Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies

$- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1 package of pre-made pie crusts - 1 egg, beaten - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar For the best flavor in your mini apple pies, I suggest using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. These types balance sweetness and tartness well. If you want to make your own pie crust, you can use flour, butter, and water. This gives a fresh taste. Also, feel free to swap brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness. You will need a muffin tin to shape the pies. Mixing bowls are great for combining ingredients. A baking sheet will catch any drips while baking. 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the filling Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for a crispy crust. In a medium bowl, mix together 2 large apples, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Toss everything until the apples are well coated. Let the mixture sit so the flavors blend. 2. Prepare the muffin tin and pie crusts Lightly grease a muffin tin with non-stick spray or butter. This will help prevent sticking when you bake. Roll out your pre-made pie crusts on a floured surface. Use a round cutter, about 4 inches wide, to cut out 12 circles from the dough. 3. Create the pie shells Place each dough circle into a muffin tin cup. Press it gently against the sides and bottom. This will form a small pie shell that holds your filling. 1. Fill the shells with apple mixture Spoon the apple filling into each mini pie shell. Fill them just to the top, but don’t overfill. You want to allow room for bubbling as they bake. 2. Add decorative tops Use the leftover dough to cut out smaller circles. You can also make fun shapes, like stars, to place on top. This adds a nice touch to your pies. If you prefer, you can leave them open-faced for a rustic look. 3. Bake until golden brown Brush the tops with a beaten egg for a golden finish. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling filling. 1. Cooling time and techniques Once baked, let the mini apple pies cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes. This makes them easier to remove. After that, carefully lift them out and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. 2. Presentation tips Serve these tasty treats warm. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For an elegant touch, add a sprig of mint on top. This makes your mini apple pies not just delicious, but beautiful too. For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. Enjoy your baking! To make your muffin tin mini apple pies perfect, focus on the crust. To avoid soggy crusts, use fresh pie crusts and bake them at the right temperature. Pre-baking the crust slightly can help too. This step helps firm it up. For even baking, rotate your muffin tin halfway through baking. This ensures all pies get equal heat. Check the pies at the 20-minute mark. You want them golden brown and bubbling. Using pre-made pie crusts is a great way to save time. They help you skip the dough-making step. You can find them in any grocery store. Just roll them out and cut them into circles for your mini pies. Batch prepping is another smart move. You can prepare the apple filling ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This makes your baking day quick and easy. One mistake to watch for is overfilling the pies. If you fill them too high, the filling will ooze out. This can cause a mess in your oven. Aim to fill them just to the top for best results. Not cooling the pies properly before serving is also a common error. Let them cool for about 10 minutes in the tin. This makes them easier to remove and helps the filling set. Enjoy these tips to make your Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies delicious! For the full recipe, check out the provided link. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor of your mini apple pies in fun ways. One great option is to make caramel apple mini pies. To do this, simply add a few tablespoons of caramel sauce to your apple filling. This adds a sweet and rich taste. Another fun twist is a cinnamon roll-inspired version. Use cinnamon roll dough instead of pie crust. Place it in the muffin tin and fill it with your apple mixture. The result is a warm, gooey treat that feels like a dessert and breakfast all in one. If you need gluten-free options, use a gluten-free pie crust. Many brands offer good choices. This way, everyone can enjoy your mini pies without worry. For vegans, you can substitute the butter in the crust with coconut oil. Use maple syrup or agave instead of brown sugar in the filling. These changes keep the flavor while making it plant-based. Serve your mini pies warm for the best taste. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic touch. The cold ice cream mixes well with the warm pie, creating a great experience. You can also drizzle the pies with caramel sauce for extra sweetness. For a creative look, arrange them on a platter and garnish with mint leaves. This adds a fresh touch that makes the dessert even more appealing. To keep your mini apple pies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. The pies will stay good in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save some for later, freezing is easy. First, let the pies cool completely. Then, wrap each pie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. To reheat, simply bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This will keep the crust nice and crispy. If you have leftover pie crusts or apple filling, you can make other tasty treats. Use extra pie crusts to make cookies or tarts. For leftover apple filling, try adding it to oatmeal or yogurt for a sweet twist. You can also make an apple crisp by layering the filling with oats and butter. These ideas let you enjoy every bit of your ingredients! To balance sweetness in the filling, choose tart apples. Granny Smith is a great choice. You can also reduce the brown sugar by a few tablespoons. Adding lemon juice brightens the flavor and cuts the sweetness. A pinch of salt can also help balance the flavors. Yes, you can use frozen apples. Thaw them first and drain excess liquid. Frozen apples might be softer than fresh ones. They work well if you want to save time. Just adjust the sugar if your frozen apples are sweetened. To reheat mini apple pies, use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This keeps the crust crispy and warms the filling. Microwave can make the crust soggy, so avoid that. These mini apple pies take about 20-25 minutes to bake. Watch for the crust to turn golden brown. The filling should bubble slightly. If you see this, your pies are done. Always check them a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. You can create delicious mini apple pies with simple ingredients and easy steps. We covered everything from ingredients to common mistakes. Remember to choose the right apple types for great flavor. Pay attention to cooling and presentation for the best results. With practice, you will impress friends and family. Enjoy making these tasty treats, and don’t forget to get creative with your variations and serving ideas! Happy baking!$

Delight in the flavors of fall with these adorable Muffin Tin Mini Apple Pies! Perfectly portioned and bursting with sweet, spiced apple goodness, these treats are incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients like Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, and a quick pie crust, you'll have a delicious dessert ready to share in no time. Click to explore the full recipe and bring a little sweetness to your table!

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Ingredients

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

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

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

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until the apples are well coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Prepare Muffin Tin: Lightly grease a muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Roll Out Pie Crust: Roll out the pre-made pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cutter (about 4 inches in diameter), cut out circles from the pie crusts. You will need 12 circles.

Create the Shells: Place each dough circle into a muffin tin cup, pressing it gently against the sides and bottom to form a small pie shell.

Fill the Shells: Spoon the apple filling evenly into each mini pie shell, filling them just to the top.

Top with Crusts: Using the remaining dough, cut out smaller circles or shapes (like stars) to place on top of the apple filling, creating a decorative lid. Alternatively, you can leave them open-faced.

Apply Egg Wash: Brush the tops of the mini pies with the beaten egg. Sprinkle granulated sugar on top for added sweetness and a nice crunch.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Cool: Allow the mini apple pies to cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before carefully removing them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 45 mins | Serves 12

- Presentation Tips: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side or drizzle with caramel sauce. Garnish with a sprig of mint for an elegant touch!