Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy and quick, perfect for when you want homemade apple pies without spending hours in the kitchen. Using store-bought pie crust speeds up the process, and making mini pies in muffin tins ensures perfect portions that are great for parties or family gatherings. Plus, the lattice tops add a charming, classic touch to each mini pie.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apple Pie Filling

4 tart apples (such as Granny Smith or Honey Crisp)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh squeezed or bottled)
¼ cup granulated white sugar
¼ cup white flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons salted butter

Pie Crust

2 store-bought or homemade pie crusts
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
1 tablespoon turbinado or granulated sugar

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator and let it rest on the counter for 15 minutes.
Peel, core, and slice the apples into ¼ inch slices. Place them in a large bowl.
Toss the apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Mix the sugar, flour, and cinnamon into the apples until evenly coated.
Transfer the apple mixture to a medium pan, dot with butter, cover, and simmer over medium heat until the apples soften.
Unroll the pie crusts and use a 3.25-3.5 inch biscuit cutter to cut 12 circles.
Press each dough circle into the cups of a muffin tin to form the mini pie shells.
Fill each shell with about 2 tablespoons of the apple filling.
Cut ¼ inch strips from the remaining dough and weave them into mini lattice tops.
Use a 2.5 inch biscuit cutter to cut out 12 lattice circles and place one on top of each mini pie.
Whisk the egg and water together and brush over the lattice tops.
Sprinkle with turbinado sugar.
Place the muffin tin on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15 minutes at 400°F until golden brown.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 mini apple pies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use a combination of apple varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady for a sweeter filling.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple mixture for extra warmth.
Substitute the lattice top with simple round crust covers for a different look.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pie crust and flour alternatives.
Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the apple filling for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover mini apple pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through to keep the crust crisp. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Make sure to stew the apple filling well before adding it to the crust. Also, placing the muffin tin on a baking sheet helps catch any drips and ensures even baking.

Can I use frozen pie crust for this recipe?

Yes, frozen pie crust works perfectly. Just thaw it according to package instructions before use.

What type of apples work best?

Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honey Crisp hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pies and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

How do I make a lattice top if I’m not good at weaving?

If weaving is tricky, simply cut strips and lay them parallel or in a crisscross pattern without weaving.

Can I use homemade pie crust?

Absolutely! Homemade pie crust adds a wonderful flavor and flakiness to these mini pies.

What can I substitute for turbinado sugar?

Granulated white sugar or sanding sugar both work well as a topping.

Can these be made dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a dairy-free pie crust.

How do I store leftover pies?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in two muffin tins or one after the other.

Conclusion

These Easy Mini Apple Pies made in muffin tins are a quick and delightful way to enjoy the classic flavors of apple pie without the hassle of a full-sized pie. Perfectly portioned and beautifully finished with lattice tops, they make a charming dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a family treat or a gathering, their simplicity and deliciousness are sure to impress.

Easy Mini Apple Pies In Muffin Tins