Easy muffin tin mini apple pies are adorable, handheld versions of the classic dessert I love most in the fall. With a buttery crust and warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, these mini pies pack all the flavor of a traditional apple pie into a fun, bite-sized treat. I like how easy they are to serve, how little mess they make, and how perfectly they satisfy that apple pie craving — no slicing required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s simple, kid-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser. Using muffin tins means every pie comes out perfectly portioned, and I can easily make a dozen at once. The crust gets crisp and golden, the filling is soft and flavorful, and the entire process is much quicker than baking a full-sized pie. Whether I’m hosting a party or just want something sweet for the weekend, these mini pies are always a hit.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- Apples (I like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg (optional)
- All-purpose flour or cornstarch (for thickening)
- Lemon juice
- Egg (for egg wash)
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin.
- I roll out the pie crust and cut out 3.5 to 4-inch circles to fit each muffin cup. I press the circles into each cup, shaping the crust up the sides.
- In a bowl, I mix peeled and finely chopped apples with sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, a touch of nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour or cornstarch to thicken the filling.
- I spoon the apple mixture evenly into each pie crust, filling them just to the top.
- I top each mini pie with either a small round of dough or lattice strips if I want them to look extra cute.
- I brush the tops with egg wash for a golden finish.
- I bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
- I let the mini pies cool in the tin for 10 minutes before gently removing them to cool completely on a rack.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 12 mini apple pies. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to bake, so they’re ready in around 40 minutes.
Variations
- I sometimes add chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for extra crunch.
- For caramel apple mini pies, I drizzle a bit of caramel sauce into the filling before baking.
- I’ve used puff pastry instead of pie crust for a lighter, flakier twist.
- For a streusel topping, I skip the top crust and add a quick brown sugar crumb topping instead.
- I occasionally mix in pears or cranberries for a fun seasonal variation.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover mini pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I pop them in the oven at 325°F for about 5–10 minutes to warm through and crisp the crust. I avoid microwaving if I want to keep the crust flaky.
FAQs
Can I use canned pie filling?
Yes, I’ve used canned apple pie filling when I need to save time. I just chop it up a bit so it fits better into the muffin cups.
What apples are best for mini pies?
I like Granny Smith for their tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweet-crisp balance. Mixing different types works really well too.
Can I freeze mini apple pies?
Yes, I let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a container. I reheat from frozen at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes.
Do I need to blind bake the crusts?
No, I don’t blind bake for this recipe. The crust bakes fully in the muffin tin and comes out golden and crisp.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
I make sure to chop the apples small so they cook evenly, and I don’t overfill the pies. Using a bit of flour or cornstarch helps absorb extra juice.
Conclusion
These easy muffin tin mini apple pies are one of my favorite quick desserts — cozy, classic, and just the right size. I love how fun they are to make and how delicious they taste straight from the oven. Whether I’m baking for a holiday, a gathering, or just to enjoy with coffee, these little pies never disappoint.
PrintEasy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies
Easy muffin tin mini apple pies are bite-sized versions of classic apple pie, baked in a muffin tin for perfectly portioned, mess-free treats. With a buttery crust and warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, they’re ideal for holidays, parties, or everyday dessert cravings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 package pie crust (store-bought or homemade, enough for 2 crusts)
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely chopped
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Roll out the pie crust and cut 12 circles (about 3.5–4 inches wide). Press each into a muffin cup, shaping up the sides.
- In a bowl, mix chopped apples, both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), lemon juice, and flour or cornstarch.
- Spoon the apple filling evenly into the crusts, just to the top.
- Top with more dough (whole circles or lattice strips), if desired.
- Brush tops with egg wash.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until crust is golden and filling bubbles.
- Cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- For caramel flavor, drizzle caramel sauce into the filling before baking.
- Try puff pastry for a flakier crust.
- Use streusel topping instead of crust for a crumbly finish.
- Mix in pears or cranberries for seasonal variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini pie
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 115mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
