Go Back
- Apples - Caramel sauce - Whipped cream - Ground cinnamon - Chopped pecans - Extra caramel for drizzling - Mixing bowls - Serving cups or small bowls - Measuring cups and spoons Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these caramel apple dessert cups shine. Choose two large apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They bring a nice tartness to balance the sweet caramel. You will also need one cup of caramel sauce, which can be store-bought or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous. For that creamy finish, grab one cup of whipped cream. To add a sprinkle of warmth, ground cinnamon is optional. If you want a nice crunch, consider chopped pecans. You can drizzle extra caramel on top for a sweet finish. Having the right tools makes the process easy. Get a few mixing bowls for combining your apple mixture. Serving cups or small bowls are perfect for layering the dessert. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for accurate portions. This setup will help you create the perfect treat with ease! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by taking two large apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Core and finely dice them. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced apples with one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Toss them well to coat. This step keeps the apples from browning and adds great flavor. Set the apple mixture aside for a bit. Let the flavors meld for at least five minutes. Prepare your serving cups or small bowls. Begin each cup with about two tablespoons of crushed graham crackers. This makes a nice crunchy base. Over the graham cracker layer, drizzle about one tablespoon of caramel sauce. Let it pool on the crackers for extra flavor. Next, spoon a generous layer of the cinnamon apple mixture on top. Make sure each cup has an equal portion for a balanced taste. Repeat this layering. Add another two tablespoons of crushed graham crackers again, then top with a delightful dollop of whipped cream. This creates a lovely contrast. Now it’s time for the final touches. Drizzle more caramel sauce over the whipped cream. This makes the dessert look inviting. If you want, sprinkle chopped pecans on top for a nice crunch. Continue layering until your cups are filled to your liking. Be sure to finish with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a luscious drizzle of caramel. For a pretty display, present the dessert cups on a decorative platter. A light sprinkle of cinnamon and a thin apple slice on the rim adds an elegant touch. Enjoy your delicious Caramel Apple Dessert Cups! For the best flavor in your caramel apple dessert cups, I like using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. These apples have a great balance of sweet and tart flavors. Their crisp texture also holds up well in the dessert. To prevent browning, toss your diced apples with fresh lemon juice. This simple step keeps them looking fresh and bright. Homemade caramel sauce is easy to make. Just combine one cup of sugar with half a cup of heavy cream in a saucepan. Heat it on medium, stirring until the sugar melts. Then, let it simmer for about five minutes. This will give you a smooth sauce. To get the perfect consistency, watch closely. If it’s too thick, add a bit more cream. If too thin, let it cook a bit longer. For a beautiful display, use a decorative platter for your dessert cups. You can garnish each cup with a light sprinkle of cinnamon. A thin slice of apple on the rim adds a nice touch too. This makes your dessert look even more inviting and fun! Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp; their crisp texture and tangy flavor complement the sweetness of the caramel perfectly. Layer Strategically: For a balanced flavor profile, ensure that each layer of your cups has a mix of textures and flavors, alternating between crunchy graham crackers, sweet caramel, and tart apples. Make It Ahead: You can prepare the apple mixture and graham cracker layer a few hours in advance to save time. Just assemble the cups right before serving for maximum freshness. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of cinnamon or a thin apple slice on top not only enhances the look of your dessert cups but also adds a delightful aroma that will entice your guests. {{image_4}} You can easily change the taste of your caramel apple dessert cups. Adding spices makes a big difference. Try nutmeg or allspice for a warm flavor. You can mix these spices into the apple mixture for a cozy touch. Using flavored whipped cream also adds fun. Vanilla or caramel-flavored whipped cream can enhance the dessert. This small change can make your cups taste even better and more unique. Get creative with your toppings! Adding chocolate chips or sprinkles gives a sweet crunch. These toppings make your dessert cups look great and taste even better. You can sprinkle them on top of the whipped cream for a fun look. You can also use different nuts for crunch. Chopped walnuts or almonds work well. They add a nice texture and flavor. Just sprinkle these on top for that extra bite. You can make these dessert cups fit many diets. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free graham crackers. They give the same crunchy base without the gluten. If you want vegan substitutions, use plant-based whipped cream. You can also find vegan caramel sauce in stores. These swaps let everyone enjoy the treat without missing out. To keep your caramel apple dessert cups fresh, store them in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss. The cups last up to three days in the fridge. Enjoy them cold for a nice treat or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before eating. You can freeze these dessert cups, but it's best to freeze the components instead. Freeze the apple mixture and whipped cream separately in airtight bags. When you're ready to serve, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For best taste, eat them within a month of freezing. Yes, you can make parts of this dessert ahead of time. Prepare the apple mixture and graham cracker base in advance. Just layer and assemble the dessert cups right before serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty for your guests. Yes, you can use store-bought caramel. Look for brands like Kraft or Smucker's. They are thick and sweet, making them great for this recipe. If you want a richer taste, try a gourmet caramel sauce. Just heat it slightly to make it easy to drizzle. To make this dessert dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of whipped cream. For caramel, find a dairy-free version at the store or make your own with coconut milk and sugar. This way, you can still enjoy a creamy, sweet treat without dairy. Use small cups or bowls that hold about 4 ounces. This size is perfect for portion control. It also helps with presentation, making each dessert look cute and inviting. If you want larger servings, use 6-ounce cups, but remember to adjust the layers. This blog post covered a tasty apple dessert that mixes simple ingredients. We discussed key items like apples, caramel sauce, and whipped cream. You learned how to prepare layers and present them nicely. I shared tips for choosing apples and making homemade caramel. We even explored storage options and variations to suit different diets. In the end, crafting this dessert can be fun and flexible. You can impress anyone with a simple, tasty treat. Enjoy creating your own version!

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Delicious layered dessert cups featuring caramel, apples, and whipped cream.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and finely diced
  • 1 cup caramel sauce (can be store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup whipped cream (or whipped topping of your choice)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup crushed graham crackers
  • 0.25 cup chopped pecans (optional, for added texture)
  • to taste extra caramel for drizzling on top

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the finely diced apples with lemon juice and ground cinnamon. Toss well to coat the apples, which will prevent them from browning and enhance their flavor. Set the apple mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  • Prepare your serving cups or small bowls. Begin by layering approximately 2 tablespoons of crushed graham crackers at the bottom of each cup, creating a crunchy base.
  • Over the graham cracker layer, drizzle about 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce into each cup, allowing it to pool slightly on top of the crackers.
  • Next, spoon a generous layer of the cinnamon apple mixture on top of the caramel, ensuring each cup gets an equal portion for balanced flavor.
  • Repeat the layering process by adding another 2 tablespoons of crushed graham crackers followed by a delightful dollop of whipped cream on top, creating a visually appealing contrast.
  • Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the whipped cream for an inviting and luscious finish.
  • If you choose to include pecans, sprinkle them on top for an extra crunch and flavor enhancement.
  • Continue layering the ingredients until the cups are filled to your liking, but be sure to finish each cup with a final generous dollop of whipped cream and a luscious drizzle of caramel on top to make them truly irresistible.

Notes

Present the dessert cups on a decorative platter for an appealing display.
Keyword apple, caramel, dessert, easy, layered