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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 350°F and arrange 6-8 ramekins with cooking spray or parchment paper for easy removal.
- 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.
- 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.
- Distribute the warm spiced apple filling evenly across prepared ramekins, ensuring consistent portion sizes.
- Generously scatter the crumbly mixture over each apple-filled cup, covering the surface completely for maximum crunch.
- Slide the ramekins into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the topping transforms into a golden-brown, crisp layer.
- 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