Can you believe it’s almost Thanksgiving? Whether you’re hosting the entire family, going over to grandmas, or having a low-key dinner with your kids, you need to try this kid friendly recipe for Apple Pie Bites!
For starters, it’s delicious, and second – it’s so simple YOUR KIDS CAN HELP YOU MAKE IT! As a Pediatric Dietitian and Mom, I’m a huge fan of kids helping in the kitchen. When kids help in the kitchen they develop many skills and, typically, it gets them excited to try the finished product! My 5 year old, Lincoln, is the best kitchen buddy! He helps me cook, clean, and even put groceries away. I love that I can be productive while spending time with him.
Here’ s a play by play on how I got him involved for you to easily copy + step by step cooking instructions!
- Wash hands together.
- Have child help spray/wipe counters clean.
- Collect all ingredients and supplies together.
I love this step because it challenges Lincoln to remember where we keep things in the kitchen – he treats it like a scavenger hunt! It can also help littles learn words for household items and follow simple directions. - Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
We call this “Mommy Job” as I’m not quite ready for Lincoln to know how to use the oven. This is a great opportunity to remind little’s about oven safety. Use your best judgement with this step based on your kiddo. - Line baking sheet with foil, set aside.
- Have child hold measuring cup while you add pecans, dump pecans into a ziplock bag (we love reusable ones, like these, and have child smash the pecans with a wooden spoon. Dump into small bowl.
- Have child help measure brown sugar and apple pie spice, add both to pecans. Have child stir mixture. ** confession – I have a very type A personality, so I like to take turns stirring with Lincoln so I can make sure everything gets mixed well. **
- Melt butter in microwave – have child help find the correct numbers to push
- Cut apple into ¼ – ½ inch slices.
Another “Mommy Job” since apples can be tricky to cut. - Have child count out 8 apple slices, then toss them in melted butter.
- Arrange crescent roll triangles on baking sheet lined with foil.
- Have child sprinkle brown sugar pecan mixture onto each triangle.
- Take turns placing apple slices on the wide end of each triangle.
- See who can wrap the crescent roll dough around each apple fastest.
- Have child brush each crescent roll with remaining butter, and sprinkle lightly with any remaining brown sugar pecan mixture.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
This is another opportunity to talk about oven safety! - Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Here is what you’ll need!
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- ½ cup pecans,
… technically chopped, but read the above to find out how to make this step fun! - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small Granny Smith apple
- 1, 8 ounce, tube of crescent rolls
One of my favorite things about this recipe is all of the substitution options with ingredients. Don’t love apples? Use peaches! Have a nut allergy? Don’t add them! Want to get crazy with your spices? Do it! Cinnamon, All Spice, Nutmeg, Pumpkin Pie Spice,
Chai – while I haven’t personally tried all of these combinations, I’m sure they’d be delicious!
I can’t wait to hear what y’all think about this recipe, how you made it your own, and if you’re kids enjoyed helping in the kitchen! Leave a comment below or post a picture/video and tag @wacomoms and @grow.baby.nutrition!
Happy Holidays!
