Apple Pie Crisp Bites – A Perfect Mini Dessert for Every Season

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alt="Apple Pie Crisp Bites – mini apple dessert with crisp topping"

There’s something magical about apple desserts. Growing up in an Italian-American kitchen, my grandmother used to make big, comforting apple pies in the fall. But when summer rolled around, she’d serve smaller, bite-sized versions so we could enjoy that same cozy flavor without feeling too heavy in the heat. That’s where these Apple Pie Crisp Bites shine—they’re the perfect cross between a warm apple pie and a crunchy crisp, all packed into a mini, handheld treat.

These little bites are bursting with cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery crumble topping, and a crisp golden shell. Whether you’re baking for a holiday dessert table in December or a backyard picnic in July, they’ll disappear fast!

Why You’ll Love These Apple Pie Crisp Bites

  • Perfectly portioned: No messy pie slicing—just grab a bite and enjoy.
  • Great year-round: Cozy in the winter, light enough for summer.
  • Classic flavors: Warm apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and buttery crisp topping.
  • Make-ahead friendly: You can prep the filling and topping in advance.
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Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make 7 servings of these delicious bites:

For the Apple Filling

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cups peeled, cored, and finely diced apples (about 2 medium; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the Crisp Topping

  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Base

  • 1 package refrigerated pie dough (or homemade, if you prefer)
  • Cooking spray or butter (to grease the pan)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Base

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a mini muffin tin with butter or nonstick spray.
  3. Roll out your pie dough and cut into small circles (about 2.5 inches).
  4. Press each circle into the muffin tin to form little cups.

2. Cook the Apple Filling

  1. In a medium skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
  2. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and lemon juice.
  3. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until apples soften slightly.
  4. If the mixture seems too watery, stir in 1 teaspoon cornstarch to thicken.
  5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Make the Crisp Topping

  1. In a small bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
  2. Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers (or a pastry cutter) to blend until crumbly.

4. Assemble the Bites

  1. Spoon apple filling into each pie dough cup.
  2. Sprinkle generously with crisp topping.

5. Bake

  1. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
  2. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before removing from the muffin tin.

6. Serve & Enjoy

These are delicious served warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

  • For Summer: Serve slightly chilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing twist.
  • For Winter: Warm them up and drizzle with caramel or pair with hot apple cider.
  • For Parties: Arrange them on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful display.

Tips & Variations

  • Apple Choices: Granny Smith apples give a tart bite, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Mix both for balance.
  • Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the crisp topping for extra crunch.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and topping a day in advance, then assemble and bake when ready.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 day or in the fridge up to 4 days.
  • To reheat, pop them in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness.
  • You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just thaw and warm before serving.

External Inspiration & Resources

If you’d like to dive deeper into apple desserts and pie-making tips, check out these helpful resources:

Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 220
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 15g

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