Name: 2 Ingredient Apple Pie Cups
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 tube Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls + Icing; Apple Pie Filling

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These 2 Ingredient Apple Pie Cups are an easy, delicious dessert made with just two simple ingredients! With flaky, golden pastry wrapped around sweet apple pie filling, these bite-sized treats deliver all the comforting flavours of traditional apple pie without the fuss of making dough from scratch. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, autumn gatherings, holiday parties, or whenever you’re craving a quick homemade dessert.

The Ingredients

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is. You only need two main ingredients to create these delicious apple pie cups, making them perfect when you want something sweet without a long shopping list.

1. Refrigerated Crescent Roll Dough

You’ll need one package of refrigerated crescent roll dough, usually around 8 ounces (226 g).

Crescent roll dough is convenient because it’s already prepared and easy to shape. When baked, it becomes flaky, golden, and slightly buttery, making it a delicious wrapper for the apple filling.

Helpful tips:

Keep the dough refrigerated until you’re ready to use it so it stays easy to handle.
If your dough comes in perforated triangles, press the seams together when necessary to create a more secure cup.
You can also use ready-made puff pastry or refrigerated biscuit dough, although the texture will be different.

2. Apple Pie Filling

You’ll need approximately one 20-ounce (567 g) can of apple pie filling.

Store-bought apple pie filling saves time because the apples are already cooked and sweetened, usually with cinnamon or other warming spices.

Chop any large apple slices into smaller pieces before assembling the cups. Smaller pieces fit more easily into the dough and help prevent the filling from spilling out.

Helpful tips:

Use a spoon to add the apple pieces, allowing excess syrup to remain in the can.
Choose an apple pie filling with plenty of apple pieces for the best texture.
If you prefer a less-sweet dessert, look for a filling with reduced sugar.

Optional Toppings

The two ingredients above are all you need for the basic recipe. However, you can add toppings if you want to give your apple pie cups an extra-special finish.

Powdered sugar for a simple finishing touch
Ground cinnamon for extra warmth
Caramel sauce for a sweet drizzle
Vanilla ice cream for serving
Chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
A little melted butter mixed with cinnamon sugar

These additions are optional and aren’t necessary to make the basic two-ingredient recipe.

How to Make 2 Ingredient Apple Pie Cups

These easy apple pie cups come together with very little preparation. You can bake them in a standard oven or use an air fryer, provided you have suitable heat-safe baking cups or a muffin pan that fits your appliance.

Ingredients

1 package refrigerated crescent roll dough (approximately 8 ounces)
1 can apple pie filling (approximately 20 ounces)

Equipment

A standard muffin pan or suitable individual baking cups
A spoon
A knife or kitchen scissors
Non-stick cooking spray, if needed

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease a muffin pan with non-stick cooking spray if needed. This helps prevent the pastry from sticking and makes the finished cups easier to remove.

If you’re making these in an air fryer, check that your muffin pan or baking cups are suitable for your appliance and leave enough room for air to circulate.

Step 2: Prepare the Crescent Roll Dough

Open the crescent roll dough and carefully unroll it onto a clean work surface.

If the dough is divided into triangles, separate them along the perforations. Gently press any perforated seams together where needed to help prevent the filling from leaking.

Cut or shape the dough into pieces large enough to line the muffin cups, leaving enough dough to form a small edge around the filling.

Press each piece gently into a muffin cup, covering the bottom and sides.

Step 3: Add the Apple Pie Filling

If the apple slices are large, cut them into smaller pieces using a knife or kitchen scissors.

Spoon the apple pie filling into each dough-lined muffin cup. Fill each cup generously but leave a little space at the top to prevent the filling from bubbling over during baking.

Avoid adding too much liquid syrup, as excess moisture can make the pastry soggy.

Step 4: Bake the Apple Pie Cups

Place the muffin pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12–18 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and cooked through.

Check the cups after about 10 minutes because oven temperatures and dough thickness can vary.

The edges should look golden, and the pastry around the filling should no longer appear raw or doughy.

If the tops brown too quickly before the pastry underneath is cooked, reduce the oven temperature slightly and continue baking until done.

Step 5: Cool Before Removing

Remove the pan from the oven and allow the apple pie cups to cool for approximately 5–10 minutes.

The filling will be very hot straight out of the oven. Cooling also helps the pastry firm up, making the cups easier to remove without breaking.

Carefully lift each cup out of the pan and place it on a serving plate or wire rack.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

Enjoy the apple pie cups as they are, or add a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

For a delicious dessert, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the flaky pastry, sweet apple filling, and cold ice cream is irresistible!

Air Fryer Instructions

If you prefer to make these in the air fryer, prepare the cups using small, heat-safe baking cups or a suitable muffin pan.

