Dreamy Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe: Sweet Fall Magic

Sweet autumn evenings call for a delightful caramel apple dessert cups that blend nostalgic flavors with effortless elegance.

Crisp apples mingle with rich, golden caramel in these irresistible handheld treats.

Layers of buttery pastry cradle tender fruit and silky caramel sauce, creating a dessert that’s both rustic and refined.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and warm seasonal notes.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make these dessert cups accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

The combination of tart apples and smooth caramel delivers a classic flavor profile that never disappoints.

Everything in Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Main Ingredients:

• Apples: Sweet and tart fruit that creates the delicious foundation of this dessert.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents apples from browning.

• Flour: Provides structure and texture to the crumbly topping.
• Oats: Adds nutty flavor and hearty texture to the crumble.
• Brown Sugar: Brings deep sweetness and helps create a golden-brown topping.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that enhance the apple flavor and create a cozy taste profile.

• Butter, Water (or Apple Cider): Helps create moisture and bind the filling and topping together.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help caramelize the apple filling.

• Cornstarch: Helps create a thicker, more cohesive apple filling if desired.

• Caramel Sauce, Ice Cream: Optional toppings that add extra indulgence to the dessert.

Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the dessert.

Assembling Caramel Apple Dessert Cups with Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F.

Grab some small ramekins or cute dessert cups and give them a quick spray of cooking oil or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2: Create Magical Apple Filling

Grab a skillet and melt some butter over medium heat.

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Lemon juice
• Water or apple cider

Stir and cook the mixture for 8-10 minutes until the apples become wonderfully soft.

Want a thicker sauce?

Mix a bit of cornstarch with water and swirl it into the apple mixture, cooking for an extra 1-2 minutes.

Step 3: Craft the Irresistible Crumble Topping

• Flour
• Oats
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Pour in melted butter and mix until the topping looks like delightful, crumbly clouds.

Step 4: Build Your Dessert Masterpiece

Divide the apple filling evenly into your prepared cups.

Generously sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples, making sure every inch is covered.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dessert cups into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Indulge

Let the cups cool for a few minutes.

For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle with caramel sauce or add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy your delightful creation!

Pro Tips for Caramel Apple Cups Success

• Use low heat when melting butter to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, even texture for the apple filling.
• Customize the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to match your taste preferences, adding more or less for a personalized flavor profile.
• Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better texture and balanced sweetness in the dessert.
• Ensure the crumble mixture is cold and slightly crumbly before sprinkling to maintain a crisp, crunchy texture during baking.
• Keep leftover dessert cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating briefly to restore the crumble's crispness.

Ways to Change Up Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

• Gluten-Free Apple Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend in the crumble topping. Use certified gluten-free oats to maintain the recipe's original texture and taste.
• Vegan Apple Crumble Cups: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use plant-based caramel sauce and swap dairy ice cream with coconut or almond milk ice cream for a dairy-free version.
• Low-Sugar Apple Treat: Replace granulated and brown sugars with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free caramel sauce and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor profile.

Serving Caramel Apple Dessert Cups at Parties

• Sweet Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a delightful temperature contrast between warm apple filling and cold, creamy ice cream.
• Elegant Drizzle Technique: Generously pour rich caramel sauce over the dessert cups, allowing it to cascade down the sides and enhance the apple's natural sweetness.
• Garnish Elevation: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the soft apple filling and crispy crumble topping.
• Presentation Flair: Dust the dessert cups with a light layer of powdered sugar just before serving to add an elegant, finishing touch that makes the dish look professionally prepared.

How to Keep Dessert Cups Fresh

• Transfer cooled dessert cups to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual dessert cups securely in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove frozen dessert cups from freezer, unwrap, and place in oven-safe dishes. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Each type will bring a slightly different flavor and texture to the dessert.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular flour with gluten-free flour in the crumble topping. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

• How can I make the apple filling less sweet?

Reduce the amount of granulated and brown sugar, or use tart apples like Granny Smith. You can also add a bit more lemon juice to balance the sweetness.

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups for Sweet Tooths

• Crumble-Packed Deliciousness: A mouthwatering dessert that combines warm, spiced apples with a crunchy, buttery topping for a perfect texture contrast.
• Quick Family Comfort: An easy-to-make treat that brings everyone together, delivering homemade warmth and nostalgic flavors in individual servings.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for various occasions, from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings, with simple customization options like adding ice cream or caramel sauce.
• Simple Seasonal Celebration: A perfect recipe to showcase autumn's bounty, using classic fall spices and fresh apples to create a comforting, aromatic dessert that captures the season's essence.

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe

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4.5 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Delightful Caramel Apple Dessert Cups combine classic autumn flavors in a charming handheld treat. Crisp pastry shells cradle sweet-tart apple filling and rich caramel, creating a perfect balance of textures that will enchant dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup store-bought caramel sauce

Apple Filling Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons water (or apple cider)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Finishing and Topping Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
• Crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350°F and arrange 6-8 ramekins with cooking spray or parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Create a luscious apple mixture by sautéing diced apples with sugars, spices, lemon juice, and liquid in a skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until tender. Optional: Incorporate cornstarch slurry to enhance sauce thickness during final 1-2 minutes of cooking.
3. Craft a crispy topping by combining dry ingredients like flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, then integrate melted butter until achieving a crumbly texture.
4. Distribute the warm spiced apple filling evenly across prepared ramekins, ensuring consistent portion sizes.
5. Generously scatter the crumbly mixture over each apple-filled cup, covering the surface completely for maximum crunch.
6. Slide the ramekins into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the topping transforms into a golden-brown, crisp layer.
7. Allow dessert cups to rest and cool slightly, creating a perfect temperature for serving. Enhance with optional caramel drizzle or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Customize apple texture by choosing firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a crisper bite and more structured filling.
• Swap traditional flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or oat flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners such as stevia or monk fruit, creating a lower-calorie dessert option for health-conscious individuals.
• Elevate presentation by using clear glass ramekins, allowing the beautiful layers of caramelized apples and crumbly topping to be visible and visually appealing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 288 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 103 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg