Description
Warm, spiced apple pie muffins deliver classic American comfort in a handheld treat. Cinnamon-kissed batter and tender apple chunks create a delightful breakfast or snack perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pre-made, ready to roll pie crusts or homemade all butter pie crust
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced into ¼-inch (0.6 cm) cubes
Apple Filling Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
Crumble Topping and Finishing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup (40 g) flour
- ⅓ cup (70 g) brown sugar
- ⅓ cup (40 g) pecan halves, toasted
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg for egg wash
- Whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce for topping
Instructions
- Create a welcoming kitchen environment by heating the oven to 350 degrees F and preparing mini muffin tins with a light cooking spray coating.
- Transform diced apples into a luscious filling by sautéing them in melted butter over medium-high heat. Introduce brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, stirring consistently until the fruit softens and caramelizes. Splash with lemon juice to enhance the flavor profile, then allow the mixture to cool and develop depth.
- Craft a textural crumble topping by blending flour, brown sugar, and toasted pecans in a mixing bowl. Incorporate butter until the mixture achieves a delicate, crumbly consistency that will provide a delightful crunch.
- Unleash your pastry skills by rolling pie crusts on a floured surface until uniformly thin. Utilize a 3-inch round cookie cutter to create 24 delicate rounds. Gently press each round into the prepared muffin cavities, forming miniature pie shells. Brush the exposed crust edges with an egg wash to ensure a golden, glossy finish.
- Assemble the mini pies by carefully spooning the cooled apple filling into each crust, ensuring an even distribution. Crown each mini pie with a generous sprinkle of the prepared pecan crumble topping.
- Slide the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown transformation. Once baked, transfer to a cooling rack and allow the mini pies to rest briefly. Delicately loosen the edges with a knife to release these delectable treats.
Notes
- Crumble the streusel topping ahead of time and refrigerate for a firmer texture that holds up during baking.
- Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and structural integrity in the muffins.
- Line your muffin pan with parchment paper liners to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of delicate muffins.
- Allow muffins to cool completely before storing to maintain their crisp crumble top and prevent moisture buildup.
- These muffins freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months – wrap individually in plastic wrap for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.
- For maximum flavor, warm muffins slightly before serving and pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg