Description
These Caramel Apple Crisp Bites are a delightful, bite-sized dessert perfect for any occasion. Crispy oat crusts are baked to golden perfection and filled with warm, cinnamon-spiced apple pie filling. Topped with a luscious stabilized whipped cream and a drizzle of rich caramel sauce, these treats combine the classic flavors of apple crisp into convenient, delicious bites.
Ingredients
Scale
Oat Crust
- 3 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
- 1/2 stick butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
Apple Filling
- 1 can apple pie filling
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Stabilized Whipped Cream Topping
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar, divided
- 2 cups heavy cream
Additional
- Caramel topping for drizzling (Smuckers recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oat Crust: In a large bowl, combine the quick cooking oats, butter, brown sugar, honey, peanut butter, and maple syrup. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Grease your fingers with butter and press the oat mixture firmly into about 16–20 muffin tin cups, forming the crusts.
- Bake the Crusts: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the crusts turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 20 minutes. Carefully remove the oat cups from the muffin tin and place them on parchment paper to continue cooling.
- Make the Apple Filling: Transfer the apple pie filling into a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir and cook the mixture until it thickens and becomes bubbly, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and spoon the filling into the cooled oat cups. Let the filled cups cool completely, then refrigerate to chill.
- Prepare the Stabilized Whipped Cream: In a stand mixer bowl, combine softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and half of the powdered sugar. Mix just until blended. Add the remaining powdered sugar and mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix on low to ensure even incorporation.
- Whip the Cream: Add the heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture. Blend on low until the mixture is combined, then increase to high speed and whip until stiff peaks form. Once whipped, place the bowl in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Assemble and Serve: Just before serving, top each apple crisp bite with the stabilized whipped cream. Drizzle caramel topping generously over the top. Serve chilled and enjoy your caramel apple crisp bites!
Notes
- Pressing the oat mixture firmly into the muffin tins ensures crisp, sturdy crusts.
- Allow the oat cups and apple filling to fully cool before assembling to prevent soggy crusts.
- Using stabilized whipped cream keeps the topping firm and prevents it from weeping or deflating too soon.
- For a nut-free option, substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or omit entirely.
- Store assembled bites in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
- You can use homemade apple pie filling if preferred, just be sure to thicken it well on the stove before filling.
