Irresistible Apple Pie Muffins Recipe

Heavenly Apple Pie Muffins Recipe: Sweet Treats in a Flash

Warm, golden muffins bursting with delightful apple pie flavors can turn any ordinary morning into a celebration of comfort.

These irresistible apple pie muffins blend the classic taste of cinnamon-spiced apples with tender, fluffy baking magic.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising a delectable treat that feels like a warm embrace.

Seasonal apples add natural sweetness and incredible texture to every bite.

Each muffin combines the nostalgic essence of homemade pie with the convenience of a handheld breakfast.

Streusel-topped and wonderfully moist, these muffins deliver pure bakery-style deliciousness right from your own oven.

Dive into this simple recipe and savor a slice of morning happiness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 13

Apple Pie Muffins: What You’ll Need

For Apple Filling:
  • Apples: Choose crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith for a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and helps create a luscious apple coating.
  • Cinnamon: Brings warm, comforting spice that perfectly complements the apple's natural flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens the filling and prevents apples from browning.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the apple mixture.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor profile.
For Crust and Crumble:
  • Pie Crusts: Store-bought or homemade pastry that provides a classic, flaky base.
  • Flour: Helps create a tender, crisp crumble topping.
  • Pecans: Adds nutty crunch and depth to the topping's texture.
  • Butter: Binds the crumble and creates a rich, golden finish.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Egg: Creates a golden, glossy finish on the pie crust edges.
  • Cooking Spray: Ensures easy removal of muffins from the pan.

Tools to Create Bakery-Style Apple Muffins

  • Muffin Pan: 24-cup mini muffin tin for creating small, bite-sized pies.
  • Cookie Cutter: 3-inch round cutter to precisely shape pie crust circles.
  • Medium Saucepan: For cooking and softening apple filling with perfect heat control.
  • Medium Mixing Bowl: Used for preparing the crumbly pecan topping.
  • Rolling Pin: Essential for smoothly rolling out and flattening pie crusts.
  • Cooling Rack: Allows muffins to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottoms.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps loosen muffins from pan after baking.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring apple filling and mixing ingredients.

Bake Apple Pie Muffins That Smell Like Fall

Apple Pie Muffins

  • Oven Preparation

Warm the kitchen with an oven set to a cozy temperature. Grab a mini muffin pan and give it a light spritz of cooking spray.

  • Apple Mixture

Create a delightful apple blend by gently simmering diced apples with warm spices in a pan. Let the fruit soften and caramelize, releasing a mouth-watering aroma that fills the kitchen.

  • Crumbly Topping

Craft a rustic topping by mixing flour, brown sugar, and crunchy pecans. Work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles delicate, sandy crumbs.

  • Pie Crust Transformation

Roll out pie crusts into a smooth canvas. Carefully cut delicate rounds that will cradle the apple filling. Nestle each round into the muffin cups, creating little pie boats.

  • Muffin Assembly

Spoon the fragrant apple mixture into each crust. Crown each mini pie with a generous sprinkle of the nutty, crumbly topping.

  • Baking Magic

Slide the pan into the oven and let the muffins bake until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. Once done, let them cool and gently coax them from the pan.

Cinnamon Sugar Tricks for Apple Muffin Glory

  • Baking Brilliance: Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Pie Muffins
  • Crust Perfection: Use cold butter and handle pie crust minimally to ensure a flaky, tender texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Apple Selection Magic: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor and texture in your filling.
  • Make-Ahead Mastery: Prepare the apple filling and crumble topping a day ahead to save time and let flavors develop more intensely.
  • Nutty Alternatives: Swap pecans with walnuts, almonds, or skip nuts entirely if you prefer a nut-free version of these delightful mini pies.
  • Storage Savvy: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to a month for future snacking pleasure.

Serve Apple Muffins Warm or Packed for On-the-Go

  • Sweet Morning Companion: Pair these delightful apple pie muffins with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a warm chai latte for a cozy breakfast experience.
  • Dessert Upgrade: Serve these mini pies as a charming after-dinner treat, garnished with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
  • Brunch Showstopper: Arrange the muffins on a rustic wooden board with a selection of artisan cheeses, fresh berries, and honey for a stunning weekend brunch spread that will impress guests.
  • Gifting Delight: Package these adorable mini pies in cute kraft paper boxes tied with twine, creating a homemade gift perfect for teachers, neighbors, or weekend hostess presents.

Muffin Storage to Keep ‘Em Fresh Longer

  • Smart Storage Strategies: Keep these delightful apple pie muffins fresh and tasty with these expert tips.
  • Quick Refrigeration Method: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap each muffin individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent flavor mixing.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Slide muffins into freezer-safe bags or containers. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or warm gently in the microwave before serving.
  • Room Temperature Hack: Leave muffins uncovered at room temperature for 1-2 days if planning to enjoy them quickly. Place them on a ceramic plate with a loose kitchen towel draped over the top to prevent drying out.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the apple filling and crumble topping a day in advance. Store separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake fresh when ready to serve for maximum flavor and texture.
Print
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Irresistible Apple Pie Muffins Recipe

Irresistible Apple Pie Muffins Recipe


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4.9 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Homemade apple pie muffins bring classic American dessert flavors into a handheld breakfast treat. Warm spices and tender apple chunks create sweet morning comfort you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pre-made, ready to roll pie crusts or homemade all butter pie crust
  • 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced into 0.25 in (0.6 cm) cubes
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsps (30 g) brown sugar
  • 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.125 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup (40 g) flour
  • ⅓ cup (70 g) brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup (40 g) pecans, toasted
  • 0.125 tsp salt
  • 1 egg for egg wash
  • whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce for topping

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and coat mini muffin tins with cooking spray for seamless release.
  2. Apple Filling Creation: Sauté diced apples in melted butter over medium-high heat. Incorporate brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, stirring until apples caramelize and soften. Deglaze with lemon juice, then set aside to cool and intensify flavors.
  3. Crumble Topping Development: Combine flour, brown sugar, and toasted pecans in a bowl. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse, crumbly texture that will provide delightful crunch when baked.
  4. Pie Crust Preparation: Roll out pie crusts on floured surface to uniform thinness. Cut 24 rounds using 3-inch cookie cutter. Press each round into muffin cavities, forming miniature pie shells. Brush crust edges with egg wash for golden, glossy appearance.
  5. Assembly and Baking: Distribute cooled apple filling evenly among pie crusts. Generously sprinkle pecan crumble topping over each mini pie. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
  6. Finishing Touch: Remove from oven and transfer to cooling rack. Gently loosen edges with knife and allow mini pies to rest briefly before serving these delectable treats.

Notes

  • Precision Cutting: Use a sharp 3-inch round cookie cutter for uniform pie crust circles, ensuring consistent size and even baking.
  • Caramelization Technique: Sauté apples on medium-high heat to develop deep, rich flavors and prevent soggy filling.
  • Egg Wash Magic: Brush crust edges with egg wash to create a professional, glossy golden-brown finish that elevates visual appeal.
  • Cooling Strategy: Allow mini pies to rest on a cooling rack for a few minutes, then gently loosen edges with a knife to prevent sticking and maintain delicate crust integrity.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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