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A collection of individual clear dessert cups showcasing layers of diced apples, creamy caramel, and a crumble topping, presented as Caramel Apple Dessert Cups.

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

These delightful Caramel Apple Dessert Cups layer warm, spiced caramel apples with a buttery oat crumble, creating a comforting and elegant treat. Perfect for individual portions, they capture the essence of autumn in every spoonful.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crumble Topping
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold, cubed
For the Caramel Apples
  • 3 medium firm, sweet-tart apples such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce plus more for drizzling (store-bought or homemade)
For Assembly (Optional)
  • 1 cup whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Medium saucepan or large skillet
  • Rubber spatula
  • Apple peeler/corer
  • Sharp knife
  • 6 individual dessert cups (4-6 oz capacity)

Method
 

Prepare the Crumble Topping
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk briefly to combine.
  3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use your fingertips or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
  4. Spread the crumble mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Let cool slightly on the baking sheet.
Make the Caramel Apples
  1. While the crumble bakes, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan or large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the pan. Cook for 8-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender-crisp but still hold their shape.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of caramel sauce until the apples are well coated.
Assemble the Dessert Cups
  1. Divide half of the cooled crumble topping among 6 individual dessert cups or jars, creating a bottom layer.
  2. Spoon the warm caramel apple mixture evenly over the crumble layer in each cup.
  3. Top the apples with the remaining crumble topping.
  4. Serve immediately, optionally topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a final drizzle of extra caramel sauce.

Notes

For a make-ahead option, you can prepare the crumble and caramel apples separately and store them. Reheat the apples gently before assembling. For extra indulgence, add a pinch of flaky sea salt to the caramel apple mixture or sprinkle on top of the final dessert. This recipe is also delicious served warm in bowls without individual layering.