Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies: Ultimate Recipe (20 Minutes!)

Easy muffin tin mini apple pies changed everything for me during my first autumn in a professional kitchen. I was desperately trying to create individual desserts for a busy restaurant service, and traditional apple pies were taking forever. The pastry chef beside me was rolling out dozens of individual crusts, cursing under her breath as orders kept piling up. That’s when inspiration struck why not use a muffin tin?

Hey there! I’m Emeli, and this recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents everything I love about cooking: taking something traditional and making it accessible, delicious, and perfect for sharing. These mini apple pies deliver all the comfort of grandma’s classic recipe but in adorable individual portions that bake in half the time.

As someone who’s spent years perfecting pastry techniques in professional kitchens and testing countless apple pie variations, I can promise you this: these easy muffin tin mini apple pies will become your go-to dessert for everything from weeknight treats to holiday gatherings.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through choosing the perfect apples, mastering the flaky crust, and sharing my secret tips for that perfect golden finish. Plus, I’ll answer all the questions I get about making these little gems foolproof every single time.

Why This Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies Recipe Works

These easy muffin tin mini apple pies solve every problem I’ve encountered with traditional apple pie over the years. Here’s why this recipe is pure genius:

• Perfect portion control: No more arguments over who gets the bigger slice everyone gets their own perfect mini pie

• Faster baking time: 20-25 minutes versus the hour-plus needed for full-size pies

• Ideal for entertaining: Make a dozen at once, and they look absolutely stunning on any dessert table

• No soggy bottom syndrome: The muffin tin ensures even heat distribution and perfectly crispy crusts every time

• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare them in the morning and bake just before serving

Choosing the Right Apples for Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies

Best Apple Varieties for This Recipe

After testing dozens of apple varieties, I’ve found that the secret to perfect easy muffin tin mini apple pies lies in choosing apples that hold their shape and balance sweetness with just the right amount of tartness.

My Top Picks:

• Honeycrisp: My absolute favorite they hold their texture beautifully and offer the perfect sweet-tart balance
• Granny Smith: The classic choice for a reason their tartness complements the brown sugar perfectly
• Braeburn: Excellent for those who prefer a milder apple flavor with great texture

Buying Tips

When shopping for your easy muffin tin mini apple pies, look for apples that feel firm to the touch with no soft spots or wrinkled skin. The skin should have a vibrant color that’s bright red, green, or golden yellow depends on the variety.

Pro tip from my restaurant days: Buy your apples 2-3 days before you plan to bake. This allows them to develop their full flavor while still maintaining that perfect crisp texture.

Apple Substitutions

If you can’t find my recommended varieties, here are some excellent alternatives:

• Swap Honeycrisp for Fuji if you prefer extra sweetness
• Replace Granny Smith with Northern Spy for similar tartness with a hint more complexity
• Use Pink Lady instead of Braeburn for a touch more acidity

Ingredients & Prep for Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies

Apple Filling Essentials

The heart of any great easy muffin tin mini apple pies recipe lies in perfectly seasoned apple filling:

• 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, diced into ¼-inch pieces)
• 2 tbsp butter (I prefer unsalted for better control over flavor)
• 3 tbsp brown sugar (light brown sugar works best)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (freshly ground if possible)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (prevents browning and adds brightness)

Crust Essentials

• 1 package refrigerated pie crust (or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious I’ll share my recipe in the pro tips!)

Pantry Staples

• Flour for dusting (prevents sticking during rolling)
• 1 egg for wash (creates that gorgeous golden finish)

Prep Work That Makes All the Difference

Apple Preparation: Dice your apples uniformly this ensures even cooking. I learned this trick from a French pastry chef: cut your apples, toss immediately with lemon juice, then let them sit while you prep everything else. This prevents browning and allows the flavors to meld.

Crust Handling: Remove your pie crust from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before rolling. This prevents cracking but keeps the butter cold enough for flaky results.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies

Pre-Cooking Prep for Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature gives us the perfect balance of crispy crust and tender apples.
2. Generously grease your muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray. Don’t skip this step it’s the difference between perfect release and broken crusts.
3. Prepare your apple filling: In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 3-4 minutes until apples just begin to soften. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Set aside to cool.

Cooking Method for Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies

1. Roll and cut your crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out your pie crust slightly thinner than it comes from the package. Using a round cookie cutter or glass (about 4 inches diameter), cut 12 circles for the bottoms.
2. Form the pie shells: Gently press each circle into the muffin tin wells, allowing slight overhang. Don’t stretch the dough just nestle it in naturally.
3. Fill with apple mixture: Divide the cooled apple filling evenly among the 12 shells, about 2 tablespoons per pie.
4. Create the tops: Cut smaller circles (about 3 inches) for solid tops, or cut strips for a rustic lattice pattern. I personally love the lattice look it’s forgiving and looks professionally made.

