There is something irresistibly cozy about a dessert that combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crunchy topping and rich caramel drizzle. This Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe is a celebration of all those warm fall flavors wrapped into a charming, individual-sized treat. Whether you’re looking to impress guests with an easy but elegant dessert or just craving a sweet snack that feels like a hug, these dessert cups hit all the right notes with their balance of soft fruit, crumbly streusel, and luscious caramel. Let me walk you through how to make this delightful dessert that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step toward crafting a comforting, flavorful dessert that bursts with texture and perfectly layered tastes. Each one plays a key role, from the juicy apples to the buttery streusel, ensuring every bite is a delicious experience.
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Choose crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps caramelize the apples beautifully.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple filling, encouraging caramelization without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that classic warmth and aromatic spice to the apple mixture.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth with a subtle, nutty spice enhancing the cinnamon.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens flavors and prevents the apples from browning.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: The base for the streusel, giving it structure.
- 1/4 cup rolled oats: Adds hearty texture and a rustic touch to the streusel topping.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Infuses the streusel with molasses notes and caramel richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Elevated the streusel with a hint of spice that ties everything together.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates the crumbly, buttery texture essential for a perfect streusel.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): The star component that adds decadence and gloriously sticky sweetness.
- 1 cup whipped cream: Provides a light, creamy topping that balances the richness of the caramel and the tartness of the apples.
- Additional caramel sauce for drizzling (optional): A finishing touch that makes the dessert look as amazing as it tastes.
How to Make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat, letting it get warm and fragrant. Add the diced apples followed by granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir gently as the apples cook, allowing them to soften and caramelize nicely; this takes about 8 to 10 minutes. The aroma as the spices mingle and the apples turn tender is simply divine. Once ready, take the skillet off the heat and let the filling cool a bit so it’s easier to layer.
Step 2: Make the Streusel Topping
While the apples cook, 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. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend everything until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Spread this evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. Let it cool completely so it stays crisp when sprinkled on the dessert cups.
Step 3: Assemble the Dessert Cups
Grab your favorite small dessert cups or glass jars and start layering. Spoon a generous amount of the cooled apple filling into each cup first. Next, drizzle some caramel sauce over the warm apples for that sticky sweetness. Sprinkle a handful of the crunchy streusel topping on next to add texture and a buttery finish. Finally, crown each cup with a dollop of whipped cream and, if you like, an extra swirl of caramel sauce to make it look irresistible.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
This dessert can be served right away to enjoy the contrast of warm apples and cool whipped cream. Alternatively, pop the cups in the fridge to let everything meld together and serve chilled. Either way, these caramel apple dessert cups will disappear fast—trust me, they’re that good!
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe
Garnishes
To make these dessert cups even more captivating, consider sprinkling additional crushed nuts such as pecans or walnuts for added crunch. A dash of cinnamon on top of the whipped cream can bring out that cozy spice even more. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that pairs beautifully with the caramel and apple flavors.
Side Dishes
While these dessert cups are delightful on their own, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple biscotti can elevate your dessert experience wonderfully. A cup of chai tea or hot apple cider alongside provides a perfect warming companion, especially during cooler months.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the caramel apple dessert cups in clear glass jars tied with twine or small wooden spoons attached with a ribbon. Mini mason jars or delicate glass teacups work wonderfully for a rustic or vintage vibe. You could even layer them in a trifle bowl for a family-style presentation that allows everyone to scoop their own portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), cover the dessert cups tightly with plastic wrap or lids and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep their delicious flavor and texture best if eaten within 2 to 3 days. The streusel topping may soften after some time, so adding fresh topping before serving can refresh the crunch.
Freezing
While the apple filling freezes well, it’s best not to freeze the assembled dessert cups with whipped cream and streusel. Instead, freeze the apple filling separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then prepare the streusel and whipped cream fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
To enjoy this dessert warm after storing, gently reheat the apple filling in a saucepan or microwave until warm. Avoid reheating the whipped cream and streusel—add those fresh just before serving to maintain their best texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith offers a tart balance, you can experiment with Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for more sweetness. Each type will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the dessert cups.
Is it necessary to use homemade caramel sauce?
Not at all! Store-bought caramel sauce works wonderfully and saves time. If you want a homemade touch, making caramel sauce is easy and adds a lovely depth, but either option delivers that luscious sweetness.
Can I make the streusel topping nut-free?
Yes, this recipe doesn’t include nuts in the streusel by default, but if you want to add nuts for extra crunch, feel free. For nut-free versions, avoid adding nuts entirely or use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar texture.
How do I prevent the apples from turning mushy?
Cooking the apples over medium heat just until tender yet still holding their shape is key. Avoid overcooking to preserve a slight bite. The lemon juice also helps maintain their color and texture.
Can I prepare these dessert cups for a party?
Definitely! They are perfect for entertaining because you can make the apple filling and streusel ahead of time, then assemble right before serving. Their individual servings make for an elegant, fuss-free presentation.
Final Thoughts
If you crave a dessert that feels like a warm, sweet hug, you really cannot go wrong with this Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe. It’s easy to make, beautifully layered, and a wonderful way to bring comforting fall flavors to your table. I hope you enjoy every luscious spoonful as much as I do, and maybe even find yourself making it again and again for friends, family, or any day you just need a little extra sweetness.
Print
Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups combine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery oat streusel topping, all layered with rich caramel sauce and topped with whipped cream for a decadent yet easy-to-make treat perfect for fall or any cozy occasion.
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 unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Make the Streusel Topping: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Bake the Streusel Topping: Spread the streusel mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown, then remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Assemble the Dessert Cups: In small dessert cups or jars, layer the cooked apple mixture evenly. Drizzle each with caramel sauce, then sprinkle generously with the cooled streusel topping.
- Finish and Serve: Top the dessert cups with a dollop of whipped cream and, if desired, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top. Serve immediately for the best texture, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a nice balance to the sweetness.
- Store leftover caramel sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- The dessert cups can be chilled for up to 24 hours but add whipped cream just before serving to maintain its texture.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour and oats with certified gluten-free alternatives.
