Apple Pie Cups

$- 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 package of pre-made pie crusts (2 crusts) - 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Optional: vanilla ice cream for serving To make apple pie cups, you need fresh ingredients. Start with two large apples. I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their sweet and tart flavor. Peel and dice them into small pieces. This helps them cook well in the cups. Next, you’ll need one tablespoon of lemon juice. This keeps the apples fresh and adds brightness. Measure out one teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg for warm spice. These spices create that cozy apple pie flavor. You will also need 1/4 cup of brown sugar. This adds sweetness and a bit of caramel flavor. Add in one tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken the filling. It helps keep everything together. For the crust, grab a package of pre-made pie crusts. You will need two crusts to make twelve apple pie cups. Finally, beat one egg for an egg wash. This will give your cups a nice golden finish. If you want, serve the cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This makes a tasty treat even better! - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - In a bowl, mix diced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and cornstarch. - Roll out pie crusts and cut circles about 3-4 inches wide. - Press dough circles into muffin tins, forming little cups. - Fill each cup with the apple mixture, packing lightly. - Cut strips from leftover dough for a lattice top or cover with another round of dough. Cut slits for steam. - Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden crust. - Place the muffin tin in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. - Let the cups cool for a few minutes before removing them from the tin. To get a golden crust, brush your cups with beaten egg. This gives them a nice shine. Bake at 375°F for the best results. For sweetness, use Granny Smith apples for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweet touch. Adjust the brown sugar based on your apple choice. Top your apple pie cups with vanilla ice cream. The warm pie and cold ice cream create a great mix. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top. For a fancy look, drizzle caramel sauce over the cups. Do not overfill the cups with the apple mixture. Leave some space for the apples to bubble. This helps prevent overflow. Also, use enough cornstarch. It thickens the filling and keeps it from being runny. This ensures a great texture in each bite. {{image_2}} You can switch up the crust for your apple pie cups. Using puff pastry gives a flaky twist. Puff pastry adds a light and airy texture. It pairs well with the sweet apples. Just be sure to adjust baking time slightly. If you need a gluten-free crust, there are great options. Many brands offer gluten-free pie crusts. You can also make your own with almond or oat flour. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats. Want to add some unique flavors? Try mixing in cranberries or raisins. They give a sweet and tart taste. This twist makes the cups even more exciting. You can also use spices like ginger or allspice. These spices add warmth and depth. Experimenting with spices can brighten the flavor of the apples. For fall, think about adding pumpkin or pecan. These flavors make great seasonal apple pie cups. You can blend pumpkin puree into the apple mix. This adds creaminess and a festive touch. During holidays, get creative with your apple pie cups. You can add cinnamon and nutmeg for a classic holiday taste. These variations make your dessert feel special for any occasion. To store leftover apple pie cups, place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cups on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling warm. You can freeze apple pie cups before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the cups and place them in a freezer-safe container. Cover them well to avoid freezer burn. When you want to bake them, you can add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, let them cool completely first. Store them in a container for up to three months. To thaw frozen cups, move them to the fridge overnight. For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cups on a baking sheet and heat for about 15 minutes. This method keeps the filling and crust delicious. To make apple pie cups, follow these steps: 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). 2. In a bowl, mix diced apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and cornstarch. 3. Roll out pie crusts and cut out circles, about 3-4 inches wide. 4. Press the dough circles into a muffin tin to form cups. 5. Fill each cup with the apple mixture, packing it lightly. 6. Cut strips from leftover dough to make a lattice top or cover with another dough round. 7. Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish. 8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. 9. Cool for a few minutes before removing from the tin. 10. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream. Yes, you can use different apples! Granny Smith apples are tart and firm. Honeycrisp apples add sweetness and crunch. Other good options include Fuji or Braeburn. Each type gives a unique taste and texture. Just pick apples that you enjoy. Apple pie cups last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh when covered well. If they start to get soggy, just reheat them in the oven briefly. You can make apple pie cups ahead! Prepare the filling and dough the day before. Store the filling in the fridge and the dough covered. On the day of your event, just assemble and bake them fresh. This saves time and keeps them warm for guests. Apple pie cups pair well with many sides! You can serve them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a nice touch. For drinks, try warm cider or a cup of coffee. These choices make your dessert even more delightful! We covered delicious apple pie cups, from ingredients to baking tips. Remember to choose the right apples for the best taste. Avoid overfilling your cups and always use enough cornstarch for a good texture. Feel free to try different crusts and fillings for fun twists. Store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. With these tips, you can impress everyone with an easy, tasty treat. Enjoy your baking journey!$

Create delicious and adorable apple pie cups with this easy recipe! Perfect for a cozy dessert, these bite-sized treats are filled with sweet, spiced apples and baked to golden perfection. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your baking skills. From prep to plate in under 40 minutes, this recipe is a must-try! Click through to explore the full recipe and make these delightful treats today!

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Ingredients

2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 package of pre-made pie crusts (2 crusts)

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Optional: vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Mix until the apples are well-coated and set aside.

Roll out the pie crusts on a clean surface. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles that are about 3-4 inches in diameter.

Gently press the dough circles into the cups of a muffin tin, forming little cups to hold the apple mixture.

Fill each crust cup with the apple filling, packing it lightly to fit as many apples as possible.

Using the leftover dough, cut small strips and create a lattice pattern on top of each filled pie cup, or cover with another round of dough and cut slits for steam to escape.

Brush the tops with beaten egg to give them a golden finish when baked.

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the apples are bubbly.

Remove from oven and allow to cool for a few minutes in the tin before carefully removing the cups.

Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35-40 minutes | Servings: 12 apple pie cups

- Presentation Tips: Place the apple pie cups on a decorative platter, and sprinkle with powdered sugar and a light drizzle of caramel sauce for a fancy touch!