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Easy Apple Crisp Bites Recipe with Mini Phyllo Shells

Easy Apple Crisp Bites

Mini frozen phyllo shells are filled with quick-cooked cinnamon apples and buttery oat streusel, then baked until crisp and golden. This recipe makes 24 bite-size appetizers in about 30–35 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 24 servings

Ingredients
  

Apple Filling
  • 24 shells Frozen mini phyllo shells, kept frozen
  • 2 apples, about 2 cups Medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons Packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon Ground nutmeg, optional
  • 1 pinch Salt
Crisp Topping
  • 1/3 cup Old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/3 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup Packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 3 tablespoons Cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 2 tablespoons Finely chopped pecans or walnuts, optional

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the frozen mini phyllo shells on a parchment-lined baking sheet, keeping them frozen until they are ready to fill.
  2. Add the finely diced apples, 1 tablespoon butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, optional nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until the apples begin to soften and the juices thicken; cool slightly.
  3. For the topping, combine the oats, flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and optional chopped nuts in a bowl. Rub or cut in the cold butter until coarse crumbs form.
  4. Spoon a small amount of the warm apple filling into each frozen phyllo shell. Fill neatly without overfilling, since too much filling can spill over as the bites bake.
  5. Sprinkle the oat topping over each filled shell. Use just enough to cover the apples while keeping the small appetizers easy to pick up.
  6. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the phyllo shells are crisp and the streusel is lightly browned. Watch closely near the end because the delicate shells can brown quickly.
  7. Let the apple crisp bites cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before serving. Offer them plain or with caramel sauce, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream alongside, or a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Notes

Use firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn, and dice them very small for quick cooking and tidy filling. The apple mixture and streusel can be prepared up to one day ahead, but assemble shortly before baking so the phyllo shells stay crisp. Keep the shells frozen until filling and baking.