Caramel Apple Crisp Bites

If you’re looking for the perfect fall-inspired dessert that combines the warm, comforting flavors of caramel and apple, then these Caramel Apple Crisp Bites are sure to become a family favorite. These bite-sized treats are incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients. They are perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or just as a sweet snack to enjoy on a cozy afternoon.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (store-bought works best)
  • 12 tablespoons butter (melted)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 4 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (Golden Delicious work well)
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 ¼ tablespoons flour
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • Caramel topping (store-bought for convenience)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick butter spray to ensure your bites come out easily.
  2. Prepare Crust Mixture: Melt the butter in a small bowl. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Stir together until the butter is evenly distributed.
  3. Form Crust Cups: Evenly distribute the graham cracker mixture into the 24 mini muffin cups. Press the mixture along the bottom and sides of each muffin cup to form a “cup” shape.
  4. Bake the Crust: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake the crusts at 350°F for 5 minutes. Once baked, allow them to cool completely.
  5. Prepare the Apples: While the crusts are cooling, chop your apples into small pieces using a mini food processor or a sharp knife. Be sure not to puree them; finely chopped apples are perfect for this recipe.
  6. Make the Apple Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the chopped apples with sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
  7. Bake the Apple Filling: Transfer the apple mixture into a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, or until the apples are slightly softened.
  8. Assemble the Bites: Once the crusts have cooled and the apple mixture is ready, scoop about a teaspoon of the apple filling and place it on top of each graham cracker crust in the muffin pan. You can sprinkle any extra graham cracker crumbs on top of the apples for added texture.
  9. Bake the Bites: Return the muffin pan to the oven and bake the bites at 350°F for 5 more minutes. Let them cool completely.
  10. Remove from Pan: Once the bites are cool, use a knife to gently loosen them from the muffin pan. They should pop out easily.
  11. Drizzle with Caramel: Finally, drizzle the caramel topping over the cooled bites to add that sweet, gooey finishing touch.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips
These Caramel Apple Crisp Bites are perfect for serving at various occasions. Here are some ideas to enhance your presentation:

  • Garnish with Whipped Cream: Top each bite with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
  • Pair with Warm Drinks: Serve alongside a hot beverage such as coffee, hot chocolate, or cider for the perfect fall dessert experience.
  • Mini Dessert Plates: Place the bites on small dessert plates for a charming presentation at a party or gathering.
  • Sharing Size: Since they’re bite-sized, they’re perfect for passing around at parties or serving as a fun, portion-controlled dessert.

Storage Tips
Proper storage will keep your Caramel Apple Crisp Bites fresh for several days:

  • Room Temperature: If you plan to serve them within a day or two, store the bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
  • Refrigeration: If you’d like to keep them for longer, refrigerate the bites in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing to avoid condensation.
  • Freezing: To extend their shelf life, you can freeze the Caramel Apple Crisp Bites. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a few minutes.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your delicious bites stay fresh and ready to enjoy whenever you want a sweet treat!

Variations

These Caramel Apple Crisp Bites are versatile and can be customized to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few delicious variations to try:

1. Apple Crisp Bites with a Nutty Twist
Add a bit of crunch to your bites by mixing chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the apple filling. You can also sprinkle them on top before baking for an extra layer of texture.

2. Cinnamon Sugar Apple Crisp Bites
For an added burst of cinnamon flavor, mix some cinnamon and sugar into the graham cracker crust mixture. This gives the crust an extra flavorful sweetness that complements the apple filling perfectly.

3. Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Bites
For a sweet and salty contrast, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel topping before serving. The salt will enhance the sweetness of the caramel and create a delicious flavor balance.

4. Pear and Apple Crisp Bites
Mix things up by using a combination of apples and pears in the filling. The pears add a soft, juicy texture while still providing that comforting fruit flavor.

5. Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Crisp Bites
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs in place of regular graham crackers. You can also substitute the flour in the apple filling with a gluten-free flour blend to ensure the bites remain gluten-free.

6. Vegan Caramel Apple Crisp Bites
To make these bites vegan, replace the butter with dairy-free butter or coconut oil, and use a vegan caramel sauce. Be sure to check that the graham crackers and caramel topping are free from animal products.

7. Spiced Apple Crisp Bites
Add more depth of flavor by mixing in some additional spices such as ginger, allspice, or cloves. These spices will give the apple filling a warming, aromatic quality, perfect for colder months.

8. Chocolate Caramel Apple Crisp Bites
For a decadent twist, melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the caramel before serving. You could even add a layer of chocolate chips to the graham cracker crust for a gooey, chocolatey surprise.

These variations allow you to customize your Caramel Apple Crisp Bites to suit different preferences and dietary needs, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy a delicious treat!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Yes! While Golden Delicious apples are a great choice for their sweetness and softness, you can use other apple varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind that tart apples may require a little extra sugar.

2. Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Caramel Apple Crisp Bites in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Alternatively, you can refrigerate them for up to 5-7 days.

3. Can I freeze these bites?
Yes, you can freeze the Caramel Apple Crisp Bites. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the oven.

4. How do I know when the crust is ready?
The crust should be lightly golden brown after baking for 5 minutes at 350°F. Let it cool completely before filling with the apple mixture.

5. Can I make the graham cracker crust without butter?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative if you’d like a non-dairy or vegan option. For a healthier twist, try using applesauce as a substitute for butter.

6. Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?
Definitely! While store-bought caramel sauce is quick and convenient, homemade caramel will add an extra layer of richness and flavor to your bites. Just be sure the sauce is thick enough to drizzle without running off.

7. How do I prevent the graham cracker crust from sticking to the pan?
Greasing the mini muffin pan with non-stick butter spray or lining the cups with mini muffin liners can help prevent the crust from sticking. If you’re not using liners, make sure to grease the pan generously.

8. Can I make these without the caramel topping?
Yes! While the caramel topping adds a sweet and gooey finish, you can skip it if you’d prefer. These bites are still delicious on their own with the warm apple filling and graham cracker crust.

9. Can I use a regular muffin pan instead of a mini muffin pan?
You can, but if using a regular-sized muffin pan, you will need to adjust the baking time. Larger cups may require a few extra minutes of baking to set the crust and filling properly.

10. Can I add other fruits to the filling?
Yes! You can experiment with adding other fruits like pears, berries, or even dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries to the apple mixture for added flavor and texture. Just keep in mind that the moisture content may vary, so adjust the baking time accordingly.

These FAQs should help you get the most out of your Caramel Apple Crisp Bites and ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

These Caramel Apple Crisp Bites are a delightful blend of graham cracker crust, soft spiced apples, and rich caramel topping. They’re the perfect sweet treat to enjoy during the fall season, but they can be made year-round for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just indulging in a little dessert at home, these bites are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them!

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Caramel Apple Crisp Bites


  • Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

 

If you’re looking for the perfect fall-inspired dessert that combines the warm, comforting flavors of caramel and apple, then these Caramel Apple Crisp Bites are sure to become a family favorite. These bite-sized treats are incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple ingredients. They are perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or just as a sweet snack to enjoy on a cozy afternoon.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (store-bought works best)
  • 12 tablespoons butter (melted)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 4 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (Golden Delicious work well)
  • ⅓ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 ¼ tablespoons flour
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • Caramel topping (store-bought for convenience)

Instructions

  • Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick butter spray to ensure your bites come out easily.
  • Prepare Crust Mixture: Melt the butter in a small bowl. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Stir together until the butter is evenly distributed.
  • Form Crust Cups: Evenly distribute the graham cracker mixture into the 24 mini muffin cups. Press the mixture along the bottom and sides of each muffin cup to form a “cup” shape.
  • Bake the Crust: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake the crusts at 350°F for 5 minutes. Once baked, allow them to cool completely.
  • Prepare the Apples: While the crusts are cooling, chop your apples into small pieces using a mini food processor or a sharp knife. Be sure not to puree them; finely chopped apples are perfect for this recipe.
  • Make the Apple Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the chopped apples with sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
  • Bake the Apple Filling: Transfer the apple mixture into a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, or until the apples are slightly softened.
  • Assemble the Bites: Once the crusts have cooled and the apple mixture is ready, scoop about a teaspoon of the apple filling and place it on top of each graham cracker crust in the muffin pan. You can sprinkle any extra graham cracker crumbs on top of the apples for added texture.
  • Bake the Bites: Return the muffin pan to the oven and bake the bites at 350°F for 5 more minutes. Let them cool completely.
  • Remove from Pan: Once the bites are cool, use a knife to gently loosen them from the muffin pan. They should pop out easily.
  • Drizzle with Caramel: Finally, drizzle the caramel topping over the cooled bites to add that sweet, gooey finishing touch.

Notes

Serving Tips
These Caramel Apple Crisp Bites are perfect for serving at various occasions. Here are some ideas to enhance your presentation:

  • Garnish with Whipped Cream: Top each bite with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
  • Pair with Warm Drinks: Serve alongside a hot beverage such as coffee, hot chocolate, or cider for the perfect fall dessert experience.
  • Mini Dessert Plates: Place the bites on small dessert plates for a charming presentation at a party or gathering.
  • Sharing Size: Since they’re bite-sized, they’re perfect for passing around at parties or serving as a fun, portion-controlled dessert.

Storage Tips
Proper storage will keep your Caramel Apple Crisp Bites fresh for several days:

  • Room Temperature: If you plan to serve them within a day or two, store the bites in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
  • Refrigeration: If you’d like to keep them for longer, refrigerate the bites in an airtight container for up to 5-7 days. Just be sure to let them cool completely before storing to avoid condensation.
  • Freezing: To extend their shelf life, you can freeze the Caramel Apple Crisp Bites. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a few minutes.