Made with oats, apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter, these Apple Crisp Bites are tiny, cozy fall treats baked in a muffin tin.
Okay, so let me just start with this: I wasn’t even planning to bake anything that day. I was in sweats, the weather was gross (not quite fall, not quite summer—just that weird in-between that makes you wonder if the sun’s on vacation), and the apples on my counter were judging me. Like, seriously. All five of them. Slightly bruised, soft around the edges. They knew their time was up.
Normally, I’d make a big dish of apple crisp—like the kind my mom used to bring to church potlucks in one of those glass Pyrex pans with a missing lid. But it was just me and the kiddo at home, and I wasn’t feeling a whole pan of anything. Plus, we’d already had pancakes for lunch (don’t judge me), so I wasn’t exactly trying to make more dishes.
So I tried something new. I pressed the usual oat-and-butter crust into a muffin tin, tossed the apples with cinnamon, made a little stovetop filling, and hoped for the best. And… they were better than best. They were warm and gooey and golden on top—just sweet enough but not overly sugary—and the house smelled like one of those candle shops where everything is “Autumn Leaves” or “Grandma’s Pie Crust.”
I called them Apple Crisp Bites because, well, that’s exactly what they are. Small, bite-sized little hugs you can eat one-handed while scrolling Instagram or helping with math homework (or avoiding both, honestly).
Why You’ll Love This Apple Crisp Bites Recipe?
You know how sometimes dessert just feels right? Like it doesn’t need a special occasion or a fancy scoop of ice cream on top (though that would be very welcome here)? That’s what these Apple Crisp Bites are for.
They’re kind of like the snack you didn’t know you needed but now can’t stop thinking about. They’ve got this soft, chewy oatmeal crust that tastes like a cookie, this warm spiced apple center that’s straight out of a fall daydream, and if you happen to have a drizzle of caramel lying around? You’re basically living the dream.
And if you’re like me, there’s something a little satisfying about having dessert in a tiny, personal size. No guilt, no mess, no arguments over who got the bigger slice. Just one bite. Or, okay, three. (I’m not made of stone.)
Ingredient Notes:
So the best part of these Apple Crisp Bites? You probably have everything already. Unless your fridge is currently just coffee creamer and expired pickles (no shame), you’re probably good.
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Rolled oats – These are the real MVPs. Don’t use quick oats—they’ll go mushy and ruin the vibe.
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Brown sugar – For that caramelly, slightly smoky sweetness. I usually use light brown, but if you only have dark? Go for it.
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All-purpose flour – Nothing fancy. Just your standard white flour to hold the crust together.
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Butter (softened) – Not melted, not cold. That awkward in-between where it’s soft enough to mash but still holds its shape. Like, “sat on the counter while you forgot about it” soft.
For the filling:
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Apples – I used Gala and Granny Smith together because that’s what I had. Honestly, anything crisp-ish works. Just don’t use those soft, mealy ones—they get weird.
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Cinnamon & nutmeg – Fall in spice form.
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Brown sugar and butter again – Because yes.
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Cornstarch + water – Just mix them together before adding so you don’t get weird clumps. I forget this step every time and end up whisking like a madwoman trying to save the sauce.
Optional (but kinda not):
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Caramel drizzle – It takes them from cozy to wow, did you buy these from a bakery? real fast.
How To Make Apple Crisp Bites?
Not that fluff is bad. But if you’ve got flour on your shirt and a dog barking at the oven timer, you probably want the shortcut version. Here it is.
Step 1: Preheat and grease.
350°F. Spray your muffin tin like your life depends on it—especially if it’s not nonstick. Learned that the hard way.
Step 2: Apple filling first.
Melt butter in a skillet, toss in diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and a splash of water. Let them get soft and saucy (like 5–6 minutes). Then mix the cornstarch with water in a cup, pour that in, and stir until it thickens. Let it cool while you make the crust.
Step 3: Crust time.
Mix oats, flour, and brown sugar. Add the softened butter and mash it all together. I use my hands. It’s messier but kinda therapeutic.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 4: Build your bites.
Spoon about a tablespoon of crust into each muffin cup and press it down to make a base. You want it snug, like a little oat nest. Add a spoonful of apple filling, then top it with another sprinkle of the crust mix. Nothing fancy. Just make sure each one looks happy and full.
Step 5: Bake and breathe.
Into the oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until they’re golden and bubbly. Try not to burn your face off smelling them through the oven door.
Step 6: Cool and (maybe) caramel.
Let them sit for 10 minutes so they don’t fall apart when you pop them out. Then—if you’re feeling fancy—drizzle with caramel. Store-bought is fine. We’re not entering a caramel-making era today. Unless you want to. I support you either way.
Storage Options:
These Apple Crisp Bites are sneaky good, which means they tend to disappear fast. But if you manage to hold a few back:
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Keep them in an airtight container on the counter for a day or two.
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For longer storage, throw them in the fridge. They’ll last about 4–5 days.
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Reheat them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back the cozy.
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They freeze surprisingly well too. Wrap them individually and hide them from yourself in the freezer. Instant mood boost whenever you need one.
Variations and Substitutions:
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No apples? Use pears. Or even peaches if you’re feeling wild.
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Add nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts in the crumble are chef’s kiss.
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Dried fruit fan? Toss in a few cranberries with the apples.
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Gluten-free? Use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour and certified GF oats. Still so good.
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Laziness setting in? Use canned apple pie filling. I won’t tell.
What to Serve with Apple Crisp Bites?
They’re great on their own, but these Apple Crisp Bites love a good pairing:
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Vanilla ice cream – Classic. Melty, dreamy, and just the right temp contrast.
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Whipped cream – Canned or homemade. No one’s judging.
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Coffee or cider – Hot, strong, and cozy. Like a hug in a mug.
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A sharp slice of cheddar cheese – I know this is controversial, but it’s a thing. Sweet + salty = yes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yep! They hold up great overnight. In fact, the flavor might even deepen a bit.
Do I need muffin liners?
Honestly? I wouldn’t. They stick. Just grease the pan really well and use a spoon to pop them out.
What apples are best?
A mix! Something sweet and something tart. Think Granny Smith + Gala. But use what you’ve got—it’s not that deep.
Look, I know you’ve probably got a million recipes saved. So do I. But these Apple Crisp Bites are worth bumping to the top of the list. They’re low-effort, high-reward, and just feel like fall in the best possible way.
Whether you make them for a gathering or just because you’ve got apples on the brink, I hope they bring you a little warmth (and maybe a sticky finger or two).
If you try them, let me know—did you caramel or nah? Did you share? Did they vanish faster than you expected? I’m all ears… and probably already making another batch.
<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!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
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!
