Cinnamon-Dusted Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe

Sweet autumn nights call for a decadent caramel apple dessert cups that blend nostalgia with pure indulgence.

Crisp apples and golden caramel create a symphony of flavors dancing across your palate.

Buttery pastry cups cradle a luscious filling that promises comfort and joy in every bite.

Each serving delivers a perfect balance of tart fruit and rich, velvety caramel sauce.

Delicate and elegant, these dessert cups transform a classic combination into an irresistible treat.

Simple ingredients and straightforward techniques make this recipe accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

You’ll love how these elegant cups become the star of any gathering, leaving everyone craving just one more bite.

Serving Caramel Apple Dessert Cups At Parties

• Cozy Brunch Companion: Pair these dessert cups with a warm cinnamon coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat that feels like a comforting hug.
• Elegant Dinner Finale: Serve as a sophisticated dessert after a hearty meal, presenting each cup with a delicate sprig of mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra elegance.
• Holiday Gathering Star: Prepare in advance for family gatherings, creating individual portions that make sharing and serving a breeze during festive celebrations like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Picnic Perfect Dessert: Pack these cups in small mason jars for outdoor events, making them an easy-to-transport and mess-free dessert that will impress friends and family at picnics or potlucks.

How To Chill And Store Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

• Fridge-Fresh Storage: Keep your apple dessert cups sealed in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cold temperatures help maintain the creamy texture and prevent ingredient separation.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the apple and cream layers separately 24 hours before assembling. Store each component in individual sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent soggy textures.
• Freezing Friendly: Wrap individual dessert cups tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the delicate layers and prevent moisture buildup.
• Smart Portioning: Use small mason jars or clear glass cups for easy individual servings. These containers allow beautiful layer visibility and make transportation and storage simple. Label each container with the date prepared to track freshness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything Inside Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for cooking apples, choose unsalted for better flavor control.
• Apples: Select crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith for balanced sweetness and texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and helps create luscious sauce for apple mixture.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance apple's natural sweetness and create comforting aroma.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds bright, tangy undertone to balance sweetness.

• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, luxurious base with tangy undertone for filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize cream cheese mixture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds elegant, aromatic flavor that complements other ingredients.
• Heavy Cream: Provides light, airy texture when whipped, making filling deliciously fluffy.

• Caramel Sauce: Adds decadent, golden drizzle that elevates entire dessert.
• Graham Crackers, Nuts: Optional crunchy elements that introduce textural contrast to creamy layers.

Tools To Layer Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

• Skillet: Medium-sized pan for cooking apples to tender perfection.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining cream cheese mixture smoothly.
• Separate Bowl: Needed for whipping heavy cream to soft peaks.
• Dessert Cups: Small serving glasses for layering and presenting the dessert.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise sugar and spice measurements.
• Whisk or Electric Mixer: Helps beat cream cheese and whip cream effortlessly.
• Spatula: Great for folding whipped cream and scraping mixtures cleanly.
• Cutting Board: To dice apples safely and neatly.
• Sharp Knife: For precise apple chopping.

How To Assemble Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Simply

• Apple Magic Transformation

In a cozy skillet, warm butter until golden. Toss in fresh apples with a sprinkle of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of lemon. Let the mixture dance and soften for several minutes until apples become tender and fragrant. Set aside to cool naturally.

• Creamy Cloud Creation

Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until silky smooth. In another bowl, transform heavy cream into billowy peaks. Gently marry the two mixtures, creating a luxurious, airy filling that feels like clouds on your tongue.

• Layered Dessert Architecture

Select charming small cups as your canvas. Begin with a generous spoonful of caramelized apple goodness. Follow with a pillowy layer of creamy mixture. Repeat these delightful layers, ending with a cloud-like cream top that beckons to be devoured.

• Finishing Touches

Drizzle rich caramel sauce in elegant streams across the surface. Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers or toasted nuts for a delightful crunch that adds texture and excitement.

• Chill and Anticipate

Tuck your creation into the refrigerator for one hour. This resting time allows flavors to mingle and develop a perfect harmony. Serve chilled and watch faces light up with pure dessert joy.

Flavor Twists For Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

• Apple Pie Perfection Tricks: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor balance in the dessert.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the apple and cream layers up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent soggy layers.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for a crunchy topping that suits gluten-sensitive diets.
• Vegan Transformation: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream, use dairy-free whipped topping, and replace butter with coconut oil to create a plant-based version of this delightful dessert.
• Flavor Adventure: Experiment with spice variations by adding a pinch of cardamom, ginger, or replacing cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for a unique twist on the classic apple dessert.

Dreamy Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Homemade caramel apple dessert cups blend autumn’s richest flavors into a delightful handheld treat. Crisp pastry shells cradle warm spiced apples drizzled with smooth caramel, offering sweet comfort in each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• ½ cup (120 ml) caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
• 1 tsp (5 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tsp (5 ml) cinnamon
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) nutmeg
• Crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Caramelize Apples: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until apples are tender yet structured. Cool the mixture completely.
2. Prepare Cream Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip heavy cream to soft peaks. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture, creating a light, airy filling.
3. Assemble Dessert Layers: Layer caramelized apples into individual serving cups. Add cream filling, creating textural contrast. Repeat layering, finishing with a cream topping.
4. Enhance and Garnish: Drizzle caramel sauce over each cup. Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or toasted nuts on top for added crunch and visual appeal.
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate dessert cups for at least one hour, allowing flavors to meld and layers to set. Serve chilled, presenting a refreshing and indulgent dessert.

Notes

• Choose Fresh Apples: Select crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best caramelization and texture, ensuring they hold their shape during cooking.
• Control Caramelization Temperature: Keep heat at medium and stir frequently to prevent burning, allowing apples to softly caramelize without becoming mushy or bitter.
• Prevent Cream Separation: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing and fold whipped cream gently to maintain a smooth, light consistency without deflating the mixture.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives, use low-fat cream cheese for lighter version, or replace heavy cream with coconut cream for dairy-free option.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg