Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are the perfect way to capture the essence of fall in a small, individual serving. These dessert cups combine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with luscious caramel and a buttery, crunchy crust. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a cozy night in, these easy-to-make dessert cups are a hit with both kids and adults. With layers of spiced apple filling, rich caramel, and a sweet, buttery base, each bite is a taste of autumn bliss. Follow this recipe to create a show-stopping dessert that is as easy to serve as it is to eat!

this Recipe

What Are Caramel Apple Dessert Cups?

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are individually portioned desserts that combine the flavors of a classic caramel apple pie into a layered treat. Instead of a traditional pie crust, these dessert cups often feature a cookie or graham cracker base, topped with a mixture of spiced, caramelized apples and a smooth, creamy caramel sauce. Some versions include whipped cream or cheesecake-like layers for added richness. These mini dessert cups are ideal for parties because they are served in individual containers, making them convenient, elegant, and fun to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Easy to make and serve: No need to worry about slicing and serving like with a pie.
• Perfectly portioned: Great for gatherings, potlucks, and parties.
• Customizable: You can layer them with caramel, whipped cream, cheesecake filling, or even ice cream.

Ingredients List for Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 graham crackers)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Apple Filling:

• 4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite baking apples)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons water or apple juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For the Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup store-bought caramel sauce (or homemade, if preferred)

For the Whipped Cream Topping (Optional):

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnish (Optional):

• Crushed graham crackers
• Drizzle of caramel sauce
• Chopped pecans or walnuts

Substitutions and Variations

You can easily modify these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ways to change things up:

Substitutions:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust to make the dessert gluten-free.
• Sugar Substitutes: Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia for a lower-sugar version.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use coconut cream instead of whipped cream.

Variations:

• Cheesecake Layer: Add a layer of no-bake cheesecake filling between the graham cracker crust and the apples. Simply mix 8 oz of softened cream cheese with ¼ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla, then spread over the crust.
• Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a bit of sea salt over the caramel layer for a sweet-salty combination that’s irresistible.
• Apple Pie Spice: If you want a more intense spice profile, use a teaspoon of apple pie spice in place of the cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Nutty Crust: Add ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the graham cracker crust for a bit of extra crunch and flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Caramel Apple Dessert Cups is easy and quick. Follow these step-by-step instructions for the perfect fall dessert.

1. Prepare the Crust:

• In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
• Press about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture into the bottom of each dessert cup or jar, forming an even layer. Use the back of a spoon to press the crust down firmly.
• Set aside while preparing the apple filling.

2. Cook the Apple Filling:

• Peel, core, and chop the apples into small, bite-sized pieces.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
• Add the apples and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but not mushy.
• If the apples release a lot of liquid, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water or apple juice to form a slurry, and add it to the apples. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly.
• Remove the apples from the heat and allow them to cool slightly.

3. Assemble the Dessert Cups:

• Spoon a layer of the cooked apples on top of the graham cracker crust in each cup. Use about 2-3 tablespoons of the apple mixture per cup.
• Drizzle about 1-2 tablespoons of caramel sauce over the apples.

4. Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping (Optional):

• In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
• Spoon or pipe the whipped cream on top of the caramel apple layer.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• For added texture and flavor, garnish with crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or an extra drizzle of caramel sauce.
• Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours before serving.

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

Here's a condensed version of the process:

1. Make the crust by combining graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of each dessert cup.
2. Cook the apple filling by sautéing apples with butter, brown sugar, and spices until tender.
3. Assemble the cups by layering the apple mixture over the graham cracker crust, followed by a drizzle of caramel sauce.
4. Top with whipped cream (optional) and garnish with extra caramel or nuts.
5. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Apples:

You want your apples to be tender but still hold their shape. Overcooking them will cause them to become mushy. Aim for a slightly firm texture to keep the dessert from becoming too soft.

2. Skipping the Cornstarch:

If your apple mixture is too liquidy, adding a cornstarch slurry will help thicken the filling so it doesn’t make the crust soggy.

3. Not Chilling the Cups:

If you're making these ahead of time, make sure to chill the cups for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the whipped cream to set.

4. Using Too Much Caramel:

While caramel is delicious, too much can overwhelm the apple filling. Use just enough to create balance between the caramel and apple flavors.

Serving and Presentation Tips

These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are best served in small, individual containers like mason jars, dessert cups, or even shot glasses for mini versions. Their individual size makes them perfect for events or parties, where guests can easily grab a cup and enjoy.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Dessert Cups:

• Serve chilled or at room temperature. If chilled, allow the cups to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture.
• Add a drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top for a final flourish.
• If making these for a party, place them on a decorative tray with small spoons for easy serving.

Presentation Ideas for Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

• Layered Elegance: Create multiple layers of graham cracker crust, apple filling, and caramel sauce for a beautiful parfait-style presentation.
• Mini Versions: Use shot glasses or small mason jars for mini dessert cups, perfect for parties and portion control.
• Seasonal Garnish: Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, chopped nuts, or even a small cinnamon stick to add a rustic, seasonal look.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce down the inside of clear cups before filling them for a dramatic, professional presentation.

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can make these dessert cups ahead of time. Prepare the crust and apple filling, and assemble the cups up to 4 hours in advance. Add the whipped cream topping and garnishes just before serving.
• Use Different Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweetness of the caramel, but you can mix different types like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter variation.
• Chill Time: Chilling these cups for at least an hour before serving allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crust and apple filling up to 24 hours ahead and assemble the dessert cups a few hours before serving. If using whipped cream, it’s best to add it just before serving to ensure it stays fresh.

2. Can I freeze Caramel Apple Dessert Cups?

These dessert cups are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked apple filling separately. Reheat the filling before assembling the cups and add fresh whipped cream.

3. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes! Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly in this recipe, but if you want to make it from scratch, you can follow a simple homemade caramel recipe for an extra-special touch.

4. What kind of apples are best for this recipe?

Granny Smith apples are a great choice because they hold up well during cooking and their tartness complements the sweetness of the caramel. You can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix of sweet and tart apples.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are the perfect bite-sized fall dessert that everyone will love. With layers of spiced apple filling, rich caramel, and a buttery graham cracker crust, these cups are both simple to make and impressive to serve. Whether you're hosting a fall gathering or looking for a fun treat to enjoy at home, these easy-to-assemble dessert cups capture all the delicious flavors of caramel apples without the mess. Try them out today and enjoy the sweet taste of fall in every bite!

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