Description
Delight in these easy-to-make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery oat streusel, rich caramel sauce, and a dollop of whipped cream. Perfect for a cozy dessert that brings together warm autumn flavors with a crunchy, sweet topping.
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 butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled, cored, and diced apples along with granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to 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 the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Spread the streusel mixture evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Assemble the Dessert Cups: Spoon the cooked apple mixture into individual dessert cups or small jars. Drizzle each with caramel sauce to add rich sweetness. Sprinkle the cooled streusel topping generously over the caramel and apples. Finish by topping each cup with a dollop of whipped cream and an optional additional drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Serve: Serve the dessert cups immediately for the best texture, or refrigerate until ready to enjoy. These cups make a perfect fall or holiday treat, balancing warm spiced apples with crisp, buttery topping and creamy toppings.
Notes
- You can use any variety of apples you prefer, but Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well for their balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Store-bought caramel sauce saves time, but homemade caramel sauce adds rich depth of flavor.
- For a crunchier streusel, pulse the flour, oats, sugar, and butter mixture in a food processor before baking.
- These dessert cups can be prepared in advance and refrigerated; add whipped cream just before serving to keep it fresh.
- To keep the apples from browning while prepping, toss them with lemon juice as indicated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
