Deliciously Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies for Everyone!

Ever have a wild craving for something sweet, but dread all the fussy cleanup after baking? Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies are my answer for snack emergencies and impromptu family treats. They’re small, they’re cute, and you probably already have almost everything in your kitchen. Plus, the kids can help, and honestly, they’ll want to. If you’re into cozy flavors like I am, you’ve gotta check out these apple-pumpkin streusel muffins or maybe even these totally dreamy apple crisp cheesecakes. Okay, let’s talk pies.

Why this recipe works

Okay, real talk. Most pie recipes scare me. Rolling dough for a giant pie and then babysitting it? Nope, not happening—at least not on a weeknight. With these mini apple pies though, you pop ‘em in a muffin pan and breeze right by all that drama. Each pie turns out with these golden crispy edges—almost magical, honestly. No fighting over who gets the better slice, either. You get your own whole pie. That’s actually kind of life-changing.

Another thing? Muffin tins are super easy to clean. No sticky mess sticking to the pan for hours. I can barely believe it myself sometimes. Plus, using small pieces of dough makes it so much easier to not mess up the crust. Kids love these, grownups devour ‘em, and you can swap in all sorts of spices. It’s fast, not fussy, and full of old-school apple pie flavor. Basically, a shortcut but nobody can tell.

These mini apple pies tasted just like grandma used to make, but with way less mess! My entire family loved them and now they want these instead of regular pies for the holidays.

Best Apples for Mini Apple Pies

Not gonna lie, I’ve experimented plenty (sometimes with slightly weird results). My go-to is a combo: Granny Smith for tang and something softer like Honeycrisp or Fuji if you’re feeling wild. Honestly, if you toss in a Red Delicious… it’s a bit bland, but it won’t destroy dinner. I stay away from McIntosh—they go mush city, fast.

You want apples that hold up their texture. Crisp is your friend. Too juicy and you get a soggy crust. Yuck. If you can, grab a couple varieties. The flavor pops so much better. Peel the apples unless you like that rustic vibe with skin on. I don’t. Someone at my house always claims they’re “extra fiber,” but really they just want to skip peeling. If you relate, just do you.

How to Make Mini Apple Pies in a Muffin Tin

Here’s my totally-not-fancy routine for Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies. Roll out store-bought pie dough (or homemade if you’re one of those impressive folks) and cut circles a bit bigger than your muffin cups. Push dough circles gently into the tin.

Now, for filling—mix up diced apples, sugar (I use brown and white together, no shame), a little cinnamon, and lemon for zing. Spoon that into your dough “cups.” Top with a second circle of dough or a scrappy lattice if you’re feeling crafty. Pinch edges, cut a quick vent in the top, and brush with a little egg if you want them shiny.

Bake in a hot oven (around 375° F) ‘til bubbly and golden—20-ish minutes does the trick. Let them cool before you try to pry them out of the pan, trust me. Nobody likes a broken pie.

Recipe variations

Can we talk about how versatile these things are? If you ask me, the best part about mini apple pies is you don’t get bored. Toss chopped walnuts or pecans in that apple filling (mind blown). Add raisins if your grandma thinks it isn’t real pie otherwise. Or drizzle on easy caramel right when they come out of the oven.

You could mix in pears or even berries if apples start feeling ho-hum. A sprinkle of cheddar cheese in the crust? I know, sounds odd—but Vermont folks swear by it. I tried it once, and it kinda grew on me. Make them with puff pastry for more crunch or do a little oatmeal streusel on top, kind of like a personal crumble.

For next-level snacking, check out deliciously easy caramel apple slices with chocolate drizzle and these irresistible apple crisp mini cheesecakes you’ll adore too.

Apple Variety	Flavor Profile	Best Uses
Granny Smith	Tart and crisp	Pies, salads
Honeycrisp	Sweet and juicy	Eating fresh, baking
Fuji	Very sweet	Snacks, desserts
Red Delicious	Mildly sweet	Fresh eating only
McIntosh	Soft and tangy	Sauces, canned

How to Freeze/Store Mini Apple Pies

So, you probably won’t have leftovers—at least at my house… But, in case you do, these mini treasures stay happy in an airtight container for about 3 days. Room temp is fine. For longer storage, toss them in the fridge. They warm up nicely in the microwave or even better a toaster oven.

Freezing? Wrap each pie in plastic wrap then stick ‘em all in a freezer bag. They’re good for about two months (if you forget about them—happens here). I zap frozen pies straight from the freezer, or let them thaw overnight.

Serving Suggestions

Here are a few ways I jazz up my mini apple pies so everyone feels a little fancy:

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, always a hit with kids.
• Drizzle with caramel or maple syrup for dessert party vibes.
• Sprinkle with a little powdered sugar or cinnamon right before serving.

Common Questions

Q: Can I use puff pastry instead of regular pie dough?
A: Absolutely. Puff pastry makes them extra flaky. Watch the baking time, though—it can brown faster.

Q: Can I prep the pies the night before and bake them off next day?
A: Yep, just assemble and chill in the fridge. Bake when you need that pie fix.

Q: What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
A: A mini cupcake pan works for even tinier versions. Or a regular baking sheet with parchment—just make freeform “hand pies.”

Q: Do I have to peel the apples?
A: Nope! Some folks like the rustic look. I prefer peeled, but you do what makes you happy.

Q: Can I use canned pie filling instead of fresh apples?
A: In a rush? Go for it. You might want less sugar, though. The flavor’s decent but fresh apples always taste brighter.

The Only Dessert You’ll Ever Need for a Party (Okay, Maybe)

All right, so Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies are my go-to for family gatherings and snack attacks. Super simple and they deliver maximum cozy pie flavor without all that pie drama. Give ‘em a whirl—you really can’t mess up, and your kitchen won’t look like a tornado hit it. If you love easy bakes, check out even more crowd-pleasers like easy baby lemon impossible pies you’ll love or these lavish deliciously easy sour cream blueberry muffins to savor. Bake with confidence—promise you’ll impress everyone.

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