Easy Apple Pie Cups (Or: Apple Pie Sans the Pie)

Who doesn’t love apple pie? Idiots, that’s who. It’s arguably the best thing to come out of America – besides Britney Spears and Beyonce, of course. But sometimes a whole pie seems unnecessary, not to mention full of gluten and tons of carbs which some of our fussy friends won’t pipe down about. So here is our fuss-free apple pie dessert, with all the filling we love, sans the hassle of a whole dang pie. We’ve presented three toppings we love, but feel free to throw on anything you’re feeling! Another way to enjoy this? Swirl it into your morning oatmeal. Get out of here. We know.

Prep Time
Cook Time
Total
Servings
Ingredients
  • 5 Medium Size local apples, any variety will do, but we like pink lady and granny smith
  • 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • Toppings:
  • (Our Favorite) Pecan – Graham Cracker Crumble Topping: ½ cup pecans + 2 graham crackers + 1 tsp. brown sugar
  • (Easier but still delicious) Store Bought Granola
  • (Should always be added) Ice Cream or Whipped Cream
  1. Prepare all apple pie filling ingredients on counter so when the apples are peeled you’re ready to roll.
  2. Fill a medium-sized bowl with water. Peel the 5 apples, reserving each in the water while you finish peeling (in order to stop browning). Slice them thinly.
  3. In a medium-sized sauté pan with a lid, or a saucepan, melt butter. Add in the apples and the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine and then place lid on top. Allow it to cook down on low-medium heat for 5 minutes, making sure it doesn’t burn on the bottom.
  4. Take off lid and cook down for another 15 minutes.
  5. Make the pecan + graham cracker topping or prepare store bought crumble toppings (below are details). Once the apple mixture is ready, place into a bowl to cool and store until you’re going to prepare for the party.
  6. Before guests arrive, put together as much of the final dessert as possible, having it ready to pop into the oven to reheat 10 minutes before serving.
  7. Place ½ cup of filling in individual ovenproof ramekins (or any pretty ovenproof containers). Then top with ¼ cup desired crumble or leave plain to top with ice cream or whipped cream.
  8. When you sit down for dinner, preheat oven to 425°F. 10 minutes before serving, pop ramekins into the oven and bake 7-10 minutes, until topping is toasted and light brown. Top with ice cream or whipped cream.

No Fuss Topping Options: Use one of these or combine them for a yum-o-rama treat.

Pecan – Graham Cracker Crumble:

In a food processor, mix ½ cup pecans + 2 graham crackers + 1 tsp. brown sugar. Put aside until ready to top ramekins. Can be done 1 day ahead.

Granola Oat Crumble: (Store bought or homemade) just throw on top and heat up.

Ice Cream and/or Whipped Cream: Scoop it right on there and dig in.

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