Apple Crisp Bites – Step into my kitchen. Let’s explore the world of Apple Crisp Bites! These delightful treats combine the flavors of autumn with the convenience of bite-snacking. The stars of this show are apples, oats, and cinnamon creating a blend that’s perfect, for any occasion.
I can still vividly recall the first time I whipped up these Apple Crisp Bites. It was a chilly autumn evening. I craved something sweet yet shareable with my loved ones. Seeing the joy in my husband’s and child’s eyes as they savored each bite was truly heartwarming. The warm spiced apple filling embraced by a crunchy cookie crust quickly became an instant favorite!
What makes these Apple Crisp Bites truly special?
What sets these Apple Crisp Bites apart is their combination of convenience and homemade charm. They’re incredibly portable making them an excellent choice for picnics or potlucks. The recipe offers flexibility too – you can opt for an apple filling to experience that tanginess or use a canned alternative, for quickness and ease. Additionally, their bite-sized form not only adds a touch but also helps with portion control allowing guilt-free indulgence at any time of day.
What You Need To Make This Apple Crisp Bites Recipe?
All Purpose Flour & Rolled Oats: These ingredients form the base of our crust giving it a hearty texture. The oats add a chewiness while the flour holds everything together resulting in a crunch.
Brown Sugar: It’s not just for sweetness; it enhances the flavor too. Its molasses undertones deepen the taste perfectly complementing the tartness of the apples.
Butter: Here’s the secret to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth crust! It brings richness and depth to the mix binding all the crust ingredients together and contributing to that finish.
Fresh Apples: They are at the core of this recipe. Choosing the apples can make a world of difference. Look for varieties that strike a balance between sweetness and acidity such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith as they will elevate the flavor profile of your filling.
Nutmeg: These spices are what give our bites their soul. Cinnamon provides warmth, with a hint of spiciness while nutmeg adds a nutty undertone.
Cornstarch: Our secret thickening agent ensures that your apple filling has the right consistency – not too runny nor too firm.
Steps To Make Apple Crisp Bites:
Step 1: First things first, crank up your oven to 350°F (that cozy, warm kitchen feeling starts here). Then, grab your mini-muffin tin and give it a good greasing. We want those little bites to slide out effortlessly after they’re baked to perfection.
Step 2: Take a medium-sized pan (your trusty one!) and melt some butter over medium-high heat. Toss in those diced apples – hearing them sizzle is the best part. Sprinkle in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, then add the water. Let it all cook for about 4-6 minutes. You’re looking for the apples to soften just a bit – they should still have a little bite. It’s all about balancing that softness with a hint of crunch.
Step 3: Now, let’s thicken that filling. In a small cup, whisk cornstarch with water until smooth – this is your thickening magic. Pour this into the pan and keep stirring. You’ll see the magic happen as it transforms into this glossy, thick apple filling. Cook it for another few minutes until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened. Let this beautiful mixture cool down a bit – it’s had a hot day!
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Step 4: In a large bowl, mix the flour, oats, and brown sugar. Now, add the softened butter. Get your hands in there and mix it up until it’s all crumbly and looks like wet sand (it’s okay to make a little mess!). This crust is the unsung hero of our bites.
Step 5: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the crust mixture into each muffin cup. Press it down and up the sides, making a cute little cup. This is where our apple filling will snuggle in.
Step 6: Now for the fun part! Spoon that luscious apple filling into each crust cup. Then, sprinkle a bit of the remaining crust mixture over the top. It’s like tucking them in with a buttery oat blanket.
Step 7: Pop the tin into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown color and a kitchen that smells like a hug from grandma.
Step 8: Once they’re out of the oven, resist the urge to pop one in your mouth right away. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently loosen them with a knife. They should come out easily, thanks to your greasing skills.
Tip:
When making Apple Crisp Bites it’s important to use softened butter to achieve a crust texture. For a balanced filling combine sweet apples. Make sure to dice the apples for cooking and a consistent fit, in the muffin cups. Pay attention to the thickness of the crust. Avoid overfilling the bites. After baking allow them to cool in the tin so they can be easily removed. These bites are most enjoyable when eaten fresh. Can also be kept at room temperature. Lastly don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings like sugar or whipped cream, for an extra amusing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use canned apple filling?
Definitely! If you’re looking for an option using canned apple filling is a great choice.
How do I store the Apple Crisp Bites?
To keep them fresh store the bites in a container with a seal, at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap out the all-purpose flour, with your gluten-free blend.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Apple Crisp Bites
Ingredients
Oatmeal Cookie Crust:
- 1 c Rolled Oats
- 3/4 c Brown Sugar
- 1 c All-Purpose Flour
- 12 tbsp Butter softened
Homemade Apple Filling:
- 4 Medium Apples peeled, cored, and diced into 1/4-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 1/3 c Brown Sugar
- 3 tbsp Water
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Water
Alternative Canned Apple Filling:
- 1 Can Apple Pie Filling
Optional:
- Caramel Topping
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F and grease a muffin tin, with 24 cups.
- Begin by melting butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Add apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar and 3 tablespoons of water. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes. In a bowl mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water then add it to the pan. Continue cooking until the apples become tender and the filling thickens. Allow it to cool.
- In a mixing bowl combine flour, oats and brown sugar. Use softened butter. Cut it into the mixture until it becomes crumbly.
- Take about a tablespoon of crust mixture for each muffin cup. Press it down to form a cup shape. Fill each cup with one tablespoon of apple filling. Sprinkle some crust mixture on top.
- Place your prepared bites, in the oven. Bake them for around 15 to 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
- Once baked allow them to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before removing them. You can serve these treats as they are or consider adding a drizzle of caramel topping if desired.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
