Introduction

Craving a cozy dessert that delivers all the joy of apple pie with none of the hassle? Meet your new obsession: Caramel Apple Pie Cups. These single-serve delights feature flaky, golden pastry filled with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and drizzled in gooey caramel sauce.

Caramel Apple Pie Cups – The Ultimate Fall Dessert in 2025

Print Recipe

These Caramel Apple Pie Cups are the ultimate fall dessert for 2025! Flaky pie crusts filled with warm spiced apples and drizzled with gooey caramel make them irresistible. Perfect for parties, holidays, or cozy nights in — bake a batch today and treat yourself to the flavors of the season!

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 12 cups

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

For the apple filling:

• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, diced

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• ⅓ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

For the crust cups:

• 2 refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade dough)

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)

• 2 tablespoons sugar (for sprinkling)

For topping:

• ½ cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

• Whipped cream (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Prepare crust cups: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut dough into circles, press into greased muffin tin wells. Brush with butter and sprinkle with sugar.

2. Bake crusts: Bake 10–12 minutes until golden. Let cool slightly.

3. Cook apple filling: Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Add apples, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook until softened. Stir in cornstarch slurry, simmer until thickened.

4. Assemble cups: Fill each baked crust cup with warm apple mixture.

5. Top & serve: Drizzle caramel sauce over each cup. Add whipped cream if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

• Choose tart apples (like Granny Smith) to balance sweetness.

• Make ahead: store baked crusts and filling separately, then assemble before serving.

• Add nuts (pecans or walnuts) for crunch.

• Serve with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent fall treat.

• Author: SOFIA
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert, Snack
• Method: Baking, Muffin Tin Dessert
• Cuisine: American, Holiday-Inspired

They’re easy to make, adorable to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any gathering.

Table of Contents

Toggle

Why Caramel Apple Pie Cups Are the Perfect Dessert

– Miniature format, maximum flavor

No forks needed. These individual servings are bite-sized versions of the classic apple pie—perfect for parties, potlucks, and portion control.

– All the flavor, none of the stress

Forget rolling a full pie crust or slicing a piping-hot pie. These bake quickly, cool faster, and are much easier to serve.

– Kid- and freezer-friendly

They freeze well and are fun to make with little hands helping fill the cups or drizzle caramel.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Pie Cups

– Main Ingredients

Don’t miss our Ultimate Apple Pie Spice Mix Guide for building fall flavors.

How to Make Caramel Apple Pie Cups (Step-by-Step)

– Step 1: Prep your muffin tin

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin thoroughly.

– Step 2: Cut and shape pie crust

Unroll the pie crust and cut out 3.5–4″ circles using a glass or cookie cutter. Press each into a muffin cup, gently molding up the sides. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

– Step 3: Make the apple filling

In a bowl, mix diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Stir in melted butter and caramel sauce. The mix should be gooey but not overly wet.

– Step 4: Fill the pie cups

Spoon the apple mixture into each crust cup, mounding slightly. Brush edges with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra crunch.

– Step 5: Bake to golden perfection

Bake 20–25 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling.

– Step 6: Drizzle with caramel

Let cups cool 10 minutes. Drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving. Top with vanilla ice cream for the full pie effect!

The Best Apples to Use in Apple Pie Cups

– Choose firm, tart apples

Granny Smith apples hold shape and balance the sweetness of caramel. Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness and a juicy bite.

– Mix and match for depth

Using half tart, half sweet apples (like Fuji + Granny Smith) creates complex flavor.

– Avoid mealy apples

Red Delicious and McIntosh break down too fast and become mushy.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Apple Variety Pairing Chart for desserts.

Flavor Variations & Fun Twists

– Apple Crumble Cups

Top with oat streusel before baking for a hybrid of pie and crisp.

– Caramel Bourbon Apple Cups

Add 1 tbsp bourbon to the filling for a grown-up spin.

– Salted Caramel Apple Cups

Sprinkle with flaky sea salt after baking for a trendy flavor burst.

– Apple-Pear Pie Cups

Replace half the apples with ripe pears for a seasonal mix.

Storage, Reheating & Freezing Tips

– Store in the fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

– Reheat like a pro

Microwave 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 8–10 minutes to restore flakiness.

– Freeze for later

Let cool completely, wrap individually, and freeze up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 325°F for 15–20 minutes.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Pie Cups at Parties

– Build a dessert bar

Serve with toppings like:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Crushed nuts
• Whipped cream
• Extra caramel sauce

– Add mini flags or toppers

Perfect for Thanksgiving, birthdays, or themed events.

– Pair with warm cider or spiked chai

Boost those cozy autumn vibes with fall drinks.

Check out our Fall Party Menu Ideas for perfect pairings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Using overly wet filling

Too much juice = soggy bottom. Stick to 1 tbsp flour + lemon to thicken.

– Overfilling the cups

Don’t overstuff or the filling will bubble over and burn.

– Not greasing the muffin tin

Essential for clean release—don’t skip this step.

– Undercooking the crust

Check the bottom of the cups before removing. Undercooked = gummy.

FAQs About Caramel Apple Pie Cups

PAA1: Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Bake, cool, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Warm before serving.

PAA2: Can I use puff pastry instead of pie crust?

You can, but it will puff more and may be harder to shape. Reduce baking time by 3–5 minutes.

PAA3: Are they freezer friendly?

Definitely. Freeze fully cooled cups in airtight containers. Reheat in the oven.

PAA4: Can I use canned apple pie filling?

Yes, but fresh apples provide better texture and flavor. If using canned, reduce added sugar and spices.

PAA5: What’s the best caramel to use?

Homemade or high-quality store-bought. Avoid thin syrups—they’ll soak into the crust.

PAA6: Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free pie crust or almond flour crust.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Pie Cups are everything you love about fall desserts: warm, buttery, caramelized, and comforting—without the work of a full pie. They’re ideal for beginner bakers, holiday hosts, and anyone who believes dessert should be delicious and easy.