Caramel Apple Crisp Bites – A Miniature Dessert with Big Fall Flavor 🍏🍎🍂

If there’s one thing that screams cozy, comforting fall indulgence, it’s apple crisp. But take that warm, cinnamon-kissed flavor, pack it into a bite-sized treat with a buttery graham cracker crust, and top it with a drizzle of rich caramel—and what do you get? Caramel Apple Crisp Bites, a party-perfect dessert that’ll steal the show!

These little beauties are easy to make, stunning to present, and bursting with the nostalgic taste of old-fashioned apple desserts. Whether you’re planning a harvest party, Thanksgiving spread, or just want a sweet weekend treat, these bites offer all the joy of apple pie without the hassle of making a crust from scratch.


🍏 Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Crisp Bites

  • Perfectly portioned – no slicing or serving tools needed.
  • Great for gatherings – makes 24 individual bites, ideal for potlucks or dessert tables.
  • Rich caramel drizzle – store-bought or homemade, this adds gooey goodness.
  • Customizable crust – can easily be gluten-free or spiced.
  • Classic apple crisp taste – cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar hit all the cozy notes.

🧾 Caramel Apple Crisp Bites (Original Recipe)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 24 bites

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (store-bought canned works great!)
  • 12 tablespoons butter, melted
  • ½ cup powdered sugar

For the Filling:

  • 4 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (Golden Delicious recommended)
  • ⅓ cup white sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2¼ tablespoons flour
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

For the Topping:

  • Caramel sauce, store-bought

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with non-stick butter spray.

2. Mix the Crust

In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Stir slowly to ensure even butter distribution—it should feel like wet sand.

3. Form the Cups

Scoop a heaping tablespoon of crust mixture into each mini muffin cup. Use your fingers or a spoon to press down firmly, creating a cup shape that goes up the sides slightly.

4. Bake the Crust

Bake the crusts for 5 minutes, then remove and let them cool completely in the tin. This helps them firm up before the filling is added.

5. Prepare the Apples

Chop your apples finely. A mini food processor works great—just be sure not to puree. You want small, soft chunks.

6. Make the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples with sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

7. Pre-Bake the Apple Mix

Spread the apple mixture into a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, or until the apples are just softened. This ensures they’re tender and flavorful in the final bites.

8. Assemble the Bites

Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the cooked apple mixture into each cooled crust cup. Press gently to compact, then sprinkle any remaining graham cracker mixture over the tops.

9. Final Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 5 minutes at 350°F to help everything set. Let the bites cool completely in the tin.

10. Remove & Finish

Use a butter knife to loosen each bite gently from the sides of the muffin tin. Once popped out, drizzle each with caramel sauce.


🍏 Best Apples for the Job

Golden Delicious is a wonderful choice for these bites because it’s naturally sweet and holds its shape well. You can also try:

  • Granny Smith – tart and crisp, balances out the sweet caramel.
  • Honeycrisp – juicy and flavorful.
  • Fuji or Gala – naturally sweet and soft when baked.

🧁 Optional Add-Ons

Make your bites even more memorable:

  • Top with whipped cream before serving.
  • Add a streusel topping of oats, cinnamon, and butter.
  • Use salted caramel for a sweet-and-salty contrast.
  • Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchier topping.

🧊 Storage & Serving Tips

  • Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze (without caramel) for up to 3 months. Thaw and drizzle with fresh caramel before serving.
  • Serve chilled or room temperature—both are delicious!

🍁 When to Serve These

  • Thanksgiving dessert trays
  • Fall parties
  • Baby or bridal showers
  • Holiday potlucks
  • Weekend baking with kids

These travel well and make a beautiful addition to any sweet spread.


💬 Final Thoughts

These Caramel Apple Crisp Bites offer everything you love about classic apple desserts—sweet-tart fruit, cinnamon warmth, and golden buttery crunch—all in a two-bite size. They’re low-effort but high-impact, perfect for fall and the holidays, yet easy enough for a midweek treat.

Plus, the gooey caramel drizzle on top? Pure magic.

Print
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Caramel Apple Crisp Bites – A Miniature Dessert with Big Fall Flavor 🍏🍎🍂

Caramel Apple Crisp Bites

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • 12 tbsp butter, melted

  • ½ cup powdered sugar

Filling:

  • 4 cups chopped apples (Golden Delicious)

  • ⅓ cup sugar

  • ¼ cup brown sugar

  • 2¼ tbsp flour

  • ½ tsp cinnamon

  • ¼ tsp nutmeg

Topping:

  • Store-bought caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan.

  2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into muffin cups to form crusts.

  3. Bake crusts for 5 minutes and cool.

  4. Finely chop apples (do not purée). Mix with sugars, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

  5. Bake apple mix separately at 375°F for 15 minutes until softened.

  6. Add about 1 tsp of apple mix to each crust. Sprinkle extra crust mix on top.

  7. Bake again at 350°F for 5 minutes. Let cool completely.

  8. Use a knife to loosen and remove. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 24 mini bites

  • Author: niold.com

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