Description
There’s something about apple crisp that screams comfort, warmth, and home. When I first made these Apple Crisp Bites, I wasn’t prepared for how much my family would fall in love with them. These perfectly portioned treats disappeared almost as soon as they were out of the oven. My kids loved their fun size, and my husband couldn’t stop raving about how they packed all the flavors of a classic apple crisp into just a couple of bites. They’re now a staple for gatherings, potlucks, and even as a quick dessert to whip up during busy weekdays.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Bites Recipe
Perfectly Portable: These mini bites are easy to transport, making them ideal for parties, picnics, or school lunchboxes.
Portion-Control Friendly: Each bite is perfectly sized, so you don’t have to worry about overindulging.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything you need in your pantry.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, these bites come together in under an hour.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike adore these sweet, crisp, and gooey apple treats.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Crisp Topping:
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Base:
1 package refrigerated pie crust (or homemade)
1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin generously with butter or non-stick spray.
Make the Apple Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine diced apples, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well and set aside.
Prepare the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add melted butter and mix until the topping is crumbly.
Cut the Pie Crusts:
Roll out your pie crusts on a floured surface. Use a round cookie cutter (about 3 inches in diameter) to cut out circles. Press each circle gently into the mini muffin tin to form a cup.
Assemble:
Spoon a small amount of the apple filling into each pie crust cup, filling about three-quarters full. Top each with a generous spoonful of the crisp topping.
Bake:
Brush the edges of the pie crusts with milk for a golden finish. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and golden brown.
Cool and Serve:
Allow the bites to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24 Apple Crisp Bites
Calories per Serving: Approximately 110
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve
On Their Own: Serve as a handheld dessert or snack.
With Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
Drizzled: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, creamy contrast.
On a Dessert Tray: Include these in a spread with other mini desserts like brownies or cookies.
Additional Tips
Use Fresh Apples: Granny Smith apples work best due to their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji are also great options.
Customize the Topping: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchier texture.
Prevent Sticking: Ensure you generously grease your muffin tin to avoid any issues with removing the bites.
Make Ahead: Prepare the filling and topping in advance for quicker assembly on baking day.
Reheat Gently: Warm leftover bites in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to restore their crispness.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use a different type of crust?
Yes! Puff pastry or phyllo dough can be used for a lighter texture.
2. Can I freeze Apple Crisp Bites?
Yes, freeze them after baking and cooling. Reheat in the oven before serving.
3. What apples work best?
Granny Smith apples are ideal, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady work too.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute gluten-free flour in the topping.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
6. Can I add caramel to the recipe?
Yes! Drizzle caramel over the filling before adding the topping for extra sweetness.
7. Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a softer filling, but you can leave the skins on for added texture.
8. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, use a vegan pie crust, dairy-free butter, and substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar.
9. What can I serve these with?
They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or hot cider.
10. Can I make these in a standard muffin tin?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the crust cooks through.
Conclusion
Apple Crisp Bites are the perfect treat for any occasion, combining the nostalgic flavors of traditional apple crisp with a modern, portable twist. Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy family dessert or an elegant party platter, they’re sure to impress. With simple ingredients, easy instructions, and endless customization options, this recipe is a must-try. Whip up a batch today, and watch them disappear in no time!
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Crisp Topping:
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Base:
- 1 package refrigerated crescent dough or phyllo dough sheets
- Optional: Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine diced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour. Mix well and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Crisp Topping
- In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add melted butter and mix until crumbly.
Step 3: Prepare the Base
- Roll out the crescent or phyllo dough sheets.
- If using crescent dough, cut into squares and place each square into a greased mini muffin tin.
- Press the dough into the tin, allowing the edges to form a cup shape.
Step 4: Assemble the Bites
- Spoon a small amount of apple filling into each dough cup, filling about ¾ full.
- Sprinkle the crisp topping over the apple filling, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the dough is golden and the topping is crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before transferring the bites to a serving platter.
- Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, try sprinkling some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the crisp topping.
- These bites are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: ~120
- Sugar: ~8g
- Sodium: ~75mg
- Fat: ~4g
- Saturated Fat: ~2g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~1g
- Cholesterol: ~1g