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–+ servings
Delicious Apple Dessert Cups with caramel, cinnamon, and creamy layers.

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

A sweet and cozy fall dessert that combines layers of buttery sautéed apples, cream cheese filling, and crunchy cookie crumbs. Perfect for potlucks and gatherings!
Servings 8 cups
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours

Ingredients

For the Apple Layer

  • 3 medium apples, preferably Honeycrisp or Granny Smith For a sweet tart balance.
  • 2 tablespoons butter For sautéing the apples.
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar To make the apples glossy.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon Plus a pinch of salt.
  • 1 splash vanilla extract Optional, for extra flavor.
  • 1 pinch nutmeg Optional, for extra warmth.

For the Crumb Layer

  • 1.5 cups crushed cookies or graham crackers Shortbread cookies are also amazing.
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter Optional, for packing the crumbs together.

For the Cream Layer

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened For creaminess.
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar Adjust to taste for sweetness.
  • 1.5 cups whipped topping or heavy cream Whipped yourself for best results.

For Serving

  • salted caramel sauce Store bought or homemade, preferably salted for sweetness.
  • optional toppings: chopped pecans, toffee bits, extra cinnamon, or a drizzle of chocolate. For extra flair.

Instructions

Preparation

  • Peel and dice the apples into small bite-sized pieces.
  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir for 6 to 10 minutes until the apples soften.
  • Let the apples cool to prevent melting the creamy layer.

Making the Crumb Base

  • Crush the cookies or graham crackers. Optional: Mix in melted butter for a slightly different texture.

Preparing the Cream Layer

  • Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla.
  • Fold in whipped topping or freshly whipped cream. Adjust sweetness if necessary.

Assembly

  • In small cups, layer the ingredients starting with crumbs, followed by cream, apples, and a drizzle of caramel.
  • Repeat the layering process if your cups are tall enough.
  • Finish with a final drizzle of caramel and any additional toppings.

Chilling

  • Chill for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

You can prepare apples up to 2 days in advance. Best consumed within 2 days for optimal crunchiness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 3gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 20g
Calories: 300kcal
Course: Dessert, Party, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fall
Keyword: Apple Recipes, Caramel Apple Dessert Cups, Easy Dessert Recipes, Fall Dessert, Party Treats