If you’re searching for a sweet treat that perfectly captures the flavors of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. This delightful dessert blends the tartness of apples with the rich, buttery sweetness of caramel, all in a crunchy, bite-sized cup. Read on to discover the ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and expert tips that will have your guests raving about this delectable dessert. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe—your taste buds will thank you!

What Are Caramel Apple Dessert Cups?
Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are mini indulgences featuring layers of caramel, sautéed apples, and a crumbly crust. They’re a delicious fusion of classic caramel apples and an apple pie, presented in a compact, easy-to-serve cup. Whether you're hosting a holiday dinner, preparing a family-friendly treat, or simply craving a sweet snack, these dessert cups hit all the right notes—sweet, tart, buttery, and crunchy.
Ingredients List for Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
Before we dive into the instructions, let’s start with the essentials. Here’s everything you need to make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups from scratch:
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, finely crushed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
- For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning and to balance the sweetness)
- For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoon unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Pinch of sea salt (optional, for salted caramel lovers)
- For Garnishing:
- Whipped cream
- Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)
- Crumbled graham crackers for extra crunch
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to get creative with these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups! Here are a few ingredient substitutions and variations you can try:
- Crust: If you're not a fan of graham crackers, try using crushed shortbread cookies, digestive biscuits, or even gingersnap cookies for a spicier twist.
- Apples: Granny Smith apples are a classic choice for their tart flavor, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work well if you prefer a sweeter filling.
- Caramel: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making it from scratch. However, the homemade version is incredibly rewarding!
- Toppings: Instead of whipped cream, try topping the cups with a dollop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
- Spices: Feel free to add other warm spices like allspice, cloves, or cardamom to your apple filling for a spicier profile.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it's time to start making these irresistible Caramel Apple Dessert Cups. Follow these step-by-step instructions to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly:
How to Cook Caramel Apple Dessert Cups: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease them well with butter.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon (if using). Mix until the crumbs are fully coated and moist.
- Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture into each muffin tin cavity and press it down firmly to form a crust.
- Bake the crusts for 8-10 minutes until golden and slightly firm. Let them cool while you prepare the filling.
2. Make the Apple Filling
- Peel, core, and dice your apples into small cubes.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice.
- Cook the apples for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft but not mushy. You want them to retain a slight bite for texture.
- Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it melts into a golden-brown liquid.
- Add the butter and stir until fully incorporated. Be careful as the mixture will bubble up.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuously stirring. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the caramel is smooth and thick.
- Remove from heat and stir in a pinch of sea salt if you prefer a salted caramel flavor.
4. Assemble the Dessert Cups
- Once the crusts have cooled, spoon a generous amount of apple filling into each cup.
- Drizzle the homemade caramel sauce over the apples.
- Top with whipped cream, chopped nuts, or additional crumbled graham crackers as desired.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the apples: Don’t cook the apples until they are mushy. They should still have a slight crunch to provide texture contrast with the smooth caramel and crumbly crust.
- Burning the caramel: Caramel can go from golden to burnt very quickly. Keep a close eye on the sugar as it melts and turn down the heat if necessary to prevent it from burning.
- Soggy crust: Make sure the crust is well-packed and baked long enough to hold together. A soggy crust can fall apart when assembling the cups.
- Not allowing components to cool: Don’t rush the process by assembling the cups while the caramel or apple filling is too hot. Let everything cool slightly so your dessert holds its shape and the whipped cream doesn’t melt.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To elevate your Caramel Apple Dessert Cups, here are some serving and presentation ideas:
- How to Serve Caramel Apple Dessert Cups: These dessert cups are best served slightly warm or at room temperature. They’re a great choice for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or even as an after-dinner treat on a cozy night in.
- Presentation Ideas for Caramel Apple Dessert Cups:
- Rustic Charm: Serve these in mason jars for a rustic, farmhouse-style presentation.
- Elegant Touch: Pipe the whipped cream on top in a swirl and garnish with a single mint leaf for a refined touch.
- Drizzle Over the Top: Right before serving, drizzle extra caramel sauce over the whipped cream for that Instagram-worthy finishing touch.
Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the crust and apple filling a day in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers and assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh.
- Chill the Caramel: If you’re not using the caramel sauce right away, you can store it in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before drizzling.
- Apples Turning Brown: To prevent the apples from browning while you prepare the other ingredients, toss them in lemon juice immediately after chopping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Absolutely! While homemade caramel sauce adds a special touch, store-bought caramel will work just fine if you're short on time.
Q: What type of apples work best for this recipe?
A: Granny Smith apples are the go-to for their tartness, but feel free to experiment with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even Pink Lady apples for a sweeter filling.
Q: Can I make these dessert cups gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust.
Q: How long do these dessert cups last?
A: These dessert cups are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure to assemble them right before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion
These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are the ultimate fall dessert, combining the best elements of apple pie and caramel apples in one easy-to-serve package. With a buttery graham cracker crust, spiced apple filling, and a rich caramel drizzle, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or a casual family meal, they’re sure to impress. Try this recipe today, and get ready to savor the flavors of fall in every bite!
PrintCaramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe
Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a delicious fall treat made with tender apples, rich caramel, and a crunchy topping. These bite-sized delights are perfect for any gathering, combining the flavors of caramel and apples in an easy-to-make dessert. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is a must-try for those craving autumn flavors. Perfect for family dinners or parties, these caramel apple cups will satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Assembling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 large apples (peeled, chopped)
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- ½ cup granola or crushed graham crackers
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- Whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook apples with cinnamon until tender.
- Layer cooked apples in dessert cups.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over apples.
- Top with granola or crushed graham crackers.
- Add whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Use your favorite apples for a flavor variation.
- Best served fresh for the crunch of the topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 75mg
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