Apple Pecan Bites with Caramel Sauce

Why You’ll Love These Pecan and Apple Cinnamon Bites

• Simple Ingredients: Every ingredient used in this recipe is a kitchen staple. You might not have to shop at all!
• Simple Process: This is a straightforward recipe that even beginners can make.
• Classic Fall Flavor: Apples, pecans, and cinnamon are all classic fall flavors, and they work perfectly with the cream cheese.
• Perfect for Parties: These delicious apple pecan bites are perfect appetizers or hand-held desserts for parties.

Ingredients

Apple Pecan Mixture

• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese creates the sweet and tangy base for these bites.
• Granny Smith Apples: Granny Smith apples add a sweet and tart flavor to the bites.
• Pecans: Chopped pecans are earthy and crunchy – the perfect complement to the cream cheese and apples.

Breading

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: The sweet, cinnamon flavor of graham crackers makes the perfect coating for the cream cheese balls.
• Panko: Panko breadcrumbs add a nice crunch without interfering with the other flavors in the bites, thanks to their mild flavor.
• Eggs and Heavy Cream: Eggs and heavy cream create a rich, eggy base that adheres the graham cracker coating to the bites.

Coating

• Cinnamon and Sugar: Cinnamon sugar gives the bites a final fall touch.

See the recipe card at the end of the post for a full list of ingredients and their exact amounts.

Flavor Variations

• Graham Crackers: Use different graham cracker flavors to change things up. They all work!
• Pecans: Get creative and use any of your favorite nuts for fun flavor variations.
• Granny Smith Apples: Use any variety of apples you prefer. Each variety will add a slightly different flavor and texture to your apple pecan bites.

How to Make Apple Pecan Bites

For the Apple Pecan Mixture

1: Beat the cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Then, stir in the apple and pecans until well combined.

2: Roll the mixture into bite-size balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 30 to 40 minutes.

For the Coating

1: Add the oil to a large frying pan on medium heat.

2: Whisk the graham cracker and panko in a shallow dish. Then, whisk the eggs and heavy cream in another shallow dish.

Assembly

1: Roll the frozen bites into the egg mixture, followed by the graham cracker mixture, making sure to coat them well.

2: Fry a few bites at a time in the hot oil until golden on all sides. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and continue frying.

3: Let the bites cool for a few minutes, then roll them in the cinnamon sugar mixture and drizzle with caramel sauce. Enjoy!

Hint

I find the best way to juggle frying the bites and rolling them in the cinnamon sugar is to transfer the first batch of fried apple pecan bites to a shallow dish with the cinnamon sugar when it’s time to transfer the current batch in the skillet to the plate. This allows me to rotate as I go, ensuring the bites don’t get too cool before I roll them in the mixture.

Storage

Refrigerate these bites for up to 4 days in an airtight, freezer-safe container. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a month in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag with as much air removed as possible.

To reheat, add the frozen bites directly to an air fryer and cook at 375 until crispy.

What to Serve with Apple Pecan Cream Cheese Bites

Enjoy a sweet and savory breakfast by pairing them with breakfast sliders. The flavors in these bites makes them a great dessert after a hearty meal like slow cooker pot roast, as well. You can also make these part of a larger dessert table at parties or holiday gatherings with other fall and holiday treats like these gingerbread cupcakes.

Tips

• Be sure you fully soften your cream cheese and beat it until fluffy for the best filling texture.
• Freeze the cream cheese balls until fully hardened. This keeps them from melting when it’s time to fry their graham cracker coating. If they get too warm, pop them back in the freezer.
• Wait a few seconds between the wet and dry dredge to ensure the proper amount of coating on each ball.
• Fry in batches to keep the oil nice and hot. This ensures you get a nicely crisp coating, rather than a soggy one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Try These Apple Pecan Bites Today

These apple pecan bites are rich, sweet, tangy, and loaded with the fall flavors of apples and pecans. With their fried graham cracker coating and a final roll in cinnamon sugar, these delicious bites always go fast! And they’re so easy to make, you won’t even mind. Give these a try, and I guarantee you’ll be looking for excuses to make them!

More Delicious Apple Desserts You’ll Enjoy

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