Apple Pie Cupcakes: A Bite-Sized Delight

Introduction

As the leaves begin to turn and the air becomes crisp, I find myself craving the warmth and comfort of apple pie. However, sometimes I want a treat that’s easier to share or just a little more portable. That’s where these Apple Pie Cupcakes come in! They are like mini apple pies packed into cupcake form, featuring a flaky crust, a sweet apple filling, and a delicious crumble topping. Every bite transports you to a cozy fall kitchen, filled with the aromas of cinnamon and baked apples. My family absolutely loves these cupcakes; they’re perfect for gatherings, and I often catch my kids sneaking a few before dinner. If you’re looking for a fun twist on traditional apple pie, these delightful cupcakes are sure to please!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 pre-made pie crusts (or homemade all-butter pie crust)

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

For the Crumble Topping:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup pecan halves (toasted)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

For the Egg Wash:

• 1 egg, beaten

For Serving:

• Whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 24-count mini muffin pan with cooking spray.

Prepare the Apple Filling

In a medium-sized pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples are tender. Stir in the lemon juice and set aside to cool.

Make the Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and pecans. Add the butter and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.

Cut and Shape the Pie Crust

Roll out the pie crusts on a floured surface. Use a round cookie or biscuit cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out 24 rounds from the dough. Gently press each round into the mini muffin cups, using your fingers to shape them into mini pie crusts. Brush the edges of each crust with the beaten egg wash.

Assemble the Cupcakes

Divide the apple filling evenly among the pie crusts in the muffin cups. Sprinkle the crumble topping over each cupcake, pressing it gently into place.

Bake the Cupcakes

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges of the crusts are golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the cupcakes to cool on a wire rack.

Serve

Once cooled, use the tip of a knife to loosen the crusts from the muffin cups. Serve the cupcakes with whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or drizzle them with caramel sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per cupcake)

• Servings: 24
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve

• Top with whipped cream for a classic dessert.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for a sweet finishing touch.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a pop of flavor.
• Serve warm or at room temperature, as desired.

Additional Tips

1. Use Store-Bought Crust: For a quicker option, use store-bought pie crusts, which save time and effort.
2. Canned Apple Filling: If you’re in a rush, canned apple pie filling works perfectly and saves time on prep.
3. Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans in the crumble topping for a nut-free dessert.
4. Mix and Match Fruits: Feel free to mix in other fruits, such as pears or cranberries, for a unique flavor.
5. Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and crust ahead of time for easier assembly later.

Recipe Variations

• Spiced Apples: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple filling for additional warmth.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust and flour for the crumble to make this treat gluten-free.
• Chocolate Drizzle: For a sweet twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the cupcakes before serving.
• Different Toppings: Experiment with different toppings like crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect for Parties: These cupcakes are ideal for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or birthday parties.
• Bake Sale Favorite: They’re a hit at bake sales, providing a fun, bite-sized option.
• Snack Time Treat: Perfect for an after-school snack or a delightful dessert after dinner.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked cupcakes. Assemble and freeze before baking, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Thawing: If baked, let them cool completely before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen apples?

• Yes, you can use frozen apples; just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture.

1. What can I substitute for butter?

• You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

1. Can I use a regular muffin pan?

• Yes, you can use a regular muffin pan; just adjust the baking time as needed.

1. How do I know when they’re done baking?

• They’re done when the edges are golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

1. Can I make these without eggs?

• Yes, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a substitute.

1. What type of apples work best?

• Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples are great choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness.

1. Can I make these in advance?

• Yes, you can prepare the filling and crust in advance and assemble them just before baking.

1. What if I don’t have a mini muffin pan?

• You can use a regular muffin pan, but the baking time will need to be adjusted.

1. Are these cupcakes suitable for freezing?

• Yes, you can freeze the unbaked cupcakes or the baked ones after they’ve cooled.

1. What other toppings can I use?

• Consider using whipped topping, chocolate sauce, or even a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

Conclusion

Apple Pie Cupcakes are the perfect way to enjoy the classic flavors of apple pie in a fun, bite-sized format. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cupcakes will surely delight your taste buds and those of your loved ones. With their flaky crust, sweet apple filling, and crumbly topping, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. So grab your ingredients and get ready to bake a batch of these scrumptious Apple Pie Cupcakes—your family will thank you!

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