Golden Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe: Sweet Fancy Fun!

Sweet autumn nights call for something magical, with this gourmet caramel apple dessert cups recipe promising pure indulgence.

Crisp apples dancing with rich caramel create a symphony of flavors that enchant every bite.

Delicate pastry shells cradle the luscious filling, turning simple ingredients into an elegant treat.

Layers of sweet-tart apples meld perfectly with golden caramel, offering a sophisticated dessert experience.

Each cup bursts with warm spices and silky caramel that whisper comfort and decadence.

Seasonal ingredients transform into a stunning dessert that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Prepare to elevate your dessert game with these irresistible cups that celebrate the best of autumn’s bounty.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 7

Caramel Apple Cup Ingredient List

• Apples: Crisp, sweet foundation that brings natural sugary warmth and tender texture to the dessert.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens caramelized flavor and enhances apple's natural sweetness with rich molasses undertones.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens apple's flavor and prevents browning, adding subtle tangy freshness.
• Cinnamon: Warm, aromatic spice that complements apple's natural sweetness with cozy depth.
• Nutmeg: Adds gentle, earthy warmth that elevates the apple's natural flavor profile.
• Butter: Creates silky smooth base for cooking apples and enhances overall richness.

• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, tangy base that gives luxurious thickness to the dessert.
• Powdered Sugar: Smooths and sweetens cream cheese mixture with delicate texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds elegant, classic background flavor that harmonizes all ingredients.
• Heavy Cream: Creates light, airy texture and adds sophisticated richness to the filling.

• Caramel Sauce: Delivers luxurious, golden sweetness that ties all layers together.
• Graham Crackers: Adds delightful crunch and subtle graham flavor as optional garnish.
• Nuts: Provides optional textural contrast and nutty complexity to the dessert.

Tools to Assemble and Chill Dessert Cups

• Skillet: Medium-sized pan for cooking apples with perfect heat distribution.
• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for beating cream cheese mixture smoothly.
• Separate mixing bowl: Needed for whipping heavy cream to soft peaks.
• Dessert cups: Small individual serving glasses for layering dessert.
• Whisk or electric mixer: Essential for beating cream cheese and whipping cream effectively.
• Spatula: Helpful for folding whipped cream and scraping mixtures.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Sharp knife: Used for dicing apples into consistent small pieces.

How to Layer Apples, Caramel, and Cream Just Right

• Sauté Apple Goodness

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of lemon juice. Cook until apples become tender and fragrant, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool.

• Whip Creamy Delight

Blend cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until silky smooth. In another bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture for a cloud-like texture.

• Create Layered

Grab dessert cups and start building delicious layers. Spoon apple mixture as the first base, then top with the creamy filling. Repeat layers, finishing with a fluffy cream topping.

• Dress Up Your Dessert

Drizzle rich caramel sauce over each cup. Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts for extra crunch and flavor.

• Chill and Enjoy

Pop the dessert cups in the refrigerator for an hour. This helps flavors mingle and sets the layers perfectly. Serve cold and watch everyone swoon over your delightful creation.

Flavor Pairings for Caramel and Apple Combos

• Choose crisp, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for maximum flavor contrast and texture in the dessert.
• Experiment with adding ground cardamom or star anise for a more complex warmth that complements the caramel and apple profile.
• Prepare components separately up to 2 days in advance, assembling just before serving to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
• Create gluten-free versions by substituting graham crackers with almond meal or gluten-free cookie crumbs for added crunch.
• Replace dairy ingredients with coconut cream, cashew cream cheese, and maple syrup for a plant-based friendly alternative that doesn't compromise on rich, creamy texture.

Serve These Cups in Jars or Ramekins

• Cozy Autumn Gathering: Serve these dessert cups at a fall-themed dinner party where friends can enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of caramel and spiced apples.
• Brunch Showstopper: Present these elegant dessert cups as a delightful sweet ending to a weekend brunch, impressing guests with their beautiful layered presentation.
• Holiday Dessert Platter: Include these cups alongside other seasonal treats during holiday celebrations, offering a unique and delectable alternative to traditional pies and cakes.
• Personalized Portion Delight: Create individual servings in small mason jars or clear glasses, allowing guests to appreciate the beautiful layers and enjoy a perfectly portioned dessert experience.

Store Chilled for Perfect Texture and Taste

• Store dessert cups in airtight containers, keeping them flat to maintain layer integrity. Refrigerate up to 3 days for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Wrap individual cups tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen dessert cups stay delicious for 2-4 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before enjoying.
• Prepare apple and cream layers separately 1-2 days prior to assembly. Store apple mixture and cream filling in sealed containers in refrigerator, preventing flavor loss and texture changes.
• Keep caramel sauce and graham cracker crumbs separate from assembled dessert cups. Add toppings just before serving to maintain crispness and prevent soggy textures. Store crumbs in sealed container at room temperature, sauce in refrigerator.

FAQs

• Are the apples cooked before adding to the dessert cups?

Yes, the apples are sautéed with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until tender. This process enhances their flavor and softens them slightly.

• Can I use a different type of fruit instead of apples?

You can substitute apples with pears or peaches. Just adjust cooking time and spices accordingly to match the fruit’s natural sweetness and texture.

• Is the cream cheese mixture difficult to make?

Not at all. Simply beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth, then fold in whipped cream. It’s a quick and easy process that creates a light, creamy texture.

• How do I prevent the layers from mixing together?

Layer the dessert cups carefully using a spoon. Add each layer gently and let the previous layer set slightly in the refrigerator. The chilling time helps maintain distinct layers.

Gourmet Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Silky caramel apple dessert cups blend homemade charm with classic autumn flavors. Sweet pastry shells cradle spiced apple filling and rich caramel, creating a delightful bite that welcomes seasonal comforts you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ cup caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade
• Crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Caramelize Apples: Sauté diced apples in butter with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice over medium heat. Simmer until apples become tender but maintain structural integrity, creating a fragrant and rich base with nuanced warmth.
2. Prepare Cream Filling: Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until silky. Separately whip heavy cream to soft peaks, then gently fold into cream cheese mixture, creating a light, airy filling with luxurious texture.
3. Layer Assembly: In individual serving glasses, alternate layers of caramelized apple compote and whipped cream cheese mixture. Ensure each layer is evenly distributed to balance flavors and create a visually appealing dessert.
4. Finish and Garnish: Drizzle golden caramel sauce generously over the layered dessert. Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or toasted nuts on top for added crunch and decorative element.
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate dessert for one hour to allow flavors to meld and layers to set. Serve thoroughly chilled, presenting a refreshing and decadent treat that combines multiple textures and tastes.

Notes

• Select Apples Wisely: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that maintain structure during caramelization and provide balanced sweetness.
• Control Caramelization Temperature: Sauté apples on medium-low heat to prevent burning, allowing gradual sugar transformation and preserving fruit’s natural texture.
• Whip Cream Carefully: Ensure cream cheese and heavy cream are cold before whipping, creating stable, voluminous mixture that holds layered structure without deflating.
• Chill for Optimal Texture: Refrigeration isn’t just resting time – it helps flavors meld, stabilizes layers, and enhances overall dessert’s consistency and taste profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg