Apple Phyllo Cups

Apple Phyllo Cups are absolutely irresistible—flaky, golden layers of buttery phyllo cradle a warm, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. Each bite is a burst of sweet-tart apples with the addictive crunch of pastry, making them feel both luxurious and light.

What makes these Apple Phyllo Cups a must-try? They're incredibly simple to assemble, bake up in less than an hour, and look so elegant and impressive. They're perfect for holidays, brunches, or whenever you’re craving a sweet treat without fuss.

This recipe is inspired by memories of classic homemade apple pie, but with a modern twist that’s perfect for entertaining. No rolling out dough, no complicated steps—just delicious results every time. So go ahead, treat yourself or dazzle your guests with these crowd-pleasers!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Fast and fuss-free: Minimal prep and quick bake time means you can satisfy any sweet tooth, fast.
• Beautiful single-serve presentation: Each guest gets their own elegant, hand-held dessert.
• Big apple pie flavor—no pie hassle: Get all the warm, spiced comfort of apple pie without making pie crust.
• Light and flaky texture: The crisp phyllo shells are delightfully airy—never heavy or doughy.

Key Ingredients for Apple Phyllo Cups

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Apples

Juicy, tart apples are the star of the show, offering natural sweetness and bright flavor. Choose apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of tartness and texture. Peel and dice into small pieces for a filling that bakes evenly and stays tender.

Phyllo Dough

Phyllo provides those signature crackly, golden layers. Handle it gently and keep unused sheets covered with a clean towel to prevent drying out. You’ll brush each layer with melted butter for flavor and flakiness. Frozen phyllo works perfectly—just thaw according to package directions.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon brings cozy, warm depth to the apple filling—it’s that classic fall spice everyone loves. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for even more complexity if you like!

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar sweetens the apples and helps create a slightly caramelly, gooey filling. Light or dark brown sugar both work; you can substitute white sugar in a pinch, but brown sugar adds extra richness.

Butter

Butter is essential for brushing the phyllo layers to get that irresistible golden crunch and to enrich the apple filling. If you’re dairy-free, melted coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute will work well, although the flavor will be slightly different.

Instructions for Apple Phyllo Cups

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush a standard 12-cup muffin tin with some melted butter to prevent sticking and get crispy edges.

Make the Apple Filling

In a mixing bowl, toss together the diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Make sure every apple piece is well coated—this will help thicken the filling slightly and ensure even flavor.

Assemble the Phyllo Cups

Lay out one sheet of phyllo on a clean, dry surface and gently brush with melted butter. Top with another sheet, brush again, and continue until you have a stack of three buttered sheets. Cut the stack into 6 equal squares. Gently fit each square into a muffin cup, pressing in to form the cup shape and letting the corners stick up. Repeat with the remaining three sheets to make a total of 12 layered cups.

Fill and Bake

Divide the apple filling evenly among the phyllo cups, piling it in so each cup is generously filled. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until the phyllo is crisp and golden brown and the apples are bubbling. Keep an eye after 15 minutes—phyllo can brown quickly!

Cool and Serve

Let the phyllo cups cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then carefully lift them out. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for an extra-special touch.

Recipe Variations

Make It Nutty

Add a sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling before baking for a little crunch and extra fall flavor. You can also sprinkle nuts on top before serving.

Go Vegan

Swap butter for vegan butter or coconut oil, and make sure your phyllo dough is egg and dairy free (most store-bought varieties are). The result is still fabulously flaky!

Try Different Fruits

Not just for apples! Swap in pears, or a mix of apples and berries, for a fun twist. Stone fruits like peaches or plums also work beautifully in summer.

Gluten-Free Adaptation

If you need a gluten-free option, look for certified gluten-free phyllo dough (available in some specialty stores) and swap the all-purpose flour in the filling for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

Spice It Up

Experiment with warm spices—try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the filling for extra depth and an aromatic kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Apple Phyllo Cups slightly warm, dusted with powdered sugar, alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream for the ultimate treat. For a flavor contrast, drizzle with salted caramel sauce or a spoonful of Greek yogurt. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or spiced chai tea—perfect for dessert or a festive brunch spread.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover Apple Phyllo Cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and regain crispiness, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-8 minutes—they’ll be as good as fresh! While freezing isn’t ideal since phyllo can lose crispiness, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked cups and bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Phyllo Cups (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Apple Phyllo Cups ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the phyllo cups and the apple filling separately the day before. Store covered in the fridge, then fill and bake when ready to serve for maximum freshness.

Q: What apples are best for this recipe?
A: Crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape while baking and offer a nice flavor balance.

Q: Can I use store-bought pie filling instead of fresh apples?
A: Yes, you can use canned apple pie filling in a pinch, but fresh apples deliver the best flavor and texture.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope these Apple Phyllo Cups add a little sparkle to your next gathering—or just make an ordinary day feel special. If you give this recipe a try, don’t forget to leave a rating and comment below. I can’t wait to hear how you enjoyed them!