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Nothing says fall quite like apple desserts and these mini apple crisp bites capture all that nostalgia in a bite-size form. With just five ingredients and less than an hour from start to finish you get a crunchy buttery crust and a fruity gooey middle that makes any gathering cozier.
I love making these for potlucks or after-school snacks when the air turns crisp and apples are everywhere. I first made these for a bake sale at my daughter’s school and they were gone before I could even buy one for myself. The simplest recipes really are the ones we come back to again and again.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: Brings the structure to the crumble cups Look for unbleached flour for extra flavor Depth
- Rolled oats: Add chew and help crisp up Choose old-fashioned oats for a heartier texture avoid instant types
- Brown sugar: Boosts sweetness Infuses caramel notes Use soft packed light or dark brown sugar for best taste
- Butter, softened: Makes that classic crisp melt in your mouth Try European butter for richness or stick with your regular for great results
- Apple pie filling: Delivers juicy fruit flavor Store-bought is quick but homemade lifts these to bakery-level Use tart apples like Granny Smith if making your own
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan:
- Spray a 24-cup mini muffin pan generously with nonstick spray making sure to get into every cup so your bites release easily after baking
- Mix the Crumble:
- Combine flour rolled oats brown sugar and softened butter in a stand mixer or bowl using a whisk or paddle attachment Mix on medium until the dough comes together in small clumps that hold when you pinch them The mixture should look crumbly not smooth
- Press the Crust:
- Drop a generous tablespoon of crumble mixture into each muffin cup With your fingers press it firmly along the bottom and up the sides creating a well for the apple filling If you skip the sides you will not get that classic crisp cup shape
- Fill with Apple Pie Filling:
- Spoon about one tablespoon of apple pie filling into the middle of each crust cup Breaking bigger apple pieces can help spread them out evenly through each cup
- Bake to Golden:
- Bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes Watch for the edges of the crisp cups turning golden and fragrant Let them cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes so they stay intact when you lift them out
- Serve Warm:
- Enjoy as is or top with a drizzle of caramel or scoop of vanilla ice cream Serve the day they are baked for ultimate crispiness
I am especially fond of the contrast between the soft apple centers and the crunchy oat crust For me the secret to making these a family favorite is diving into the warm bites together with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top My kids now request them for fall birthdays and holidays
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days For longer storage keep in the refrigerator and rewarm gently before serving They can lose a bit of their crispness if covered while still warm
Ingredient Substitutions
Try pears or peaches instead of apples for a summer twist You can swap brown sugar for coconut sugar for a slightly deeper flavor or use gluten-free flour if needed Oats are not optional but different grain blends offer unique tastes
Serving Suggestions
Pile high on a platter for gatherings Drizzle caramel sauce just before serving or offer whipped cream and toasted walnuts on the side These bites fit perfectly with hot tea or mulled cider
Cultural and Historical Context
Apple crisps are a classic American dessert tracing back to colonial times These mini versions nod to the original but make sharing even easier Modern apple pie filling speeds up the process but the homey spirit remains
Seasonal Adaptations
Pears are perfect in winter and late apples are great into spring Swap apple filling for fresh berry mix in summer Make with pumpkin pie filling and cinnamon for autumn holidays
Success Stories
I shared this recipe at my last book club and every single bite disappeared in under twenty minutes Even folks who usually shy away from sweets came back for seconds That tells me a recipe has a spot in my forever binder
Freezer Meal Conversion
Bake and cool completely before popping the bites into a freezer-safe bag or container Use parchment to separate layers Defrost overnight and warm in a low oven for a just-baked feel
Enjoy baking these cozy bites and savor every warm crisp mouthful. These mini apple crisps bring the best flavors of fall to your kitchen all season long.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Yes, homemade apple pie filling works beautifully and allows you to customize the spice and sweetness.
- → What’s the best way to serve them?
Serve warm, topped with caramel drizzle or paired with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- → Can these be made ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store cooled bites in an airtight container; reheat before serving for best texture.
- → Which oats should I use?
Rolled oats are preferred for texture, but quick oats can be substituted if needed.
- → Can this dessert be made gluten-free?
Try swapping all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.