Doneness Check for Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies

Your easy muffin tin mini apple pies are perfectly done when:

• The crust is golden brown and flaky
• The filling is bubbling around the edges
• A toothpick inserted into the filling meets no resistance from hard apple pieces

Resting Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies

This step is crucial: let your pies cool in the tin for exactly 10 minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly while the crust remains firm enough to remove cleanly. Any longer and they might stick; any shorter and they might fall apart.

Pro Tips for Perfect Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies (H2)

Avoiding Common Mistakes with Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies

Preventing Soggy Bottoms: The enemy of great easy muffin tin mini apple pies is moisture. Here’s my secret after placing the bottom crust in the tin, brush it lightly with beaten egg before adding the filling. This creates a moisture barrier.

Perfect Egg Wash Technique: Mix one egg with 1 tablespoon of cream or milk. Brush this mixture on top of your pies just before baking for that gorgeous, bakery-quality golden finish.

Essential Tool Recommendations

• Quality muffin tin: Invest in a heavy-duty, non-stick muffin tin. It distributes heat evenly and releases cleanly.
• Pastry brush: Essential for egg wash and greasing
• Sharp paring knife: For precise apple dicing
• Rolling pin: A marble one stays cooler and prevents sticking

Storage & Reheating Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies

These pies store beautifully! Keep them covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5-8 minutes to re-crisp the crust.

Flavor Variations for Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies

Spiced Apple Twist

Transform your easy muffin tin mini apple pies with warming spices:

• Add ¼ tsp ground nutmeg and ¼ tsp ground ginger to your apple mixture
• Include a pinch of cardamom for an exotic touch
• Try Chinese five-spice for an unexpected but delicious variation

Healthier Options

For lighter easy muffin tin mini apple pies:

• Sugar-free version: Replace brown sugar with sugar-free brown sugar substitute or pure maple syrup
• Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pie crust recipe
• Vegan adaptation: Substitute butter with vegan butter and skip the egg wash (they’ll still be delicious!)

Global Flavor Inspirations

Serving Suggestions for Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies

These easy muffin tin mini apple pies are versatile enough to shine in any setting:

Casual Family Dinners: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. The contrast of temperatures and textures is absolutely divine.

Elegant Dinner Parties: Dust with powdered sugar and serve alongside freshly whipped cream flavored with a touch of bourbon or vanilla bean paste.

Holiday Gatherings: Create a dessert buffet with these pies, offering various toppings: whipped cream, ice cream, caramel sauce, and chopped toasted nuts.

Beverage Pairings:

• Wine: A glass of late-harvest Riesling or port complements the apple and spice flavors beautifully
• Coffee: Serve with strong coffee or espresso for an afternoon treat
• Tea: Earl Grey or chai tea echoes the warming spices perfectly

FAQs About Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies

Can I make easy muffin tin mini apple pies ahead of time? Absolutely! Assemble them completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the refrigerator.

Can I freeze unbaked easy muffin tin mini apple pies? Yes! Freeze them assembled but unbaked for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.

Why did my crust get soggy? This usually happens when the apple mixture is too wet. Make sure to cook your apple filling briefly to remove excess moisture, and let it cool completely before filling the pies.

Can I use a different type of crust for these easy muffin tin mini apple pies? Definitely! Graham cracker crust works wonderfully for a more casual dessert, and shortbread crust creates an elegant, cookie-like base.

How do I prevent the pies from sticking to the tin? Generous greasing is key, but also make sure to let them cool for exactly 10 minutes. Too hot and the filling will be runny; too cool and the crust might stick.

Can I double this easy muffin tin mini apple pies recipe? Of course! This recipe scales perfectly. You’ll need two muffin tins and double all ingredients. The baking time remains the same.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about pulling a tray of golden, bubbling easy muffin tin mini apple pies from the oven. The way they fill your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and baked apples instantly transforms any ordinary day into something special.

These little pies represent everything I love about home cooking they’re approachable enough for beginners but impressive enough to wow guests. Whether you’re making them for a cozy family dessert or bringing them to your next potluck, I guarantee they’ll disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends or save it for later! I’d love to see your unique twist feel free to post your photos on Pinterest!

Easy Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies

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• Author: Emili
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 mini pies 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies are perfectly portioned, flaky, and filled with warm cinnamon apples. A cozy dessert ready in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, diced

2 tbsp butter

3 tbsp brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp lemon juice

1 package refrigerated pie crust

Flour (for dusting)

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease muffin tin.

2. Roll out pie crust and cut into circles.

3. Press crust circles into muffin tin wells.

4. Prepare apple filling with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.

5. Fill each crust with apple mixture.

6. Top with smaller crusts or lattice design.

7. Brush tops with egg wash.

8. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling.

9. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, drizzle with caramel before serving.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freeze baked pies up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 mini pie
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies, easy apple pies, mini pies