Easy Mini Apple Pie Cups Recipe

Apple Pie Cups are a delightful twist on the traditional apple pie. These individual servings are perfect for anyone craving the flavors of a warm, homemade apple pie without the fuss of a whole dessert.

The combination of tender apple filling and a buttery, flaky crust makes these cups irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a party or want a quick, sweet treat, Apple Pie Cups offer a cozy and delicious experience.

Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Cups

• Easy to Make: Apple Pie Cups are quick and straightforward to prepare. You can make them in a fraction of the time it takes to bake a whole apple pie.
• Perfect for Portion Control: Unlike traditional apple pie, these individual servings are great for keeping things neat and easy to manage.
• Warm and Comforting: The combination of sweet, spiced apples and a buttery crust delivers that classic, cozy apple pie flavor with every bite.

Ingredient Notes for Apple Pie Cups

Making Apple Pie Cups is easy when you have the right ingredients. Here’s what you will need:

• Pie Dough: The base of your Apple Pie Cups provides a flaky and buttery crust.
• Apples: Fresh apples are the star of the recipe, offering sweetness and texture. Use tart apples, such as Granny Smith, for balance.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the apples and helps in creating a syrup-like consistency when baked.
• Ground Cinnamon: This warm spice gives the pie cups that classic apple pie flavor.
• Ground Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy depth to the sweet apples and cinnamon combination.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the filling, giving it the right consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances the apple flavor and prevents the apples from turning brown.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor to the apples when cooked, resulting in a smooth filling.
• Egg: Used to brush the crust before baking, giving it a golden, shiny finish.
• Coarse Sugar: Sprinkle on top of the pie dough for a sweet crunch once baked.

How to Make Apple Pie Cups

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready to bake your Apple Pie Cups once they’re assembled.
2. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples thinly. Place them in a large bowl and toss them with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Prepare the Pie Crusts: Roll out your pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter or a glass, cut out circles that are slightly larger than the muffin tin cups. Press each dough circle into the muffin tin, ensuring the sides are lined well.
4. Fill the Pie Cups: Spoon the apple mixture into each pie crust, packing it down slightly to fit as much as possible. Top each cup with a small cube of butter.
5. Top with Dough: If desired, use additional dough to create a top for the pie cups. Cut out another set of smaller circles and place them on top, or create lattice strips for a decorative finish.
6. Apply the Egg Wash: Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush it over the dough for a golden, crispy crust. Sprinkle the top with coarse sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
7. Bake: Place the muffin tin on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender. Let the cups cool for a few minutes before serving.

Apple Pie Cups Variation

You can easily switch up the classic Apple Pie Cups recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations:

• Gluten-Free Apple Pie Cups: Replace regular pie dough with gluten-free pie crust or almond flour crust.
• Caramel Apple Pie Cups: Add a layer of caramel sauce to the apple filling for an extra indulgent twist.
• Mini Apple Pie Cups: Use mini muffin tins to create even smaller, bite-sized servings that are perfect for kids or snack-sized portions.
• Vegan Apple Pie Cups: Use plant-based butter and a dairy-free pie crust for a vegan-friendly version.
• Crispy Apple Pie Cups: Add a layer of crushed granola or oats on top of the apple filling before baking to create a crunchy topping.

These variations enable you to customize your Apple Pie Cups to suit various tastes and dietary preferences.

How to Serve Apple Pie Cups

Apple Pie Cups are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are some serving ideas:

• With Ice Cream: Serve each Apple Pie Cup with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a perfect blend of warm and cold flavors.
• Topped with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra layer of creaminess and sweetness.
• As a Snack: Serve them as an afternoon snack with coffee or tea. They are perfect for a sweet treat any time of day.
• At Holiday Gatherings: These individual servings make a great addition to holiday spreads, like Thanksgiving or Christmas, as guests can easily grab and enjoy them.

The warm, sweet flavors of Apple Pie Cups pair well with both hot and cold desserts, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.

Storage Tips

Proper storage can help maintain the freshness and flavor of your Apple Pie Cups. Here are some helpful storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store the Apple Pie Cups at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing the container to prevent moisture buildup.
• Refrigeration: For more extended storage, keep Apple Pie Cups in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: To store for a more extended period, freeze the Apple Pie Cups. Please place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until they are solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warm.
• Reheating: Reheat the Apple Pie Cups in the oven at 350°F for approximately 10 minutes to regain that fresh, warm taste. You can also microwave them for 30-45 seconds, though the texture won’t be as crispy as when reheated in the oven.

FAQs About Apple Pie Cups