These Caramel Apple Pecan Pie Cups bring together the best of fall flavors in a delightful, single-serving dessert. With a buttery homemade crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a rich caramel-pecan topping, they’re the perfect treat for any occasion. Ideal for holiday gatherings or an indulgent weeknight dessert, these mini pies are easy to serve and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup ice water
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Caramel Nut Topping:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ¾ cup caramel sauce
- Whipped cream, for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Stir until well blended.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the chilled butter pieces to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water and Form Dough: Gradually add the ice water, mixing gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Avoid overworking the dough.
- Press Dough into Muffin Cups: Divide the dough into 12 portions and press each portion into the bottom and up the sides of a muffin cup to form the crust.
- Pre-bake the Crust: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Apple Filling
- Cook Apples: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the sugar has caramelized.
- Add Butter: Stir in the butter until melted and fully incorporated.
- Fill the Crusts: Spoon the apple filling evenly into each pre-baked crust cup.
Step 3: Add the Caramel Nut Topping
- Top with Pecans: Sprinkle chopped pecans generously over the apple filling in each cup.
- Drizzle Caramel: Warm the caramel sauce slightly if needed, then drizzle it over the pecans on each pie cup.
- Bake Again (Optional): If you’d like the caramel to set a bit, bake the pie cups for an additional 5 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
- Garnish: Allow the pie cups to cool slightly before garnishing with whipped cream and serving warm.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra special treat, serve these Caramel Apple Pecan Pie Cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of additional caramel sauce on top.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to warm up before serving.
Helpful Notes
- Chilling the Butter: Make sure the butter is cold when making the crust. This creates a flakier texture as the butter melts during baking, forming small pockets of steam.
- Apple Varieties: Choose firm apples that hold their shape, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, for the best texture.
- Homemade Caramel: For a richer flavor, consider making your own caramel sauce. This can be done by melting sugar in a saucepan, then adding butter and cream.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Julia Child: Keep the pie dough ingredients as cold as possible, which helps prevent the butter from melting too quickly. This results in a flakier, more tender crust.
- Ina Garten: Use a light hand when adding water to pie dough. Adding just enough to hold the dough together will ensure a tender crust.
- Duff Goldman: For extra flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the pie cups. Toasting brings out their natural oils and adds a nutty depth to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use pre-made pie dough?
Yes, you can use store-bought pie dough for convenience. Simply cut it into rounds that fit your muffin tin and press them into the cups.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the crust and apple filling in advance, then assemble and bake when ready. Store the crusts and filling separately to avoid sogginess.
3. What other nuts can I use?
Walnuts or almonds would work well as substitutes if you don’t have pecans.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking.
5. How can I prevent the caramel sauce from becoming too runny?
For a thicker consistency, cook the caramel sauce a bit longer, or consider using less cream.
6. What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
You can bake these in small ramekins instead, adjusting the baking time as needed.
7. Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on for added fiber and texture.
8. How do I keep the crust from becoming soggy?
Pre-baking the crust helps prevent sogginess, as it creates a barrier for the filling.
9. Can I freeze the pie cups?
Yes, freeze the assembled and baked pie cups before adding the whipped cream. Thaw and reheat in the oven before serving.
10. Can I add spices to the caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to the caramel sauce for extra flavor.
These Caramel Apple Pecan Pie Cups are a cozy, delicious dessert perfect for fall gatherings. With their buttery crust, spiced apple filling, and nutty caramel topping, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Enjoy baking and indulging in these delightful treats!
