There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen. For me, it always brings back memories of autumn afternoons spent baking with my kids. I wanted to create a simple dessert that would capture those same warm, cozy vibes without taking up too much time. That’s how these Apple Crisp Bites were born!
I find that bite-sized desserts like this are perfect for family gatherings or even just a weekday treat. They’re easy to make, yet feel a little bit special. My kids love helping me press the graham cracker crumbs into the muffin pan – it’s a fun activity we do together, and it always makes them feel proud when the final result comes out of the oven.
Another great thing about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can switch up the apples based on what you have on hand, or even add a touch of caramel or whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent twist. It’s also a great make-ahead dessert since they store beautifully and taste just as delicious the next day!
How to Make Apple Crisp Bites
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Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 8 tablespoons melted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar, divided
- 4 cups diced apples (peeled and cored)
- 1 cup warm water, divided
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a mini muffin or cupcake pan.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
Press about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture into each cup of the pan, forming a small cup shape.
Bake for 6 minutes, then remove the pan and let the cups cool completely.
While the cups cool, toss the diced apples with 3/4 cup of water and lemon juice in a bowl.
In a saucepan, whisk the cornstarch with the remaining 1/4 cup of water until smooth. Add the rest of the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then stir in the diced apples.
Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and the mixture thickens slightly (about 8-10 minutes).
Spoon about a teaspoon of the apple mixture into each graham cracker cup once they have cooled.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Let the bites cool completely in the pan before serving.
Storing Suggestion
These Apple Crisp Bites can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerating them will extend their shelf life to about 4-5 days. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving.
Cooking Tips
If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers. Additionally, using a mix of apple varieties, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, can give a sweet and tart contrast to the filling, making it even more flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
These bites are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re out of ground nutmeg, you can swap in allspice or cloves for a similar warming spice. You can also use margarine instead of butter to make the recipe dairy-free. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers.
Seasonal Variations
In the fall, you can enhance the flavor with a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a more autumnal spice profile. In summer, try substituting the apples with peaches or pears to create a lighter, fruitier version of this dessert.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy (butter) and gluten (graham crackers). For a dairy-free option, replace butter with margarine, and for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers. If you have a nut allergy, this recipe is naturally nut-free, but always check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they’re processed in a nut-free facility.
FAQ
Can I make Apple Crisp Bites ahead of time?
Yes, these bites can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. If you want to serve them warm, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are a popular choice because of their tartness, but you can use any apple variety you have on hand. A mix of sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith works great too.
Can I freeze Apple Crisp Bites?
Yes, you can freeze these bites in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw them in the fridge and warm them up in the oven before serving.
How can I prevent the apple mixture from getting too watery?
Make sure to cook the apple mixture long enough for the liquid to reduce and the cornstarch to thicken it. Also, try to avoid overloading the mixture with too much water when prepping the apples.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or another gluten-free cookie alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches, but keep in mind that the cooking time for the fruit may vary depending on its texture and water content.
Apple Crisp Bites
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 8 tablespoons melted butter
- 3/4 cup sugar divided
- 4 cups diced apples peeled and cored
- 1 cup warm water divided
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a mini muffin or cupcake pan generously.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Spoon around 1 1/2 tablespoons of this mixture into each cup of the prepared pan, pressing it firmly into the base and up the sides to create a small cup shape.
- Bake for 6 minutes, then take it out and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
- Meanwhile, finely dice the peeled and cored apples. Toss them in a bowl with 3/4 cup of water and lemon juice to prevent browning.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch and the remaining 1/4 cup of water until smooth. Stir in the remaining sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Add the diced apples to the saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 8-10 minutes.
- Once the graham cracker crusts have cooled, spoon about a teaspoon of the cooked apple mixture into each crust.
- Place the pan back in the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Let the bites cool completely in the pan before removing and serving.
