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Ever heard of the phrase “Easy as Pie?” I hate to break it to you, but while pie is my ultimate favorite dessert to bake and eat, pie isn’t always easy. There are lots of steps involved. The perfect flaky crust can be so elusive, and it’s quite time consuming. However, there is nothing better than the buttery, cinnamony goodness of an apple pie baking in the oven. All the cozy smells in the house are comforting and warm. So, if you are looking for a delicious mouthful of apple pie without any of the hassle, look no further! Apple pie in a mug really is easier than pie!
Jump to Recipe
I got inspired to make this from a class project my students made. They had Dixie cups filled with canned apple pie filling, whip cream, and cinnamon graham crackers. It was good, but I decided to make my own spin off. I made a warm, spicy, and delightful apple pie filling with tangy sweet apple molasses. Pair it with vanilla ice cream and speculoos cookies for the perfect bit! Instead of making your own apple molasses, you can opt for caramel, or avoid it entirely. It’s a great dessert for a party or potluck because everyone can assemble their own perfect pie. Bonus! It can easily be gluten free. Again, the perfect crowd friendly dessert! I recently brought it to a teacher potluck, and everyone loved how customizable and fun it was to assemble and eat. 10/10 recommend for your next get together! Also, if you have apples to spare, make the filling and freeze it. When you need a last minute dessert idea, thaw your apple filling, slap on some ice cream and you are good to go!
Step 1: Apple Molasses
Apple molasses is a tangy, intensely apple syrup made with boiled down apple cider. It’s ridiculously easy to make. Simmer down some fresh pressed apple cider until it is an amber liquid. That’s it! If you would rather use caramel sauce, go for it. That also tastes delicious in this recipe.
Step 2: Filling
This recipe is a thing of beauty because it can be allergy friendly. I prefer using gluten free flour like Bob’s Red Mill 1-To-1 flour to thicken the filling. If you can’t have dairy, substitute the butter or whipped cream with your preferred substitutes!
Peel, core, and chop the apples into 1/2 and 1 inch cubes. Add the sugar, flour, spices, lemon juice and zest. Mix to combine thoroughly. Brown the butter. Add the apples to your pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until the apples are fork tender but still have a little bit of a bite.
Step 3: Build Your Own Pie!
This is the fun part! Spoon the apple pie filling into a mug, cup, or bowl. Top your apple pie cup with vanilla ice cream, whip cream, or mascarpone. Drizzle apple molasses or caramel on top. Finish off with some speculoos cookies and enjoy! It tastes AMAZING warm.
Apple Pie In a Mug: Easier Than Pie!
Ingredients
Apple Molasses
- 1/2 gallon fresh pressed apple cider
Apple Pie Filling
- 5 cups chopped sweet apples in 1 inch cubes Honey crisp or golden delicious apples work great!
- 1ยฝ cups chopped granny smith apples in 1 inch cubes
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup flour I prefer to use gluten free flour so everyone can eat it.
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/8 tsp ground cardamon
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp lemon zest I use dried. If using fresh, double the amount.
- 2 Tbsp apple cider water also works!
- 1 Tbsp apple molasses
- 1 pkg speculoos cookies
- vanilla icecream
Instructions
Apple Molasses
- In a wide saucepan, bring 1/2 gallon of fresh pressed apple cider to a simmer. Don't let it boil. Let it cook down for at least 1ยฝ hours. Check it periodically to remove the scum off the top. The apple molasses will be done when it stops making huge bubbles and it is reduced down to 1 cup. It should be the consistency of honey.
Apple Pie Filling
- Peel and core the apples. Chop into 1- 1/2 inch chunks. Add the sugar, flour, spices, lemon juice, and lemon zest together.
- Brown the butter in a dutch oven or medium saucepan. Once golden brown, add the apples and bring to a simmer over medium low heat. Cover and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the apples are fork tended but still have a little bite.
- Add the apple molasses and stir to combine. Taste your apples. If your apples were tart and it needs more sugar, you can add 1 tablespoon at a time until you like the sweetness level.
Assemble
- To serve, spoon the apple pie filling to the bottom of a mug or ramekin. Top with mascarpone cream or vanilla ice cream. Drizzle a little bit of apple molasses on top and serve with speculoos cookies. Enjoy!
