Description
Delight in these luscious Caramel Apple Dessert Cups, featuring tender caramelized apples layered with a crunchy oat streusel topping and drizzled with rich caramel sauce, finished off with a dollop of whipped cream. Perfect for a comforting treat or festive dessert, this recipe combines warm spices and buttery textures for a crowd-pleasing autumn-inspired dessert.
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
- 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, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and caramelized, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let the apple filling cool slightly.
- Make the Streusel Topping: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Add the cold unsalted butter cubes and using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Bake the Streusel: Spread the streusel mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Remove from oven and allow the streusel topping to cool completely.
- Assemble the Dessert Cups: In small dessert cups or jars, layer the cooled apple filling first. Drizzle each portion evenly with caramel sauce (about 1/2 cup divided). Then sprinkle with the crunchy streusel topping.
- Finish and Serve: Top each dessert cup with a generous dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired for extra sweetness and presentation. Serve immediately for best texture, or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- You can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience or make your own for a fresher taste.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and check the oats to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
- These dessert cups are best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- To make ahead, prepare the apple filling and streusel topping separately and assemble just before serving.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg according to your spice preference for a milder or more intense flavor.
