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.
