Easy Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe: Sweet Autumn Bliss

Sweet cinnamon and caramel apple dessert cups promise a delightful twist on classic fall treats.

Crisp autumn evenings call for something special that warms your heart.

Layers of creamy caramel and tender apple chunks create a magical combination.

Homemade pastry shells cradle these delectable bites with elegant simplicity.

Spices whisper memories of grandmother’s kitchen and cozy weekend gatherings.

Each small cup delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that will become your new seasonal favorite.

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups for Sweet Tooth Cravings

• Bake with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires minimal kitchen expertise and simple techniques that anyone can master.
• Quick Comfort Creation: Prepare these delightful cookies in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal solution for sudden sweet cravings or last-minute dessert needs.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Classic peanut butter cookies appeal to both kids and adults, creating a nostalgic treat that brings everyone together around the kitchen counter.
• Versatile Crowd-Warmer: Great for potlucks, school events, family gatherings, or casual weekend treats, these cookies spread joy with their classic, comforting flavor.

Get Ready with Ingredients for Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the dessert.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds a rich, smooth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the crust layer.

• Apples: Fresh fruit that offers a soft, tender texture and natural sweetness.
• Butter: Helps cook the apples and adds a rich, smooth flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the apple mixture.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple's natural flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall taste of the filling.
• Water or Apple Juice, Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.

• Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Create a light and fluffy whipped cream topping.
• Caramel Sauce: Adds a rich, sweet drizzle that complements the apple filling.
• Pecans or Walnuts, Crushed Graham Crackers: Optional garnishes that provide extra crunch and texture.

Instructions for Building Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Base

Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the texture is like wet sand.

Press firmly into dessert cups or jars. Chill in the fridge.

Step 2: Cook the Apple Filling

Peel, core, and chop apples. Sauté in butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for 5–7 minutes until tender. Stir in vanilla.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Whisk water or apple juice with cornstarch until smooth. Add to apples and cook until thickened. Cool slightly.

Step 4: Assemble Layers

Spoon warm apple filling over chilled crust. Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples.

Step 5: Whip the Cream Topping

Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spoon or pipe over caramel apples.

Step 6: Add Final Touches and Chill

Top with extra caramel, crushed graham crackers, and chopped nuts. Chill 15–20 minutes or serve immediately.

Extra Hints for Caramel Apple Dessert Cups at Home

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and better texture in the filling.
• Ensure graham cracker crust is well-chilled to prevent crumbling and maintain a crisp base.
• Adjust spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to personal taste, or add a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.
• Make the dessert gluten-free by substituting graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives or crushed nuts.
• Prepare whipped cream just before serving to maintain its light, fluffy consistency and prevent deflation.

Mix It Up: Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Twists

• Rustic Skillet Apple Crisp: Transform the dessert into a warm, comforting crisp by topping the apple filling with an oat and brown sugar crumble before baking.
• No-Bake Cheesecake Fusion: Incorporate a layer of cream cheese mixture between the graham cracker crust and apple filling for a rich, creamy version.
• Autumn Spice Parfait: Layer the components in tall glasses, alternating between crust, apple filling, and whipped cream for a elegant presentation.
• Nutty Caramel Apple Bars: Press the crust into a baking pan, spread the apple filling, and cut into portable squares after chilling.

Favorite Pairings for Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Treats

• Festive Fall Dessert Delight: Individual mason jars transform this caramel apple treat into charming personal servings perfect for autumn gatherings.
• Rustic Picnic Presentation: Pack these dessert cups in portable containers for outdoor events, creating an easy-to-transport sweet treat that keeps layers intact.
• Holiday Party Showstopper: Arrange dessert cups on elegant serving platters with extra garnishes like cinnamon sticks or edible flowers to elevate the visual appeal for special occasions.
• Dessert Bar Creation: Set up a self-serve station with pre-made cups and additional toppings like chocolate shavings, different nut varieties, or extra caramel sauce, allowing guests to customize their individual desserts.

How to Store Caramel Apple Dessert Cups for Later

• Seal the dessert cups tightly with plastic wrap or lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the whipped cream separate if possible to maintain its texture.
• Wrap individual dessert cups in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Note that the texture of the graham cracker crust might slightly change after freezing.
• Store components separately for maximum freshness. Keep the apple filling in an airtight container, graham cracker crust separate, and whipped cream in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of fruit instead of apples?

Yes, you can substitute apples with pears, peaches, or berries. Just adjust cooking time based on the fruit’s texture and sweetness.

• Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure your caramel sauce and ingredients are vegetarian-based.

• How can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour to create a gluten-free crust option.

• Can I prepare these dessert cups in advance?

Absolutely! You can assemble the cups up to 24 hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Silky caramel apple dessert cups showcase autumn’s sweet charm from Mexico’s culinary traditions. Crisp pastry shells cradle warm spiced apples, inviting you to savor each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups (354 ml) graham cracker crumbs (about 10 – 12 graham crackers)
• 6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Craft a graham cracker base by blending crumbs with melted butter and sugar in a mixing bowl.
2. Firmly press the mixture into dessert cups, creating an even foundational layer that reaches approximately 1/4 inch thick.
3. Refrigerate the crust for 15 minutes to solidify while preparing the apple mixture.
4. Peel and dice apples into uniform small cubes for consistent cooking.
5. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, around 325°F, and introduce diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
6. Sauté the apple mixture for 6-7 minutes until tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
7. Incorporate vanilla extract and stir thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
8. Dissolve cornstarch in water or apple juice, then pour into the apple mixture to create a thickened sauce.
9. Remove apple filling from heat and allow to cool for approximately 10 minutes.
10. Layer the chilled graham cracker crust with the prepared apple mixture, ensuring even distribution.
11. Generously drizzle caramel sauce across the apple layer for enhanced sweetness.
12. Whip heavy cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form, gradually adding powdered sugar and vanilla.
13. Carefully pipe or spoon whipped cream atop the caramel apple layer.
14. Garnish with additional caramel drizzle, crushed graham crackers, and chopped nuts for texture.
15. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld, or serve immediately for a fresh, warm dessert experience.

Notes

• Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better texture and balanced sweetness in the filling.
• Toast nuts before adding for enhanced nutty flavor and crunchier texture.
• Make dessert gluten-free by substituting graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour.
• Prepare components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to maintain crust’s crispness and prevent sogginess.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 141
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 28 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg