Description
Ingredients:
– 4 large apples, peeled and cored
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce
– 1 cup granola or crushed graham crackers
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the granola or crushed graham crackers with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Mix well.
3. Slice the peeled and cored apples into thin rings.
4. Lightly grease small dessert cups or ramekins. Place a layer of apple slices on the bottom of each cup.
5. Sprinkle a layer of the granola mixture over the apple slices.
6. Drizzle caramel sauce on top of the granola layer.
7. Repeat layers until cups are filled, ending with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
8. Place dessert cups on a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes or until apples are tender and caramel is bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
10. Top each cup with a dollop of whipped heavy cream and a light drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Tips:
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweet caramel.
Chill the whipped cream before topping to maintain a light, fluffy texture longer.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your apples by peeling, coring, and slicing them into uniform, thin rings; this ensures even cooking. In a bowl, thoroughly combine the granola (or graham crackers), brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until the mixture is consistent. Lightly grease four small ramekins or dessert cups. Begin your layers: start with a base of apple slices, then a sprinkle of the granola mixture, followed by a drizzle of caramel sauce. Repeat this sequence until the ramekin is full, finishing with a final caramel drizzle. Bake on a tray for 20 minutes until the apples are fork-tender and the caramel is bubbling. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before adding the final toppings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these warm caramel apple cups as a cozy fall dessert. For an elegant touch, garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt or chopped toasted pecans on the whipped cream. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream instead of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. For a festive presentation, serve them on a platter with extra caramel sauce for drizzling at the table.
How-to Summary
This dessert involves creating layered cups with sliced apples, a spiced granola crunch, and caramel sauce. The assembled cups are baked until tender and bubbly, then topped with whipped cream. The key steps are slicing the apples thinly, building even layers, and baking just until the apples are soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these caramel apple cups ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cups (without baking) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate them, then add a few extra minutes to the baking time when ready to cook.
2. What’s the best substitute for heavy whipping cream?
For a lighter option, use full-fat coconut cream (chilled) and whip it. For a non-dairy topping, a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt also works well.
3. How do I prevent the apples from browning before baking?
The lemon juice in the granola mixture helps, but for extra insurance, you can toss the apple slices in a tablespoon of lemon juice and water before assembling.
4. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely. A good-quality jarred caramel sauce is perfectly fine, though homemade sauce will deepen the flavor.
5. My granola topping is burning. What should I do?
If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent the cups with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid slicing apples too thickly, as they won’t cook through properly.
- Do not overfill the cups, as the caramel can bubble over and create a mess in your oven.
- Resist the urge to skip the lemon juice; it’s crucial for balancing sweetness and preventing browning.
- Do not top with whipped cream while the desserts are piping hot, as it will melt instantly.
- Avoid packing the granola mixture down; keep it loose for a better textural contrast.
Conclusion
These individual caramel apple cups are the epitome of simple, satisfying comfort food. By combining tender spiced apples, crunchy granola, and rich caramel, they deliver complex flavor and texture with minimal effort. Perfect for a weeknight treat or a dinner party finale, this versatile recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Remember the tips on apple selection and layering to ensure a perfectly balanced dessert every time.