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.