There’s something about caramel and apples that just feels like a warm hug on a crisp day. These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness, all wrapped up in a handheld treat. Imagine biting into layers of tender, cinnamon-kissed apples, rich caramel, and a buttery, flaky crust—absolute heaven!
Trust me, this one’s a game-changer. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in or a festive get-together, they’re bound to disappear in no time. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or just a weekend treat. They work as a snack, dessert, or even a special breakfast treat.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
Quick and Easy: No need to spend hours in the kitchen—this recipe comes together in no time.
Customizable: Want extra caramel? A sprinkle of sea salt? A dollop of whipped cream? You can make these cups your own with endless topping possibilities.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
Here’s the magic of these dessert cups—they’re made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Apples: The heart of this dessert. Choose a variety that’s slightly tart, like Granny Smith, to balance the sweetness of the caramel.
Caramel Sauce: The star ingredient that ties everything together. Drizzle generously for that rich, gooey texture.
Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: These add warmth and depth to the apples, making them irresistibly flavorful.
Butter: A little bit of butter helps caramelize the apples and gives them that rich, indulgent taste.
Pie Dough or Puff Pastry: The base of the dessert cups. Whether you go for homemade or store-bought, this layer adds the perfect flaky, buttery bite.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness.
Egg Wash: Gives the crust a beautiful golden brown finish.
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even baking and gives your crust that perfect golden-brown crispness.
Prepare the Apples
In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter and add the chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are soft and caramelized.
Prepare Your Dough
Roll out your pie dough or puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Use a cookie cutter or glass to cut circles that fit into your muffin tin. Press the dough into each muffin cup, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides.
Assemble the Dessert Cups
Spoon the cooked apple mixture into each dough-lined muffin cup. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for that gooey sweetness.
Bake to Perfection
Brush the edges of the dough with egg wash, then bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crisp.
Let Them Cool
Remove from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and prevents burns from the hot caramel.
Serve and Enjoy
Drizzle more caramel over the top, add a sprinkle of sea salt if desired, and serve warm. These are perfect on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12 Calories per serving: 220
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
These delicious cups can be served in so many ways:
- Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Drizzled with extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt.
- Paired with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy treat.
- Topped with whipped cream and crushed nuts for a crunchy contrast.
Additional Tips
- Use fresh apples: The fresher the apples, the better the flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you like a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Try different crusts: Puff pastry gives a flaky texture, while pie dough offers a traditional taste.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the apple filling a day in advance and assemble just before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to maintain crispness.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! But homemade caramel sauce will take these to the next level.
What’s the best type of apple to use?
Granny Smith works great because of its tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji are also delicious options.
Can I freeze these dessert cups?
Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven before serving.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling a day in advance and assemble before baking.
What can I use instead of pie dough?
Puff pastry, phyllo dough, or even crescent roll dough work well.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Pre-baking the dough for a few minutes before adding the filling helps keep it crisp.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer storage.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free pie crust or puff pastry alternative.
What can I serve these with?
Ice cream, whipped cream, or even a dusting of powdered sugar make great pairings.
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are the perfect little treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. They’re easy to make, bursting with flavor, and completely customizable. Whether you serve them at a party or enjoy them on a quiet evening, they’re sure to bring smiles all around. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and let the sweet aroma of caramel and apples fill your kitchen—trust me, you won’t regret it!
Print
Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 dessert cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a delightful combination of buttery pastry, spiced apple filling, and gooey caramel sauce. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet, caramelized apple treat in a bite-sized cup!
Ingredients
For the Pastry Cups:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (or refrigerated pie dough)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
For the Apple Filling:
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
For the Caramel Topping:
- 1/2 cup (120g) caramel sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pastry Cups:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin.
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut into squares slightly larger than the muffin tin cups.
- Gently press the pastry squares into each muffin cup, trimming excess if needed.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
-
Bake the Pastry Cups:
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool before filling.
-
Make the Apple Filling:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until apples soften.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
-
Assemble the Dessert Cups:
- Spoon the apple filling into each baked pastry cup.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
-
Serve:
- Enjoy warm or chilled!
Notes
- You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own.
- For extra crunch, top with chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 dessert cup
- Calories: ~200 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg