The Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a delightful treat that combines the freshness of apples with the rich sweetness of caramel. This dessert is quick, easy, and a perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth, especially during the fall season when apples are at their best. With the added crunch from granola and the creaminess of whipped cream, it’s a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that’ll leave everyone asking for more. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this no-bake dessert is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness.
Ingredients:
- 2 large apples, diced
- 1 cup (240ml) caramel sauce
- 1 cup (240ml) whipped cream
- 1/2 cup (60g) granola
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples: Start by washing and dicing the two large apples into small bite-sized pieces. You can peel the apples if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on adds color and a bit of fiber to the dessert. Place the diced apples in a bowl.
- Add Cinnamon: Sprinkle the teaspoon of cinnamon over the diced apples and toss them gently to coat. The cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and adds a warm, spicy note that pairs beautifully with the caramel.
- Layer the Apples: Divide the cinnamon-dusted apples equally among four dessert cups. These can be small glass jars, bowls, or whatever you have on hand. The apples will form the first layer at the bottom of each cup.
- Drizzle the Caramel: Using 1 cup of caramel sauce, drizzle a generous amount over the apples in each cup. The caramel should cover the apples evenly, giving the dessert a luscious, sweet base.
- Add the Granola: Next, sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of granola over the caramel layer in each cup. The granola adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft apples and smooth caramel.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Spoon a dollop of whipped cream on top of the granola. The whipped cream adds lightness to the dessert and balances the sweetness of the caramel.
- Final Touch of Caramel: For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle a little more caramel sauce over the whipped cream before serving. This gives the dessert a beautiful finish and ensures that every bite is packed with caramel goodness.
- Serve Immediately: These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are best enjoyed fresh, as the granola will stay crispy, and the whipped cream will hold its shape. Serve them immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
The Caramel Apple Dessert Cups can be enjoyed as a standalone dessert or paired with other fall-themed treats like warm apple cider, spiced lattes, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra creamy element. For a more sophisticated presentation, you can garnish the whipped cream with a light dusting of cinnamon, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
You can also make these dessert cups for a party or gathering. Set up a build-your-own-dessert bar where guests can choose their toppings, such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or extra fruit like strawberries and bananas. This interactive dessert option is fun for both kids and adults alike.
Helpful Tips:
- Apple Varieties: You can experiment with different types of apples to change the flavor profile of the dessert. Granny Smith apples will add a tart contrast to the sweet caramel, while Honeycrisp or Gala apples will give a sweeter, juicier result.
- Homemade Caramel Sauce: For an extra-special touch, make your own caramel sauce at home using sugar, butter, and cream. This can elevate the dessert and give it a richer, more complex flavor compared to store-bought caramel.
- Granola Variations: Use your favorite type of granola, or even make your own with oats, nuts, and honey. If you want to add more texture, consider incorporating ingredients like nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips into the granola layer. For a healthier version, opt for low-sugar or unsweetened granola.
- Extra Add-ins: To make the dessert even more indulgent, consider adding other mix-ins like chopped pecans, walnuts, or mini chocolate chips. These will not only add extra flavor but also provide more texture variety.
- Make-Ahead Option: While this dessert is best served fresh, you can prepare the apples, caramel, and granola layers in advance and assemble the dessert cups just before serving. If you’re planning to make them ahead, store the apples in lemon water to prevent browning.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 180mg
Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
Conclusion:
The Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a perfect dessert for anyone who loves the combination of fresh apples, creamy caramel, and crunchy granola. These individual cups are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a quick treat to satisfy your sweet cravings, this dessert is sure to be a hit. The combination of tart apples, warm cinnamon, sweet caramel, and the crunch of granola makes for a delightful dessert experience.
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients to suit your personal preferences, whether by using different types of apples or switching up the toppings. You can also adjust the sweetness level by using less caramel or opting for unsweetened whipped cream. The versatility and ease of this dessert make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall with these delicious Caramel Apple Dessert Cups—a simple yet irresistible treat that will have you coming back for seconds!
Recipe Card
Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
Ingredients
- – 2 large apples diced
- – 1 cup 240ml caramel sauce
- – 1 cup 240ml whipped cream
- – 1/2 cup 60g granola
- – 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- **Prepare the Apples**: Start by washing and dicing the two large apples into small bite-sized pieces. You can peel the apples if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on adds color and a bit of fiber to the dessert. Place the diced apples in a bowl.
- **Add Cinnamon**: Sprinkle the teaspoon of cinnamon over the diced apples and toss them gently to coat. The cinnamon enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and adds a warm, spicy note that pairs beautifully with the caramel.
- **Layer the Apples**: Divide the cinnamon-dusted apples equally among four dessert cups. These can be small glass jars, bowls, or whatever you have on hand. The apples will form the first layer at the bottom of each cup.
- **Drizzle the Caramel**: Using 1 cup of caramel sauce, drizzle a generous amount over the apples in each cup. The caramel should cover the apples evenly, giving the dessert a luscious, sweet base.
- **Add the Granola**: Next, sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of granola over the caramel layer in each cup. The granola adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the soft apples and smooth caramel.
- **Top with Whipped Cream**: Spoon a dollop of whipped cream on top of the granola. The whipped cream adds lightness to the dessert and balances the sweetness of the caramel.
- **Final Touch of Caramel**: For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle a little more caramel sauce over the whipped cream before serving. This gives the dessert a beautiful finish and ensures that every bite is packed with caramel goodness.
- **Serve Immediately**: These **Caramel Apple Dessert Cups** are best enjoyed fresh, as the granola will stay crispy, and the whipped cream will hold its shape. Serve them immediately for the best texture and flavor.