Mini Crumb Apple Pies Recipe

Oh, I just have to tell you about this Mini Crumb Apple Pies Recipe I’ve been making lately—it’s pure magic in a bite-sized form! These little pies are perfect for when you want that cozy homemade apple pie flavor but in a quicker, more portable package. I absolutely love how the buttery crust pairs with the tender apple filling and that irresistible crumb topping. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make a batch every fall (or honestly, any time).

What makes this Mini Crumb Apple Pies Recipe stand out is how it fits perfectly into so many occasions—whether it’s a casual family gathering, a potluck, or just an afternoon treat with tea. You’ll find these pies deliver all the comforts of traditional apple pie without the fuss of cutting large slices. Plus, the crumb topping adds a lovely crunchy contrast that my family goes crazy for! If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both crowd-pleasing and a bit nostalgic, this recipe is gold.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are all easy to find and complement each other perfectly in this Mini Crumb Apple Pies Recipe. Granny Smith apples bring a nice tartness that balances the sweet crumb topping, while the buttery crust ties everything together beautifully.

• All butter pie crust: For the flakiest, most flavorful base—homemade or good quality refrigerated work great.
• Granny Smith Apples: Their crisp texture and tart flavor hold up well when cooked, preventing mushiness.
• Sugar: Used for both sweetening the apple filling and the crumb topping; balance is key here.
• Cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy spice that makes you think of fall instantly.
• Flour: The base of the crumb topping, it works with butter and sugar to create that irresistible crunch.
• Butter (slightly softened): Essential for the crumb, it binds the topping and gives it richness.

Variations

I love that this Mini Crumb Apple Pies Recipe is so adaptable—over the years, I’ve played around with a few twists here and there to suit different tastes or occasions. Feel free to customize it depending on what you have on hand or your preferred flavor profiles.

• Add nuts or oats: Mixing chopped walnuts or oats into the crumb topping adds a lovely nutty crunch, which my kids adore.
• Try different apple varieties: While Granny Smith is classic, combining Fuji or Honeycrisp apples can give a sweeter, more complex filling.
• Use gluten-free crust and flour: For those avoiding gluten, swapping to gluten-free pie crust and flour works perfectly without sacrificing taste.
• Mix in a splash of vanilla or lemon zest: These small flavor boosts can brighten the filling and make it feel extra special.

How to Make Mini Crumb Apple Pies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crusts

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F and get your muffin tins ready by spraying them with a flour-based cooking spray or greasing them well—this ensures the crusts come out cleanly. Roll out your pie crust dough and use a 2.5-inch circle cutter (a cookie cutter, glass rim, or jar lid works) to cut out rounds. Gently press each round into the muffin cavities to form your mini pie shells. I like to chill them while prepping the filling so the dough stays firm and flaky.

Step 2: Cook Your Apples Just Right

Peel and dice your Granny Smith apples into small pieces. Add about an inch of water to a pot and toss in the diced apples. Bring it to a boil and then simmer, stirring occasionally for around 3 to 5 minutes. You want the apples to soften just enough to be tender but still hold a bit of shape—think semi-opaque, not mushy. This step gives you that fresh apple taste without ending up with a soggy pie.

Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping

While the apples are cooking, mix your crumb topping—combine sugar, flour, and slightly softened butter in a bowl. Use a fork or pastry cutter to blend everything until it looks like coarse crumbs roughly the size of peas. This crumb mixture is what gives these pies their signature crunch and buttery richness.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Drain any water from the cooked apples very thoroughly—excess liquid will make your crust soggy, so don’t skip this! Spoon about a tablespoon of the cooled apple filling into each crust. Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar over the apples for that warm, spicy lift. Then, top each pie with about a tablespoon of your crumb topping. Place your muffin pans on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake for about 12 minutes or until the crust edges turn golden brown. When they come out, let them cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before gently lifting out each mini pie with a knife—this resting step helps everything set perfectly.

How to Serve Mini Crumb Apple Pies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple so the pies stay the star. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the crumb topping looks pretty and adds a hint of sweetness. Sometimes, I serve with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce—that’s pure indulgence right there and my family always cheers for the extra flair.

Side Dishes

If I’m serving these at a get-together, I often pair them with warm beverages like spiced apple cider, chai tea, or good old coffee. They’re also fantastic alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a latte-style drink for an afternoon coffee break.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve found that setting these mini pies on pretty cupcake liners inside the muffin tins makes serving a breeze for parties. For fall gatherings, I sometimes arrange them on a decorative wooden cutting board with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks to amp up that cozy vibe. They also work great stacked on a tiered dessert tray for special occasions like holiday brunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover mini pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days if it’s cool in the kitchen. If it’s warmer, I move them to the fridge to prevent the crumb topping from getting soggy. Just bring them back to room temp or warm lightly before serving for best flavor.

Freezing

These pies freeze surprisingly well! After baking and cooling completely, I wrap each pie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up in the oven to refresh the crumb topping’s crispness. This saved me multiple times when I needed dessert ready quickly!

Reheating

To bring your frozen or leftover mini pies back to life, I recommend reheating them in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crumb topping crunchy! If you’re short on time, a quick 30 seconds can work but the texture won’t be quite the same.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Making this Mini Crumb Apple Pies Recipe has become one of my favorite little kitchen rituals, especially as the seasons change and apples come into perfect ripeness. I love the way these tiny pies deliver that classic apple pie feeling without any fuss—plus, they’re so fun to bake and share with loved ones. Give this recipe a try; I promise you’ll enjoy both the process and, most importantly, the delicious results that bring smiles every time.

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