Caramel Apple Crisp Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Caramel Apple Crisp Bites are a delightful twist on a classic dessert, perfect for bite-sized indulgence. With a buttery graham cracker crust, warm spiced apple filling, and a drizzle of caramel, they’re ideal for parties or a cozy treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 12 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 4 cups chopped apples (Golden Delicious or Honeycrisp)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2¼ tbsp flour
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Store-bought caramel sauce
• Optional: flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin thoroughly.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and powdered sugar until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
3. Step 3: Press about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture into each muffin cup, firmly pressing down and up the sides to form a crust shell.
4. Step 4: Bake the crusts for 5 to 6 minutes, then let them cool slightly.
5. Step 5: In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
6. Step 6: Spoon the apple filling into each pre-baked crust cup, being careful not to overfill.
7. Step 7: Bake the filled bites for 15 to 18 minutes, until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbling.
8. Step 8: Let the bites cool for about 10 minutes, then gently loosen and lift them from the muffin tin.
9. Step 9: While still warm, drizzle each bite with caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping before baking.
• Use tart apples like Granny Smith if you prefer a tangier filling.
• Make ahead and refrigerate; warm slightly before serving to enjoy the caramel drizzle at its best.

Storage

Store the caramel apple crisp bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving to soften the apples and enhance the caramel flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel adds a personal touch and great flavor. Just ensure it’s slightly cooled before drizzling over the warm bites.

What if I don’t have mini muffin tins?

You can use a regular muffin tin and adjust the baking time as needed, or bake the filling in a small baking dish to make a crisp instead.

Caramel Apple Crisp Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 135 reviews

These Caramel Apple Crisp Bites are delightful mini desserts featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apple filling, and a drizzle of luscious caramel sauce. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, bite-sized treat.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 24 mini bites 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 12 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ cup powdered sugar

Filling:

• 4 cups chopped apples (Golden Delicious or Honeycrisp)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2¼ tbsp flour
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

Topping:

• Store-bought caramel sauce
• Optional: flaky sea salt

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and powdered sugar until the mixture resembles sandy texture.
3. Form Crust in Tin: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture into each mini muffin cup. Press the mixture firmly down and up the sides to form a sturdy crust base and walls.
4. Pre-bake the Crust: Place the muffin tin in the oven and pre-bake the crusts for 5 to 6 minutes. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Fill Crusts: Spoon the apple filling into each pre-baked crust cup, being careful not to overfill to avoid spills during baking.
7. Bake Bites: Return the filled muffin tin to the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is bubbling.
8. Cool and Remove: Let the apple crisp bites cool for 10 minutes. Then gently loosen around the edges using a small knife or spatula and lift each bite out carefully.
9. Add Topping: While still warm, drizzle each bite with store-bought caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired for a sweet-salty finish.

Notes

• Use firm apples like Golden Delicious or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
• Ensure the mini muffin tin is well greased to easily remove the bites after baking.
• You can prepare the crust and filling ahead of time and assemble just before baking.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a caramel sauce suitable for dairy-free diets.
• The addition of flaky sea salt enhances the flavor but can be omitted if preferred.

Keywords: caramel apple crisp, mini apple crisps, bite-size desserts, fall desserts, caramel apple bites, graham cracker crust, cinnamon apple treat