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Muffin Tin Fresh Apple Pies Recipe

Muffin Tin Fresh Apple Pies Recipe - Sweet Mama's Kitchen

I remember the first time I made muffin tin fresh apple pies. It was during one cozy fall afternoon, when the scent of crisp apples and spices was in the air. 
I decided to innovate a tradition—rather than bake a whole pie, I opted for individual servings, perfect for family and friends hanging out in the kitchen. Little did I know, I was about to create a new family favorite!
These mini pies are not just visually appealing; they are bursting with flavor. Imagine tender apple pieces and a hint of cinnamon tucked neatly into buttery crusts.
Each bite is delightful. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to create these beauties in your own kitchen.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 18 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 304

Ingredients
  

For the crust:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes 2 sticks
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 5 to 6 tablespoons ice-cold water
For the filling:
  • 1 large egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water
  • 4 medium apples, peeled and chopped about 3 cups
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • Sprinkle of coarse sugar

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Dough
  1. Start by mixing flour, sugar, fresh rosemary, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter and work it in using your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 2: Add Ice Water
  1. Gradually add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Aim for a consistency that’s not too sticky. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Make the Filling
  1. While the dough chills, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, flour, and lemon juice. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for achieving that perfect golden crust.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
  1. After the dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles slightly larger than your muffin tin wells.
Step 6: Line the Muffin Tin
  1. Gently press the dough circles into the muffin tin cavities, making sure they fit snugly. Leave some overhang—that’s the delicious crust to fold over the filling.
Step 7: Fill and Fold
  1. Spoon the apple mixture into each dough-lined muffin cup, filling them generously. If you like, you can add a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for extra sweetness. Fold the overhanging dough over the filling, creating a rustic look.
Step 8: Egg Wash
  1. Brush the tops with the egg wash you prepared earlier. This will give your pies a beautiful golden color when baked.
Step 9: Bake
  1. Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
  1. Once baked, allow the muffin tin fresh apple pies to cool for a few minutes before gently removing them from the tin. Enjoy warm, or let them cool completely if you’re planning to serve later.

Notes

  • Choose the Right Apples: Go for a good mix of sweet and tart apples. Fuji and Granny Smith work wonderfully together.
  • Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until combined. Overworking can lead to tough crusts.
  • Chill the Dough: Keep everything cold. This ensures flakiness in your crust—trust me, it makes all the difference.
  • Experiment with Spices: Add nutmeg or allspice to the filling for a different flavor profile.
  • Cover with Foil: If the tops are browning too quickly, tent the muffin tin with foil for part of the baking time.