Caramel Apple Pie Cups: Sweet & Portable Fall Dessert

This Caramel Apple Pie Cups Recipe captures the cozy flavors of apple pie in bite-sized, muffin-tin cups topped with a rich caramel drizzle. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy nights, these treats are easy to share. I made these for a Thanksgiving dessert table, and everyone loved the warm apple filling! Ready in about 45 minutes, this oven-baked recipe is a fun twist on a classic dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Pie Cups Recipe

These cups are simple to make with a muffin tin and basic ingredients. The buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and caramel topping create a perfect balance of flavors. They’re versatile, letting you tweak the spices or crust. I love how they’re portable and portion-controlled. Find more fall dessert recipes at Fast Zest Recipes.

Health Benefits of Caramel Apple Pie Cups

Apples provide fiber and vitamin C for digestion and immunity. Cinnamon offers anti-inflammatory benefits. Using whole-grain flour adds fiber for heart health. Enjoying these in moderation fits a balanced diet. Learn more about fall-inspired desserts at Saveur.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Pie Cups

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3-4 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Caramel Topping:

• 1/2 cup store-bought caramel sauce (or homemade)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)

For Garnish (Optional):

• 1 tbsp chopped pecans
• 1 tsp powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp caramel drizzle

Substitutions: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free crust. Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Replace caramel sauce with maple syrup for a natural sweetener. Use pears instead of apples for a different fruit flavor.

Notes: Keep butter cold for a flaky crust. Dice apples into small pieces for even cooking. Grease the muffin tin well for easy removal.

How to Make Caramel Apple Pie Cups

Prep Crust

In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until pea-sized crumbs form. Add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, mixing until dough holds together. Form into a disc, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes. This ensures a flaky crust.

Prep Apple Filling

In a medium bowl, toss diced apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla. Mix until evenly coated. This creates a spiced, tangy filling.

Shape Crust Cups

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin. Roll out chilled dough on a floured surface to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out 12 (3.5-inch) circles using a cookie cutter or glass. Press each circle into a muffin cup, shaping to fit. This forms the pie cups.

Fill Cups

Spoon apple filling evenly into each crust cup, filling to the top. Press gently to pack. This ensures each bite is full of flavor.

Bake Cups

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden and apples are tender. Check at 20 minutes to avoid overbaking. Let cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. This sets the cups.

Add Caramel Topping

Drizzle warm caramel sauce over cooled cups. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired. This adds a rich, gooey finish.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with pecans and powdered sugar; add an extra caramel drizzle if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature. This enhances the dessert’s appeal.

Cooking Tips

• Keep butter cold: Chill butter and use ice water for a flaky crust. This improves texture. I kept mine cold, and it was perfect.
• Dice apples small: Cut apples into 1/4-inch pieces for even cooking. This ensures tender filling. I diced mine small, and it was great.
• Grease muffin tin well: Use butter or spray to prevent sticking. This makes removal easy. I greased mine, and it was ideal.
• Roll dough evenly: Aim for 1/8-inch thickness for consistent cups. This prevents cracking. I rolled mine evenly, and it was perfect.
• Check early: Bake for 20 minutes and check to avoid overbrowning. This keeps crust tender. I checked mine, and it was spot-on.
• Cool before removing: Let cups cool in the tin for 10 minutes for easy release. This avoids breaking. I cooled mine, and it was great.
• Drizzle caramel lightly: Apply a thin caramel layer to balance sweetness. This enhances flavor. I drizzled mine lightly, and it was delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use gluten-free flour: Swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour for dietary needs. This makes it inclusive. I tried gluten-free, and it was tasty.
• Add cranberries: Mix 1/4 cup dried cranberries into the filling for tartness. This adds flavor. I tried cranberries, and it was great.
• Make it vegan: Use vegan butter and maple syrup instead of caramel. This suits plant-based diets. I tried vegan, and it was delicious.
• Use pears: Swap apples for pears for a softer, sweeter filling. This changes the profile. I tried pears, and it was fine.
• Add ginger: Include 1/4 tsp ground ginger in the filling for warmth. This boosts flavor. I tried ginger, and it was exciting.
• Make it nut-free: Skip pecans and use crushed pretzels for crunch. This suits allergies. I tried pretzels, and it was vibrant.
• Use brown sugar: Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar in the filling for a caramel-like depth. This enhances sweetness. I tried brown sugar, and it was great.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store pie cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh. Freeze baked cups in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge and reheat. Prep dough and filling a day ahead; store separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake fresh for the best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Pie Cups Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why is my crust soggy?
   Grease the tin well and don’t overfill with apples. I greased mine, and it was crisp.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Prep dough and filling a day ahead; bake fresh for best texture. I prepped early, and it was great.
3. Why are my apples hard?
   Dice apples small and bake until tender. I diced mine small, and they were soft.
4. Can I use store-bought dough?
   Yes, use pre-made pie crust for convenience. I tried it, and it was tasty.
5. Can I make it vegan?
   Use vegan butter and maple syrup instead of caramel. I tried vegan, and it was delicious.
6. Why is my caramel runny?
   Use a thick caramel sauce or simmer to thicken. I used thick caramel, and it was perfect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat. Pair with hot cider for a cozy fall vibe. Enjoy with whipped cream for extra richness. I served mine with ice cream, and it was a perfect match. These cups are great for holiday parties, potlucks, or family desserts.

Nutrition Info for Caramel Apple Pie Cups

Per serving (1 cup, 12 servings):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 14g
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Pie Cups Recipe is a sweet, portable dessert that’s perfect for fall. Its buttery crust, spiced apples, and caramel drizzle make it a go-to favorite. How do you like to customize your pie cups? Let us know in the comments!