Delightful Apple Crisp Cups 🍏✨

These adorable Apple Crisp Cups are a fun and delicious twist on the classic dessert! Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in, these mini treats are sure to impress. With a tender apple filling and a crunchy oat topping, they bring warmth and sweetness in every bite. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate experience! 🍦🍏

Ingredients

For the apple filling

• 3 large apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or to taste)

For the crust and topping

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups butter (cold and cubed)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease four 12-cup mini-muffin tins.

2. In a saucepan, combine the chopped apples, water, sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until the apples are partially softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

🥄 Ensure the butter stays cold while mixing; this will help create a flaky texture for your crust!

4. Take a heaping tablespoon of the crust mixture and press it into the bottom and sides of each mini muffin cup, creating a small cup shape.

5. Spoon about 2 teaspoons of the cooked apple filling into each crust and sprinkle with about 1 teaspoon of the remaining crust mixture on top.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

🍏 For a fun twist, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the apple filling for an extra layer of flavor!

Tips for Serving

• Warm & Cozy: Serve these cups warm, freshly out of the oven, for the best experience!
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the apple filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble your cups just before baking for warm, delicious treats.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Variations

• Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the topping for some extra crunch and flavor!
• Spicy Twist: Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger or cloves to the apple filling for a bit of spice.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to enjoy this treat without gluten.

Enjoy these delightful Apple Crisp Cups, where each bite is a little hug of warmth and sweetness! 🍏💖