Description
A delightful Caramel Apple Dessert Cups recipe featuring tender, caramelized apples layered with a warm, crunchy streusel topping and finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce and whipped cream. Perfect for a cozy fall treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Filling
- 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Assembly and Garnish
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup whipped cream
- Additional caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled, cored, and diced apples along with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Make the Streusel Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Bake Streusel: Spread the streusel mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. Remove from oven and allow the streusel to cool completely.
- Assemble the Dessert Cups: Spoon the cooked apple mixture evenly into small dessert cups or jars. Drizzle each with caramel sauce. Then, sprinkle a generous layer of the cooled streusel topping over the apples.
- Add Whipped Cream and Serve: Top each cup with a dollop of whipped cream. If desired, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the whipped cream for extra indulgence. Serve immediately, or refrigerate the cups until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and tang.
- The caramel sauce can be store-bought or homemade for a richer flavor.
- Streusel topping can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter and whipped cream with plant-based alternatives.
- These dessert cups are perfect for individual servings and make great party treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
