I absolutely adore desserts that capture the essence of fall, and this Caramel Apple Crisp Bites Recipe does just that. It’s a delightful little treat where tender, cinnamon-spiced apples meet a buttery graham cracker crust and are topped with luscious caramel. Every bite brings a perfect harmony of sweet, tart, and warm flavors that instantly makes me feel cozy. These bites are so easy to make and share—I often find myself sneaking one or two right out of the pan before serving!
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Crisp Bites Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this recipe stand out to me is the incredible balance of flavors. The crisp, buttery graham cracker base pairs beautifully with the soft, spiced apples, and the caramel drizzle on top adds just the right touch of richness without being overpowering. I love how the little hints of cinnamon and nutmeg elevate simple apples into a comforting dessert that feels both festive and inviting.
On top of the great taste, I really appreciate how straightforward this Caramel Apple Crisp Bites Recipe is to prepare. These bites come together quickly, with minimal fuss but maximum flavor payoff. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or an impressive dish to bring to a dinner party or holiday gathering. No fancy baking skills needed—just a bit of stirring, scooping, and baking, and you’ll have a tray full of showstoppers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this dessert are simple and accessible, but each one plays an essential role in delivering that classic apple crisp experience in a bite-sized form. From the rich melted butter that binds the graham cracker crust to the perfectly spiced apple filling, every element combines for incredible taste, texture, and appearance.
Pro Tip ✨
Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
- Graham cracker crumbs: I find store-bought crumbs in a can work best for an even, buttery crust.
- Melted butter: This binds the crust together and adds richness and flavor.
- Powdered sugar: Just a bit to sweeten and soften the crust texture.
- Apples: I prefer golden delicious for their natural sweetness and tender texture after baking.
- Sugar and brown sugar: These balance the tartness of the apples and create caramelization during baking.
- Flour: Helps thicken the apple filling so it’s perfectly gooey without being runny.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warm spices that bring that irresistible fall aroma and taste.
- Caramel topping: Store-bought caramel drizzle makes this recipe easier and finishes the bites with a luscious, sweet shine.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and generously grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick butter spray so the bites will release easily after baking.
Step 2: Melt the butter and in a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Add the butter slowly, stirring to evenly distribute and achieve a crumbly but moist texture.
Step 3: Divide the graham cracker mixture evenly among the 24 mini muffin cups, pressing firmly along the bottom and sides to shape a crust “cup”. Bake these crusts for 5 minutes, then let them cool completely to firm up.
Step 4: While the crusts cool, chop your peeled, cored apples into small pieces. I like using a mini food processor set to chop — just be careful not to puree the apples; you want small, chunky bits.
Step 5: Combine the chopped apples with sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until every bite will be evenly spiced and sweetened.
Step 6: Spread the apple mixture in a baking dish and bake it at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, until the apples are soft but still hold their shape.
Step 7: Once your apple filling is ready, spoon a teaspoon or so into each graham cracker crust in the muffin pan. Feel free to sprinkle any leftover graham cracker crumbs lightly over the apples for extra crunch and presentation.
Step 8: Bake the filled bites at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for another 5 minutes. Carefully let them cool completely, then run a knife around the edges of each bite to loosen them. They should pop out easily from the pan.
Step 9: Drizzle with a generous amount of caramel topping right before serving to add that irresistible sweet finish everyone loves.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields about 24 delicious Caramel Apple Crisp Bites, making it perfect for sharing with friends or family at gatherings. The prep time is roughly 20 minutes, with around 25 minutes needed for baking in two stages. Altogether, you’re looking at about 45 minutes from start to finish, including cooling time, so it’s a manageable treat even on busy days.
How to Serve This Caramel Apple Crisp Bites Recipe
I love serving these bites as finger-food dessert at parties or family dinners. They’re just the right size to eat in a couple of bites, making them perfect for socializing or festive occasions without the mess of a fork and plate. I like to arrange them on a pretty platter and add a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special touch.
For a lovely presentation, try garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a tiny leaf of fresh mint. These small details add color and texture contrast that really elevate the dish visually and on the palate. Pairing these bites with a hot spiced apple cider or a warm chai tea instantly makes the experience feel cozy and seasonal.
In warmer months, I even enjoy serving them slightly chilled alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream. They’re incredibly versatile, so you can adjust the serving temperature and accompaniments based on your occasion and mood.
Variations
One of the best parts about the Caramel Apple Crisp Bites Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you prefer a gluten-free version, swapping the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free alternatives or crushed gluten-free cookies works beautifully without losing that crumbly crust texture. I have also made vegan versions simply by using a plant-based butter substitute and ensuring the caramel is dairy-free.
To switch up the flavor, I sometimes add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling for a nice crunch and nutty note. Another option is to experiment with different types of apples: Granny Smith brings more tartness while Fuji or Honeycrisp offer extra sweetness and a firmer bite.
If you want to bypass the oven, you can assemble the bites and pop them into the fridge for a chilled, no-bake alternative. I recommend letting the crust set for a bit in the fridge before adding apple topping and caramel, which gives a refreshing and quick fall-inspired dessert when time is tight.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying these bites, any leftovers store best in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I like to layer the bites between sheets of parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making them a superb make-ahead dessert or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze these Caramel Apple Crisp Bites successfully too. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first to flash freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen, they maintain their quality for up to 2 months. Just be careful when thawing not to let them become overly soggy.
Reheating
To enjoy the bites warm again, I gently reheat them in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes. This helps restore crispness in the crust and soft warmth in the apple filling. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the crust soggy and lose that delightful texture contrast. A light caramel drizzle after reheating never hurts, either!
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I prefer golden delicious for their sweetness and texture, apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp all work well depending on your taste preference. Just keep in mind that tart apples will add a bit more tang, which balances nicely with the caramel.
Is it possible to make these bites ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare the crusts and apple filling separately, store them in the fridge, and assemble right before your event. Once assembled and baked, you can also refrigerate or freeze them to serve later, making this recipe very convenient for busy schedules.
What can I substitute if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?
If graham cracker crumbs aren’t available, crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed pretzels can give a similar structure and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the amount of butter you add for binding, depending on your chosen substitute’s dryness.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based butter substitute in place of regular butter and select a vegan caramel sauce to drizzle on top. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based, so it’s an easy switch that still yields a delicious dessert.
How should I serve these at a large gathering?
These bites are perfect for serving on a tiered dessert stand, allowing guests to grab them easily. I recommend making extra since they’re so addictive! Providing small plates and napkins nearby makes it easy for guests to enjoy without any mess.
Conclusion
I hope you feel as excited as I am to try this Caramel Apple Crisp Bites Recipe. It’s a warm, cozy dessert that’s simple to make but feels special enough to impress any crowd. Whether for a casual weeknight treat or a holiday celebration, these bites bring all the best flavors of fall into every single morsel. Give them a go, and I promise they’ll become one of your go-to favorites too!
Print
Caramel Apple Crisp Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Caramel Apple Crisp Bites capture the essence of fall with a warm apple cinnamon filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a luscious caramel drizzle. These bite-sized desserts are perfect for parties, snacks, or a comforting treat that combines the sweet and spicy flavors of an apple crisp in a convenient, handheld form.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (store-bought in a can recommended)
- 12 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup powdered sugar
Filling
- 4 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (Golden Delicious recommended)
- ⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 ¼ tablespoons flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Topping
- Caramel topping (store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a mini muffin pan with non-stick butter spray to prevent sticking.
- Melt butter: Melt the 12 tablespoons of butter until fully liquid, ready for mixing with the dry ingredients.
- Make the crust mixture: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar. Gradually add the melted butter while stirring to ensure even distribution, forming a moist crumb mixture.
- Form crust cups: Evenly distribute the crumb mixture into the 24 mini muffin cups. Press firmly along the bottom and sides of each cup with your fingers or a spoon to create a stable ‘cup’ shape.
- Bake crusts: Bake the crust cups in the preheated oven at 350°F for 5 minutes. Remove and allow them to cool completely so they retain their shape.
- Prepare apple filling: Finely chop the peeled and cored apples using a mini food processor or knife, taking care not to puree. Combine chopped apples with sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl, stirring thoroughly.
- Pre-bake apple filling: Spread the apple mixture evenly in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until the apples are slightly softened but still hold their texture.
- Assemble bites: Spoon about one teaspoon of the slightly softened apple filling into each cooled graham cracker crust cup within the muffin pan. Sprinkle any leftover graham cracker crumbs over the apple topping for added texture.
- Bake assembled bites: Return the assembled mini muffins to the oven and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the crust to firm up.
- Cool and remove bites: Let the bites cool completely in the pan. Use a knife to gently loosen each bite from the muffin pan; they should pop out easily.
- Drizzle caramel topping: Finish each bite with a generous drizzle of store-bought caramel topping for added sweetness and visual appeal. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Be careful not to over-process the apples to avoid a puree; small chopped pieces give the best texture.
- Allow the crust cups to cool fully after their initial bake to maintain their shape when adding the filling.
- Using store-bought caramel topping saves time, but homemade caramel can be used for a richer flavor.
- These bites are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature.
- For extra crunch, consider topping the apple filling with a sprinkle of chopped nuts before the final bake.