Preheat the air fryer to 330°F (165°C) for approximately 3 minutes, if recommended by your appliance.
Prepare the dough and add the apple filling as described above.
Place the cups in the air fryer basket, leaving room for air circulation.
Air fry for approximately 8–12 minutes, checking early for browning and doneness.
Allow the cups to cool before removing them from their containers.

Air fryer models vary, and the size of the cups affects the cooking time. Make sure the dough is cooked through rather than relying on the colour of the top alone.

Variations

One of the best things about these 2 Ingredient Apple Pie Cups is how easily you can customise them. The basic recipe is delicious on its own, but a few simple additions can create new flavours for different occasions.

1. Cinnamon Sugar Apple Pie Cups

For a warm, bakery-style flavour, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the dough before baking or lightly over the finished cups.

To make cinnamon sugar, combine 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar with ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.

This adds a sweet, spiced finish without changing the simple apple filling.

2. Caramel Apple Pie Cups

Caramel and apples are a classic combination.

After baking, drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled apple pie cups. You can also add a small amount of thick caramel sauce to the filling before baking, but avoid using too much because it can make the pastry soggy.

For an extra-special dessert, serve with vanilla ice cream and another drizzle of caramel.

3. Apple Pie Cups with Pecans

Add a few finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling before baking.

The nuts provide a pleasant crunch that complements the soft apples and flaky pastry. You can also sprinkle toasted nuts over the cups just before serving.

4. Apple and Cranberry Cups

For a festive twist, mix a small handful of dried cranberries into the apple pie filling.

The cranberries add a slightly tart flavour that balances the sweetness of the apples. This variation is especially nice for autumn and holiday gatherings.

5. Cream Cheese Apple Pie Cups

For a richer filling, add a small spoonful of sweetened cream cheese beneath the apple pie filling.

Mix softened cream cheese with a little sugar and vanilla extract, then add a thin layer to each dough-lined cup before topping with apples.

This variation uses additional ingredients, but it creates a creamy, cheesecake-inspired dessert.

6. Puff Pastry Apple Pie Cups

Replace the crescent roll dough with ready-made puff pastry.

Cut the pastry into squares and press them into greased muffin cups before adding the apple filling. Bake according to the pastry package instructions until puffed and golden.

Puff pastry creates a lighter, more layered texture than crescent roll dough.

7. Mini Apple Pie Bites

Instead of making muffin-sized cups, cut the dough into smaller pieces and place a little apple filling in the centre of each piece.

Fold the dough around the filling and seal the edges carefully. Bake until golden, adjusting the cooking time for the smaller size.

These mini treats are perfect for parties, dessert platters, and lunchbox treats.

8. Apple Pie Cups with Vanilla Glaze

For a bakery-inspired finish, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the cooled cups.

Mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk and a few drops of vanilla extract until smooth. Add the milk gradually until the glaze reaches your preferred consistency.

Allow the glaze to set before serving.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftover apple pie cups, store them properly to keep the pastry and filling as fresh as possible.

At Room Temperature

Because the cups contain moist fruit filling, refrigeration is the safest practical choice for leftovers. Don’t leave them at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Allow the cups to cool before placing them in a suitable container.

In the Refrigerator

Transfer the cooled apple pie cups to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–4 days.

For the best texture, arrange them in a single layer if possible. If you need to stack them, place parchment paper between the layers to help prevent sticking.

The pastry may soften slightly during refrigeration, but reheating can help restore some of its crispness.

How to Reheat Apple Pie Cups

In the air fryer: Place the cups in the basket and heat at 300–320°F (150–160°C) for 2–4 minutes, checking frequently so the pastry doesn’t burn.

In the oven: Warm them at 325°F (165°C) for approximately 5–8 minutes, or until heated through.

In the microwave: Heat one cup at a time for about 10–20 seconds, then check the temperature. The pastry will be softer than when reheated in the oven or air fryer.

Allow the filling to cool slightly before eating, as it can become very hot during reheating.

Can You Freeze Apple Pie Cups?

Yes. Allow the baked cups to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers.

Freeze for up to about 2–3 months for the best quality. Thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating, or reheat from frozen at a lower temperature for longer, checking that the centre is thoroughly hot.

Keep in mind that the pastry may lose some of its original texture after freezing and thawing.

Can You Make Them Ahead of Time?

Yes. You can assemble the cups shortly before baking and keep them refrigerated briefly until you’re ready to cook them. For the best results, avoid leaving the unbaked dough filled for too long, as moisture from the apples can soften the pastry.

Alternatively, bake the cups ahead of time and refrigerate them once cooled. Reheat them shortly before serving for a warm, comforting dessert.

These 2 Ingredient Apple Pie Cups are a simple way to enjoy the flavours of homemade apple pie with minimal effort. Whether you keep them plain or add cinnamon sugar, caramel, or ice cream, they’re an easy treat for family desserts, parties, and cosy evenings at home.