounces of filling and are about 2 inches deep. They are perfect for double crust apple pies or anything fruit-filled.
For this recipe, I use a deep dish aluminum 6-inch pie pan. Here’s the one I recommend (affiliate link).

Why 6-Inch Pies Are the Perfect Size
A 6-inch pie serves about 2 to 4 people depending on how you slice it. It’s the perfect size for two. It's just enough to satisfy without leaving behind a pile of leftovers!
Small pies are also great for:
- Gifting during the holidays
- Special occasion desserts for two
- Variety in bake sales or markets

What Are the Best Apples for a 6-Inch Apple Pie?
To make a deep dish 6-inch apple pie, you'll need about two medium apples, or 10 to 12 ounces of sliced fruit. That gives you the perfect amount of filling without overflowing.
The best results come from using a mix of apples. I like to combine one Granny Smith for tartness with one Honeycrisp for sweetness and juiciness. This gives your pie great flavor and texture. You can also try Braeburn, Jonagold, or Pink Lady. Just stay away from apples that turn mushy as they bake like Red Delicious.

How to Make a 6-Inch Apple Pie (Step-by-Step)
Making a 6-inch apple pie is easier than you might think, especially when you use a food processor. This beginner-friendly recipe is broken down step by step so you feel confident the whole way through.
- Start with the dough. Mix your pie dough first so it has time to chill. A food processor makes this super simple and fast.
- While the dough chills, prep the apples. Slice two apples, toss them with sugar, spices, and lemon juice, and set aside.
- Roll, fill, and bake. Once the dough is chilled, roll it out, assemble your pie, and bake until golden brown.
The entire process takes about 3 hours from start to finish. Want to jump straight to the instructions? Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
6-Inch Double Pie Crust Recipe
A small pie calls for a scaled-down crust. This recipe makes just the right amount of dough for a deep dish 6-inch pie with both a bottom and top crust, plus a little extra for trimming or decorating.
Not sure if your dish is the right size? Fill it with water to check. Anything that is oven-proof and holds about 6 to 10 ounces will work well.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour – the base that gives structure and just the right amount of tenderness
- Granulated sugar – adds a touch of sweetness and helps with browning
- Salt – any variety works. I like to use iodized table salt for baking
- Cold butter- cut into small pieces for rich flavor and flaky layers
- Cold shortening- helps the dough hold its shape while baking
- Ice water- binds the dough together without making it tough

Favorite Tools for Easy 6 Inch Pie Recipes
Here’s what you need to make your 6-inch pies shine:
- Deep dish 6-inch pie pan (this is the one I use and recommend)
- Rolling pin
- Food Processor or Pastry blender
- Parchment paper and baking sheet for easy cleanup
- Wire rack for cooling
Step-by-Step: How to Make a 6-Inch Apple Pie
Make the dough ahead of time
Blend the butter and shortening into the dry ingredients until crumbly. Slowly add ice water until the dough comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap tightly, and chill for at least 1 hour. If chilled longer, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before rolling.

Prepare the apple filling while the dough chills
Slice your apples and toss them with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour or ClearJel. Let the mixture rest at room temperature while you work on the crust.

Roll and fit the bottom crust
On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough into a circle that’s roughly the diameter of your pie pan plus twice its depth. Gently place it in the pan and add the filling.

Roll out the top crust and trim
Roll the second disc to about ¼ inch thick. Place it over the filling and use kitchen scissors or a paring knife to trim any excess dough, leaving a slight overhang.

Fnish with your favorite pie style:
- Flute with your fingers for a classic wavy edge
- Crimp with a fork for a simple, rustic finish
- Create a lattice crust using strips of dough
If you're using a solid top crust, cut small steam vents with a sharp knife before baking.
Brush the top crust with a beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden, sparkly finish.

How to Prepare the Apple Pie Filling
Making the filling for your 6-inch apple pie is simple. Here’s the best way to do it:
- Use baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a good balance of tart and sweet.
- Peel and slice apples evenly so they bake at the same rate.
- Toss in a medium bowl with:
- Brown sugar
- A little bit of flour (or ClearJel) to thicken
- Ground cinnamon
- Lemon juice for brightness
- Chill in an airtight container if making ahead.
Selling 6-Inch Apple Pies at Farmers Markets
Everything you need to package, price, and sell your mini pies like a pro
A 6-inch apple pie is an adorable and profitable treat to offer at your next farmers market, especially during the summer and fall seasons. These personal-sized pies are easy to package, transport, and sell to customers looking for something homemade and shareable.

If you're just getting started, check out my complete guide to selling baked goods at the farmers market. I also have a helpful pricing guide for baked goods so you can confidently set your price.
6 Inch Mini Pie Packaging Supplies
- 6-inch deep dish pie plate
- 7-inch window bakery box
- Grease-proof waxed paper
- Red baker’s string
- “Freshly Baked Apple Pie for Two” sticker (printed with my Munbyn printer)
- Printable sticker tips using Munbyn
- “Thank you” sticker to seal the box
These little touches make your pies feel extra special and show customers just how much care went into every detail.

Join the Bake Better Academy and get real support with pricing your bakes, marketing your menu, labeling your products, and attracting new customers to your home bakery. It's everything you need to build a business you love!

Easy 6-Inch Apple Pie for Two
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 150g
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter cubed
- 2 tablespoons cold shortening
- 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
- 2 Medium apples Peeled and sliced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon flour or ClearJel my favorite ClearJel
Instructions
- Make the dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter and shortening until crumbly. Drizzle in ice water, mixing just until dough holds together. Divide into two discs (one slightly larger). Wrap and chill 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: In a separate bowl, combine sliced apples with sugar, spices, lemon juice, and thickener. Let sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Roll and fill: Roll out the bottom crust to 8 inches, fit into the pan, and fill with apple mixture. This is my favorite deep-dish 6 inch pie pan.
- Top and finish: Roll out top crust, cover pie, trim excess, and crimp edges. Cut steam vents and brush with egg wash if desired.
- Bake: Place on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40–45 minutes until crust is golden and juices bubble.
Notes
Baker’s Notes
- Best apples for baking: Use firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix to get the right balance of tartness and structure.
- Using a food processor: You can make the dough in a food processor by pulsing the flour, sugar, and salt, then adding cold butter and shortening until crumbly. Pulse in the water just until the dough comes together.
- Don’t skip the chill: Chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent shrinking and ensures a tender, flaky crust.
- Egg wash & sugar topping: For that golden bakery-style finish, brush the top crust with an egg yolk mixed with a splash of water or cream. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for added crunch and sparkle.
- Bake time adjustments: Oven times vary. If your crust is browning too fast, tent the pie with foil. Bake until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling through the steam vents—usually around 40–45 minutes for a deep dish 6-inch pie.
Try These Next
If you're loving the idea of baking cute little 6-inch pies, here are a few more cozy bakes to try:
Leave a Reply