If you’re looking for an easy fall dessert that feels special without the stress of slicing or fancy pie techniques, these mini Dutch apple pies are it. They’ve got all the goodness of a classic Dutch apple pie—flaky crust, tender cinnamon apples, and that sweet crumb topping, just made mini in a muffin tin. And the best part? They’re so easy to make, even if you’re not a regular pie baker.
After a fall apple-picking trip left us with more apples than we knew what to do with, I was determined to use them up in something cozy and low-fuss. These Dutch apple mini pies came together in one Fall baking session, and they turned out to be a favorite with everyone, especially when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why These Mini Dutch Apple Pies Are So Easy
These mini dutch apple pies muffin tin style use just one pie crust, a few pantry staples, and a muffin pan. No pie dish or fancy tools needed. You don’t need to crimp edges, cut vents, or even roll out a second crust. The crumb topping does all the work for you.
Here’s why you’ll love making them:
- Simple ingredients
- Only one crust needed
- Pre-cooked filling for soft, flavorful apples
- Bakes in just 20 to 25 minutes
- Cute, portable, and perfect for gifting
If you try them, let me know how they turn out. And if you’re still in baking mode, check out these other favorites:
What Is Dutch Apple Pie?
Dutch apple pie is a cozy twist on classic apple pie that swaps the traditional top crust for a buttery, crumbly streusel topping. It’s made with the same spiced apple filling you love, but instead of being covered with another layer of pie dough, it’s sprinkled with a sweet mixture of flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter.
The result is a pie that’s extra flavorful, crisp on top, and incredibly easy to make, especially if you’re short on time or don’t want to fuss with rolling out a second crust.
In these mini Dutch apple pies, the topping bakes up perfectly in muffin tins, making each bite a little crunchy, a little gooey, and completely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pie Crust
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
For the Apple Filling
- 1/3 cup butter
- 5 cups peeled and chopped apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Dutch Crumb Topping
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
How to Make Mini Dutch Apple Pies in a Muffin Tin
1. Prep the Crust
Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out the pie crust to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or glass to cut 12 circles. Gently press each crust into a muffin tin cup. Chill the pan while you make the filling.
2. Make the Filling
This is the same method I use in all my mini apple pie recipes because it gives you soft, perfectly flavored apples every time.
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 1/3 cup butter. Add peeled, chopped apples and lemon juice. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in sugar, honey, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla. Continue cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes, until the apples are soft and the mixture is thick and glossy. Let cool slightly before assembling.
3. Make the Crumb Topping
In a bowl, stir together flour, salt, sugars, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly.
4. Assemble the Pies
Spoon the cooled apple filling into each muffin cup lined with crust. Top generously with the crumb topping. Chill for 5 minutes if you want the crust to hold its shape better while baking.
5. Bake
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crusts are golden and the topping is lightly crisp. Let cool for about 10 minutes before gently removing from the tin. Serve warm, room temperature, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The Secret to Soft Apple Pie Filling
Let’s be real. No one likes a crunchy apple pie. That’s why I always pre-cook my filling before it goes into the crust. Not only does this make the apples soft and tender, but it also lets the sauce thicken and all the flavors come together perfectly.
This step is especially helpful when baking in a muffin tin where the baking time is shorter. It guarantees every bite is flavorful, gooey, and cooked just right.
Storing and Serving Dutch Apple Mini Pies
To store: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 to 5 days.
To freeze: Let pies cool completely, wrap individually in plastic, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
To serve: These are delicious warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Or enjoy one with your morning coffee for a cozy breakfast treat.
FAQs: Mini Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
Usually no. The crust has enough fat to prevent sticking. But if your muffin tin is older or nonstick, a quick spray won’t hurt.
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of both work great. You want apples that hold their shape and don’t turn mushy.
Yes. Just swap in a gluten-free pie crust and gluten-free flour in the filling and topping.
Absolutely. Use two pie crusts and double the filling and topping. You may need two muffin tins or bake in batches.
Mini Dutch Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out pie crust, cut 12 circles, and press into muffin tin. Chill.
- In a pan, melt butter. Add apples and lemon juice. Cook 5 minutes. Stir in remaining filling ingredients and cook 4 to 5 more minutes until soft and thickened.
- Mix topping ingredients until crumbly.
- Spoon filling into crusts, top with crumble, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Let cool 10 minutes before removing. Serve warm.
Notes
- Pre-cooked filling means soft apples every time
- Great for freezing or gifting
- Serve with ice cream or coffee for the ultimate fall treat
These mini Dutch apple pies are everything I want in a fall dessert. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and so much fun to share. Whether you’re baking for a gathering, meal prepping sweet treats, or just trying to use up your apple haul like I was, these little pies are the perfect cozy bite.
Happy baking!
