If you’re a fan of classic apple desserts, these Apple Crisp Bites are the perfect treat for you. Combining the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie with the crunchy, buttery goodness of oatmeal cookies, these bite-sized delights are a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, a holiday party, or simply enjoying them as a sweet snack, these Apple Crisp Bites are sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized with your choice of homemade or canned apple filling.
Ingredients to Prepare
This recipe makes 12 servings. Here’s what you’ll need:
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 Option:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3-4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
- 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:
- Caramel topping
How to Make Apple Crisp Bites
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent the bites from sticking.
Prepare the Oatmeal Cookie Crust:
- Make the Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of rolled oats, and 3/4 cup of brown sugar. Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed. Add 12 tablespoons of softened butter to the mixture and use a fork or your hands to combine until the mixture becomes crumbly. - Press the Crust:
Press the oatmeal cookie mixture firmly into the bottom of each muffin cup to form the crust. Ensure that each cup has an even layer of crust for the best results.
Prepare the Homemade Apple Filling (Optional):
- Cook the Apples:
If you’re making the homemade apple filling, start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 3 tablespoons of water, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg to the skillet. Cook the mixture for about 8-10 minutes, or until the apples are tender and coated in a thick, sweet sauce. - Thicken the Filling:
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this to the apple mixture in the skillet and stir until the filling thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Apple Crisp Bites:
- Add the Filling:
Spoon the apple filling (either homemade or canned) into each muffin cup on top of the oatmeal cookie crust. If you’re using homemade filling, make sure it’s evenly distributed among the cups.
Bake the Apple Crisp Bites:
- Bake:
Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on the bites to prevent overbaking.
Optional Caramel Topping:
- Drizzle with Caramel:
For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle caramel topping over each apple crisp bite after they’ve cooled slightly. The caramel adds a rich, sweet layer that complements the tartness of the apples perfectly.
Cool and Serve:
- Cool and Serve:
Allow the apple crisp bites to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These bites can be served warm or at room temperature, making them a versatile dessert option.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Calories: 160 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings
Helpful Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp Bites
- Choosing the Apples: When making the homemade filling, choose apples that hold up well during cooking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties maintain their texture and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Even Crust Distribution: To ensure each bite has a sturdy base, press the oatmeal cookie crust firmly into the muffin cups. You can use the back of a spoon or a small measuring cup to press the crust evenly.
- Cool Before Removing: Let the bites cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows the crust to set, making it easier to remove the bites without breaking them.
Cooking Tips
- Homemade vs. Canned Filling: While homemade apple filling adds a fresh, homemade flavor to these bites, using canned apple pie filling is a quick and convenient alternative. If you’re short on time, don’t hesitate to go the canned route.
- Caramel Drizzle: If you love the combination of apple and caramel, consider making a simple homemade caramel sauce to drizzle over the top. It’s easy to make with sugar, butter, and cream, and adds a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the apple filling.
- Serving Suggestions: These Apple Crisp Bites are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
Storage and Leftovers
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Apple Crisp Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain their crisp texture, reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Freezing: These bites can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.
- Reheating: To enjoy your Apple Crisp Bites warm, reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different fruits in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the apples with other fruits like pears, peaches, or berries. Adjust the sugar and spices accordingly to complement the fruit you choose.
Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Make sure the oats are certified gluten-free as well.
What if I don’t have a muffin tin?
If you don’t have a muffin tin, you can make these bites in a mini muffin tin for smaller portions or in a regular baking dish as a bar-style dessert. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I make the oatmeal crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the oatmeal cookie crust mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. This is a great time-saving option if you’re preparing these bites for a special event.
Is there a way to make these bites vegan?
To make these Apple Crisp Bites vegan, use a plant-based butter substitute in the oatmeal cookie crust and opt for a vegan caramel topping or skip it altogether. Make sure any other ingredients, like sugar, are also vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
These Apple Crisp Bites are the perfect combination of warm, spiced apples and a buttery oatmeal cookie crust. Whether you make them with homemade apple filling or take the quick route with canned filling, they’re sure to be a hit. The option to drizzle them with caramel topping adds an extra layer of indulgence that takes these bites to the next level. Perfect for any occasion, these bites are easy to make, easy to serve, and even easier to enjoy. Try them out at your next gathering or as a sweet treat for yourself—you won’t be disappointed!
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Apple Crisp Bites: A Deliciously Easy Dessert
Ingredients
- Oatmeal Cookie Crust:
- Homemade Apple Filling Option:
- Canned Apple Filling Option:
- Optional:
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners to prevent sticking.
- Homemade Apple Filling Option: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 3 tablespoons water, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until the apples are tender, about 8-10 minutes. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet and cook until the apple mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
- Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the apple crisp bites to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.