Description

Apple crisp bites are a delightful and portable twist on the classic apple crisp. These mini desserts pack all the warm, comforting flavors of fall into a bite-sized treat. With tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and a crisp oat topping, they are perfect for fall gatherings, snack time, or even as a dessert to pair with coffee or tea. The bite-sized portions make them convenient and easy to serve at parties, potlucks, or holiday dinners. Whether you enjoy them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on their own, apple crisp bites are sure to be a hit with both adults and children.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Oatmeal Cookie Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
3/4 cup brown sugar
12 tablespoons butter, softened

For the Homemade Apple Filling (Optional):

3–4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
2 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

For the Canned Apple Filling Option:

1 can apple pie filling

Optional Topping:

Caramel topping (optional but highly recommended for extra sweetness!)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 24-cup mini-muffin tin, making sure every nook and cranny is covered to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Apple Filling (Optional): If you prefer a homemade apple filling, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium-sized pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir and cook for 4-6 minutes until the apples begin to soften.

In a small dish, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pan, and continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens and the apples become tender. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Alternatively, you can skip this step and opt for the canned apple pie filling to save time.

Make the Oatmeal Cookie Crust: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, and 3/4 cup of brown sugar. Next, cut in the softened butter using a pastry cutter or a fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Form the Crusts: Take a heaping tablespoon of the crust mixture and press it into the bottom and sides of each cup in the mini-muffin tin, creating small “cups.”

Fill the Cups: Once your apple filling has cooled slightly, spoon about 1 tablespoon of it into each crust cup. For added crunch, sprinkle a teaspoon of the remaining crust mixture on top of each bite.

Bake: Place the mini-muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the Apple Crisp Bites are golden brown and slightly crispy around the edges.

Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing them with a knife. If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle the bites with caramel topping before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

Apple Choice Matters:
- For the best results, use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the topping. Honeycrisp apples are also great if you prefer a sweeter, juicier apple with a firm texture. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, as they may turn mushy during baking.
Brown Sugar vs. White Sugar:
- Brown sugar adds a deeper caramel-like flavor to the crisp topping, enhancing the overall taste of the dessert. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use white sugar, but brown sugar is highly recommended for that signature fall warmth.
Texture Tips:
- For a crispier topping, ensure your butter is cold when mixing it into the oat and flour mixture. This will help create a crumbly, crunchy topping. Overmixing the butter can lead to a denser, less crisp texture.
- Use rolled oats (not instant oats) for a heartier texture and better crunch.
Variations and Add-Ins:
- Feel free to experiment with add-ins like raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts to elevate the flavor and texture.
- For a sweet and salty combination, sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt over the crisp topping before baking.
Customization Options:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free oats and almond flour to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil or vegan margarine to make these bites vegan-friendly without sacrificing the crisp texture.
- Low-Sugar: Replace sugar with natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar for a lower-sugar alternative.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these bites warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle for an indulgent dessert.
- These also make a great pairing with hot drinks like apple cider, coffee, or tea for a cozy fall treat.
Storage and Reheating:
- Store apple crisp bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to store them longer, keep them in the refrigerator for up to five days, although the topping may lose some of its crunch.
- To reheat and restore the crisp texture, place the bites in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. Reheating in the microwave is faster but may soften the topping.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- You can make the apple crisp bites ahead of time and freeze them for up to three months. Simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.