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There is something irresistibly cozy and delightful about a dessert that blends juicy, tender apples with warm spices and luscious caramel all in a perfect portion. This Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe brings together soft cinnamon-spiced apples, crunchy streusel topping, and plenty of creamy caramel in charming little cups that are perfect for sharing or indulging solo. Whether you’re craving a comforting fall treat or simply want to brighten up dessert time, these cups offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this dessert is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in creating a balanced, flavorful experience. From the crisp apples that provide natural sweetness and a touch of tartness, to the buttery streusel that adds texture and a nutty crunch, every component is thoughtfully chosen to complement the others perfectly.
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the apples nicely.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling just enough to enhance the natural fruit flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides that classic warm spice note synonymous with apple desserts.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Gives a subtle depth and complexity to the spiced apple mixture.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the filling and keeps the apples from browning.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the crispy, golden streusel topping.
- 1/4 cup rolled oats: Adds texture and a slightly nutty flavor to the topping.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Contributes moisture and caramel-like richness to the streusel.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Mirrors the apple filling’s spices, tying the layers together.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates a crumbly, buttery streusel when mixed with the dry ingredients.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): The star element that brings luscious sweetness and gooey texture.
- 1 cup whipped cream: Adds a light, airy finish to balance the rich caramel and spiced apples.
- Additional caramel sauce for drizzling (optional): For those who want an extra drizzle of sweet decadence on top.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples along with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook the mixture while stirring occasionally until the apples become tender and develop a caramelized coating, about 8 to 10 minutes. This step is where the apples soften without losing their pleasant bite, infusing the perfect warming spices and a bright touch from the lemon. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly.
Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Then add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mix, and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend everything until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Spread this streusel evenly on your baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant. Let the streusel cool completely to maintain its crunch when added to the dessert cups.
Step 3: Assemble the Dessert Cups
Now for the fun part—assembly! Take small dessert cups or jars and spoon a generous layer of the spiced apple filling at the bottom. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apples. Sprinkle the cooled streusel topping on next to add that wonderful crunchy texture. Finally, crown each cup with a dollop of whipped cream and, if you like, a final drizzle of additional caramel sauce to make these treats utterly irresistible. You can enjoy them immediately or refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation that also enhances the flavors, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the whipped cream. Freshly grated cinnamon or a tiny pinch of sea salt over the caramel drizzle can also create an exciting contrast. A few thin apple slices or a tiny sprig of fresh mint can add a pop of color and freshness to each cup.
Side Dishes
While these cups are delightfully satisfying on their own, they pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience. A hot cup of spiced chai tea or a smooth caramel latte also complements the warm, sweet flavors beautifully, making it a perfect after-dinner treat or cozy afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making these for a party or special occasion, serve the dessert cups on a rustic wooden tray lined with autumn leaves or cinnamon sticks for festive flair. For a family gathering, set up a little “dessert bar” with toppings like extra streusel, caramel sauce, and whipped cream in separate bowls so everyone can customize their cup. You can also layer the dessert in taller glasses for an elegant parfait look that shows off the beautiful layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Caramel Apple Dessert Cups should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making them perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying as a sweet treat later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save them for longer, these dessert cups can be frozen but with a few caveats. The whipped cream topping is best added fresh after thawing to maintain its fluffy texture. Freeze the cups without whipped cream and caramel drizzles, wrapped tightly in plastic and foil, and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Then add fresh whipped cream and drizzle the caramel on top.
Reheating
To enjoy the dessert warmed, remove the whipped cream topping and gently heat the apple and streusel layers in a microwave-safe dish for about 30 seconds. Stir lightly to evenly warm the filling, then add fresh whipped cream and caramel drizzle before serving. This quick step brings back that freshly baked charm you love.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples offer a nice balance of tart and sweet, you can use any firm apple variety you love. Just keep in mind that softer apples may cook faster and become mushier, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Is it possible to make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Yes, making homemade caramel sauce is a great option and adds a wonderful depth of flavor. You can easily prepare a simple caramel by melting sugar until golden, then stirring in butter and cream. However, store-bought caramel also works well for convenience.
Can these dessert cups be made vegan?
To make these cups vegan-friendly, substitute the butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil, use a dairy-free caramel sauce, and replace whipped cream with coconut whipped cream or another non-dairy topping. The apple filling and streusel stay just as delicious with these adjustments.
How many dessert cups does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 6 servings, perfect for a small gathering or family treat. You can easily double the ingredients if you need more servings for a larger group.
What other toppings can I use besides whipped cream?
If you want a different twist, try a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of mascarpone cheese sweetened lightly with honey, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. Each option adds a unique taste and texture to the dessert cups.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll give this Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe a try soon, because it really feels like a little hug in a cup. The harmony of soft spiced apples, buttery crunch, and luscious caramel brings a cozy feel to any table and makes dessert time something to truly look forward to. Whether for a casual treat or a festive celebration, these cups never fail to delight and impress. Enjoy every delicious bite!
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Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a delightful combination of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, crunchy baked streusel topping, and smooth caramel sauce, all topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Perfect for a comforting autumn treat or anytime you crave a sweet, fruity dessert with a bit of texture and warmth.
Ingredients
Apple Filling
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Assembly and Garnish
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Additional caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and caramelized, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Make the Streusel Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fingers to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Bake the Streusel: Spread the streusel mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Assemble the Dessert Cups: Spoon the cooked apple filling into small dessert cups or jars. Drizzle each cup with caramel sauce, then sprinkle with the cooled streusel topping.
- Finishing Touches: Top each cup with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Optionally, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the whipped cream for extra sweetness and flair.
- Serve: Serve the dessert cups immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm apple filling with cool whipped cream, or refrigerate them until ready to serve for a chilled version.
Notes
- You can substitute granny smith apples for a tarter flavor or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and oats.
- Streusel topping can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Use homemade caramel sauce for a richer flavor, or store-bought for convenience.
- These dessert cups can be prepared in advance and refrigerated, but toppings should be added just before serving to preserve texture.
- Optionally add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
