Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe

Caramel apple dessert cups are a delightful, bite-sized treat that combines the sweet-tart flavor of apples with rich, gooey caramel, all nestled in a crispy, buttery crust or base. These individual dessert cups are perfect for parties, family gatherings, or whenever you want to enjoy the classic flavors of caramel apples without the mess. Easy to make and even easier to eat, these cups will quickly become a favorite go-to dessert during fall or any time of year. Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the delicious details!

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What Are Caramel Apple Dessert Cups?

Caramel apple dessert cups are small, individual desserts made with a combination of spiced apple filling, caramel sauce, and a crust or base that’s often made from pie dough, graham crackers, or puff pastry. The apple filling is typically spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sometimes cloves, offering a cozy, autumnal flavor, while the caramel adds a sweet, decadent touch. The best part is that these dessert cups are portion-controlled and easy to serve, making them a perfect option for parties, potlucks, or casual family meals.

These mini desserts are a fun and modern twist on traditional caramel apples, delivering the same indulgent flavors in a more refined and mess-free presentation.

Ingredients List for Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs – Provides a crispy, sweet base.
• ¼ cup of sugar – Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust.
• ½ cup of unsalted butter (melted) – To bind the graham cracker crumbs and create a firm base.

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – Peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold up well when baked.
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice – Prevents the apples from browning and adds a bit of tartness.
• ¼ cup of granulated sugar – Sweetens the apple mixture.
• ¼ cup of brown sugar – Adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apples.
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon – The key spice that brings warmth to the filling.
• ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg – Adds a touch of spice to enhance the flavor.
• 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour – Thickens the filling so it doesn’t become too watery when baked.
• ¼ cup of water or apple juice – Helps cook down the apples and create a sauce-like consistency.

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup of store-bought caramel sauce – For convenience, you can use store-bought caramel, or you can make your own homemade caramel sauce if you prefer.

Optional Toppings:

• Whipped cream – Adds a light, creamy finish to the dessert cups.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts – For extra crunch and flavor.
• Sea salt – A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel adds a beautiful balance of flavors.

Substitutions and Variations

Caramel apple dessert cups can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary preferences and flavor combinations. Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers or a gluten-free cookie base to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Oat Crust: For a healthier twist, replace the graham cracker crust with an oat crust made from oats, brown sugar, and butter.
• Puff Pastry Base: If you prefer a more pastry-like dessert, use puff pastry sheets cut into small circles to fit the muffin cups as the base.
• Dairy-Free Caramel: To make this dessert dairy-free, use coconut oil instead of butter in the crust, and opt for a dairy-free caramel sauce.
• Apple Pie Spice: If you want to enhance the flavor, replace the cinnamon and nutmeg with a pre-mixed apple pie spice blend.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Muffin Tin

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin with nonstick spray or butter to prevent the dessert cups from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until all the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand. Divide the mixture evenly among the muffin cups, pressing the crumbs down firmly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to create the crust. Bake the crusts in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove and allow to cool while preparing the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling

While the crusts are cooling, prepare the apple filling. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Stir to coat the apples with the spices and sugars. Add the water or apple juice, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened but still hold their shape and the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and let the filling cool for a few minutes.

Step 4: Assemble the Dessert Cups

Once the apple filling has cooled slightly, spoon the apple mixture into each of the prepared graham cracker crusts, filling them almost to the top. Drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over the apple filling.

Step 5: Bake

Place the assembled cups back in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the caramel to slightly set. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the muffin tin.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

After the cups have cooled, carefully remove them from the muffin tin using a butter knife to gently lift them out. Top each dessert cup with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of additional caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts or sea salt for garnish.

How to Make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease the muffin tin.
2. Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and butter, press into the muffin tin, and bake.
3. Prepare apple filling: Cook the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until tender.
4. Assemble: Fill the baked crusts with the apple mixture and drizzle with caramel sauce.
5. Bake again: Bake the dessert cups for 10-12 minutes to set the filling and caramel.
6. Garnish and serve: Top with whipped cream, more caramel, and optional nuts or sea salt.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Apple Filling: Be careful not to overcook the apple filling on the stovetop. You want the apples to soften but still hold their shape. If they become too mushy, the texture of the dessert cups won’t be as appealing.
• Not Pressing the Crust Firmly: If the crust is not pressed firmly enough into the muffin cups, it may crumble when you try to remove the dessert cups after baking.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Let the dessert cups cool completely in the muffin tin before trying to remove them. Removing them while still warm can cause the crust to break apart.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Caramel apple dessert cups are best served slightly warm, but they are also delicious at room temperature or chilled. For a more elegant presentation, place each dessert cup on a small plate and garnish with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, a sprinkle of nuts, and a dollop of whipped cream.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Beverages: These dessert cups pair well with hot drinks like apple cider, coffee, or spiced chai tea.
• Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent touch, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream on the side.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

These dessert cups are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways depending on the occasion:

• As a Finger Dessert: They can be served as finger food at parties or casual gatherings. Guests can pick them up and enjoy without the need for utensils.
• On Individual Plates: For a more formal dessert, plate each cup individually and add a garnish such as a mint leaf, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate.

Presentation Ideas for Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top in a decorative pattern for added visual appeal.
• Sprinkle of Nuts: A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top adds both flavor and texture.
• Mini Cinnamon Sticks: Garnish with a small cinnamon stick on the side of each cup for a rustic, fall-inspired look.
• Apple Slices: Thinly slice an apple and fan out the slices on the plate next to the dessert cup for an elegant touch.

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can make the apple filling and graham cracker crusts ahead of time and assemble the dessert cups just before baking. This makes it easier to prepare in advance for a party or gathering.
• Storage: Store leftover dessert cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to enjoy them warm.
• Freezing: While these cups are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them without the whipped cream topping. Thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat and top with caramel and whipped cream before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use other apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. Granny Smith apples are typically preferred for their tartness, but any firm, sweet-tart apple will work.

Can I make these dessert cups ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and the crusts ahead of time. Store them separately, and assemble and bake when ready to serve. You can also fully prepare the dessert cups and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze caramel apple dessert cups?
Yes, these dessert cups can be frozen. Freeze them before adding the whipped cream topping. When ready to serve, thaw them in the fridge overnight and warm them slightly before adding toppings.

What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust?
You can use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed gingersnap cookies for a spicier twist on the crust.

Conclusion

Caramel apple dessert cups are a fun, easy, and delicious way to enjoy the classic caramel apple flavor without the sticky mess of a traditional caramel apple. With a buttery graham cracker crust, tender spiced apples, and a rich caramel drizzle, these mini treats are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you're serving them for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, these dessert cups are guaranteed to impress. Enjoy!

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