Description
Delight in these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples layered with a buttery oat streusel, rich caramel sauce, and light whipped cream. This easy-to-make dessert combines warm, cozy autumn flavors with a crisp topping, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a homemade 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 & 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. Once melted, add the diced apples along with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Sauté the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly before assembly.
- Make the Streusel Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and blend with your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Bake the Streusel: Spread the streusel mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the topping turns golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely.
- Assemble the Dessert Cups: In small dessert cups or jars, start by spooning a layer of the cooked apple filling. Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple layer to add richness.
- Add Streusel and Whipped Cream: Sprinkle a generous amount of the cooled streusel topping on top of the caramelled apples. Finish each cup with a dollop of whipped cream and, if desired, drizzle with extra caramel sauce for added decadence.
- Serve: Serve the caramel apple dessert cups immediately for the best texture, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy. These can be made ahead and chilled, but topping with whipped cream is best done just before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour and rolled oats with certified gluten-free varieties.
- You can use homemade caramel sauce for a more personalized flavor or store-bought for convenience.
- To make this dessert vegan, replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut whipped cream.
- Store assembled cups without whipped cream in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature based on preference.
