Apple Crisp Bites – A Delectable, Healthier Twist on a Classic Dessert

If you’re looking for a bite-sized treat that combines the warmth of apple pie with a crispy, wholesome oatmeal cookie crust, then these Apple Crisp Bites are perfect for you! These delightful morsels feature a soft, spiced apple filling nestled inside a crunchy oat crust, making them a delicious and satisfying dessert for any occasion. Plus, we’ve transformed the recipe to align with Weight Watchers’ program, offering a healthier version without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.

Whether you’re making these for a party, a snack, or just to enjoy a sweet moment by yourself, this recipe is both easy to make and easy to enjoy. Each bite-sized apple crisp packs in all the comforting flavors of apple pie, while also being mindful of your dietary goals. Below, we break down the recipe in detail, providing instructions, Weight Watchers points, and nutritional information so you can feel good about enjoying these treats.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Crisp Bites

  • Healthy Twist on Classic Dessert: With a buttery, crunchy oatmeal cookie crust and a spiced apple filling, these bites offer a healthier alternative to traditional apple pie.
  • Weight Watchers Friendly: With the incorporation of lower-fat ingredients and controlled portion sizes, each Apple Crisp Bite is Weight Watchers-approved. It’s a guilt-free indulgence.
  • Easy to Make: This recipe is not only delicious but simple, perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike.
  • Perfect for Every Occasion: Whether you need a dessert for a family dinner, a quick treat for the office, or a light snack, these Apple Crisp Bites are versatile and ideal for a wide range of settings.

Apple Crisp Bites Recipe

Ingredients for the Apple Filling:

  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon packed brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

Ingredients for the Crust:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (preferably old-fashioned)
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1 tablespoon water

Optional Topping:

  • Caramel topping or sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Oven and Muffin Tin:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray or use paper liners to prevent sticking. This ensures the Apple Crisp Bites will come out easily and maintain their perfect shape.

2. Make the Apple Filling:

In a medium pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Stir in the 3 tablespoons of water. Cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the apples start to soften slightly.

In a small dish, combine the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this to the pan, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the apples are fully tender, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and let the apple filling cool while you prepare the crust.

3. Prepare the Oat Crust:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of water, mixing until the dough just starts to come together. It should be crumbly but slightly damp enough to press into the muffin tin. You may need to add an extra teaspoon of water if the mixture is too dry.

4. Assemble the Apple Crisp Bites:

Take a heaping tablespoon of the crust mixture and press it firmly into the bottom and sides of each mini muffin cup to form a “cup” shape. There will be extra crust mixture left over after this step.

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cooled apple filling into each crust-lined muffin cup. Be sure to fill the cups generously but avoid overfilling.

Sprinkle approximately 1 teaspoon of the leftover crust mixture over the top of each filled muffin cup, ensuring each bite has a crumbly, crispy topping.

5. Bake the Apple Crisp Bites:

Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and let the bites cool in the tin for 10 minutes. Use a knife to gently loosen the edges, and the Apple Crisp Bites should pop right out.

6. Optional Caramel Drizzle:

If you’d like, drizzle some caramel topping over each bite before serving for an added layer of sweetness and indulgence. This step is optional but can make the bites feel extra special for a party or celebration.

Weight Watchers Points:

Each Apple Crisp Bite has approximately 3 SmartPoints on the Weight Watchers program. These points may vary slightly depending on your substitutions (for example, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour or opting for a sugar-free caramel drizzle).

Considering that these bites are small, they make a perfect treat without contributing too many points to your daily budget. You can indulge in a few of them and still stay within your daily points target.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 Apple Crisp Bite):

  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Protein: 1g

Note: Nutritional information is approximate and based on traditional ingredients. You can adjust these figures based on substitutions or modifications you make to the recipe.

Tips for Perfecting Your Apple Crisp Bites:

  • Apple Selection: For the best results, choose firm, tart apples such as Granny Smith, which hold their shape and complement the sweetness of the brown sugar and spices.
  • Healthy Substitutes: Feel free to experiment with healthier alternatives! Use whole wheat flour for extra fiber or opt for a sugar substitute like Stevia or Monk Fruit if you’re looking to reduce sugar content.
  • Freezing Instructions: You can make these bites ahead of time and freeze them. After baking, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the freezer. Reheat them in the microwave or oven when ready to enjoy.
  • Customization: Add a handful of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) to the crust mixture for extra crunch and flavor. You can also swap the caramel drizzle for a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream for a lighter topping.

Conclusion: Why These Apple Crisp Bites Are a Must-Try

These Apple Crisp Bites are a perfect combination of healthy indulgence and delicious flavor. They’re easy to prepare, fun to eat, and a great way to enjoy a dessert without going overboard on calories or points. Whether you’re following Weight Watchers or simply looking for a lighter, healthier dessert option, these bites are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt.

By swapping traditional pie crust for a lighter, oat-based crust and using fresh, wholesome ingredients like apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar, this recipe remains a favorite year-round. Enjoy the comforting, spiced apple filling and crisp topping in every bite. With their easy preparation and nutritional benefits, these bites are ideal for anyone seeking a quick, healthier treat.

Try them out today and bring a little joy to your taste buds without the extra calories!

Enjoy these Apple Crisp Bites as a guilt-free indulgence, whether you’re on Weight Watchers or simply looking for a lighter dessert option. Happy baking!