Easy Vegan Caramel Chai Spiced Apple Pie Cups
Fall is in the air, which means it’s time for all things apple! From apple cider to apple crisps, there’s something about the combination of sweet and tart apples that perfectly captures the essence of the season. These Vegan Caramel Chai Apple Pie Cups bring together the best of fall flavors—warm spices, rich caramel, and tender apples—all wrapped in flaky puff pastry.
Adding chai powder and a creamy Vegan Brown Sugar Bourbon Caramel elevates this classic treat to something truly special. Whether you’re looking for a fall dessert for a gathering or a cozy snack for yourself, these vegan mini apple pie cups are a must-try.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Mini Vegan Apple Pie Cups
- Perfect for fall: Made with Gala and Granny Smith apples, these mini pies highlight the best of fall produce.
- Easy to make: Using store-bought puff pastry simplifies the process, making these pies quick to assemble.
- Chai and caramel twist: The combination of chai spices and the Vegan Brown Sugar Bourbon Caramel gives these pies a rich, flavorful twist.
- Great for gatherings: Perfectly portioned for individual servings, they’re ideal for parties or family events.
Vegan Fall Flavors and Ingredient Highlights
These mini vegan caramel apple pies feature some of the most beloved fall flavors and are made entirely vegan!
- Apples: Combining sweet Gala apples and tart Granny Smith apples creates a perfect balance in the filling. The Gala apples add natural sweetness, while the Granny Smith apples provide a tangy contrast that complements the caramel sauce.
- Chai Spice: Chai is a warming blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves that perfectly complements the sweet and tart apples. It adds depth and richness to the filling, making these pies extra cozy and flavorful.
- Vegan Brown Sugar Bourbon Caramel: This sauce ties everything together, adding a buttery, caramel flavor with a hint of bourbon. It’s the perfect addition to bring out the richness in the apples and spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Puff Pastry Sheets
- Gala Apples
- Granny Smith Apples
- Chai Spice Mix (I used Chai Spice Authentic Ground Chai)
- Brown Sugar Bourbon Caramel
- Butter
- Light Brown Sugar
- Flour or Cornstarch
- Lemon Juice
- Vanilla
Many store-bought puff pastries are vegan, but always check the label to ensure it’s free from butter or other animal-derived ingredients. They’re a convenient way to create flaky, buttery layers without the dairy.
Equipment
- Muffin tin (6 cup)
Serving Suggestions
These Vegan Caramel Chai Spiced Apple Pie Cups are the perfect vegan fall dessert on their own, but for a little extra indulgence, try serving them with:
- A dollop of whipped coconut cream
- A scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of additional caramel sauce
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar for a classic touch
Common Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply assemble the pie cups and pop them in the oven.
Can I freeze these mini apple pies?
Yes, these pies freeze well. After baking and cooling, store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed.
What can I use instead of chai powder?
If you don’t have chai powder, you can make your own by mixing cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and a pinch of nutmeg. Alternatively, just using cinnamon alone will still give a lovely fall flavor. I tried these adding 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and they turned out just as delicious!
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free puff pastry to make these mini pies gluten-free. Make sure all other ingredients, like the caramel sauce, are also gluten-free.
How do I prevent the pastry from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy pastry, cook the apple filling down until it thickens and cool it slightly before filling the pastry cups. If you prefer extre cripiness, you can also bake the puff pastry cups for a few minutes before adding the filling.
Vegan Caramel Chai Spiced Apple Pie Cups
Equipment
- 1 Muffin Tin 6 cups
Ingredients
- 1 sheet Puff Pastry, thawed
- 2 tbsp Vegan Butter
- 2 Gala Apples, diced
- 1 Granny Smith Apple, diced
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 2 tbsp Light Brown Sugar
- 2 tsp Chai Spice Mix
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- 1 cup Vegan Brown Sugar Bourbon Caramel
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a muffin tin.
- Prepare the filling: In a large skillet, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the diced Gala and Granny Smith apples and cook until they start to soften (about 5 minutes). Stir in cornstarch, lemon juice, light brown sugar, chai spice mix and vanilla. Mix and then add in the Brown Sugar Bourbon Caramel. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture begins to bubble. Set aside to cool slightly as this will allow the filling to thicken.
- Prepare the pastry cups: Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured suface. You can roll is with a pin to thin out a bit if desired. Cut the pastry into 6 equal squares. Gently press each square into the muffin tin, creating little cups. Make sure the edges of the pastry stick up slightly over the rim of each muffin hole.
- Fill the cups: Spoon the caramel apple filling into each puff pastry cup, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Brush the edges of the puff pastry with plant-based milk for a golden finish. Bake the cups for 18-20 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie cups to cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before removing. Drizzle extra Vegan Brown Sugar Bourbon Caramel Sauce over the top for added indulgence and serve warm.
Notes
Nutrition
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