Rustic Caramel Apple Dessert Cups: Quick & Easy Treat (Print Version)

Whip up these easy Caramel Apple Dessert Cups! Layers of tender apples, buttery crumble, and gooey caramel sauce make for a delightful, comforting treat.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Apple Base

01 - 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
04 - 1 tsp ground cinnamon

→ Crumble Topping

05 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 cup rolled oats
07 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
08 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
09 - 4 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

→ Finishing Touches

10 - 1/2 cup store-bought caramel sauce, warmed (optional, for drizzling)

→ Optional Extras

11 - Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving)
12 - Chopped pecans or walnuts

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, peel, core, and dice your apples into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. I find this size cooks down nicely without becoming total mush. While you're doing this, I always get a little nostalgic, thinking about childhood apple-picking trips. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in your diced apples, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften but still have a slight bite. This step really brings out their sweetness and starts that amazing aroma wafting through the kitchen. Don't overcook them, or they'll be too soft for our cups!
02 - While your apples are softening, it’s crumble time! In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Give it a good whisk to mix everything up. Now, cut in 4 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter. You can use a pastry blender, two knives, or honestly, just your fingertips – that's what I usually do, messy but effective! Work the butter into the dry ingredients until you have a coarse, crumbly mixture with some pea-sized pieces. Don't overmix; we want that lovely crumbly texture, not a dough. I’ve definitely overmixed before and ended up with a cookie dough, oops!
03 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 6-cavity muffin tin and either grease it well or line it with paper liners. I usually go for liners because cleanup is a breeze! Spoon a generous layer of the softened apple mixture into the bottom of each cup. You want them pretty full, but leave a little room for the crumble. This is where the magic starts to happen; you can practically smell the finished product already. Be mindful not to press the apples down too much, we want them to stay light and tender.
04 - Once your apples are nestled in, sprinkle a thick layer of the crumble topping evenly over each cup. Don't be shy here; the crumble is what gives these dessert cups that satisfying crunch! Gently press it down just a little to help it adhere. Pop the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary! I once walked away for "just a minute" and came back to slightly-too-dark crumble. Lesson learned!
05 - Carefully remove the dessert cups from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes. They'll be hot, so use oven mitts! This cooling time helps them firm up a bit before you try to remove them. While they’re still warm, take your store-bought caramel sauce and drizzle a generous amount over the top of each cup. I love watching the caramel melt slightly and seep into the crumble; it just looks so inviting. I usually go for a zig-zag pattern, but honestly, any drizzle is a good drizzle.
06 - Once drizzled, you can serve these warm, straight from the tin, or let them cool completely. They’re fantastic either way! I personally love them slightly warm with a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream, but they’re also perfect on their own for a simple treat. The smell alone is enough to make everyone gather in the kitchen. The tender apples, the crunchy crumble, and that gooey caramel – it's just pure comfort in a cup. Don't be surprised if they disappear quickly!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip pre-cooking the apples; it ensures they're tender, not crunchy, in the final cup.
02 - Use cold butter for the crumble; it makes for a much flakier, crispier topping, I learned that the hard way.
03 - Don't overcrowd the muffin tin; give each cup a little breathing room for even baking.
04 - For an extra pop of flavor, a tiny pinch of sea salt on the caramel drizzle is a game-changer.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - medium bowl
03 - 6-cavity muffin tin
04 - pastry blender (optional)

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 300
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 40g
Protein: 3g

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