Classic Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
These delightful dessert cups feature tender, spiced apples layered with rich caramel sauce and topped with a crunchy oatmeal crumble, perfect for a cozy treat.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Medium bowl
- Oven-safe ramekins or dessert cups (6-8)
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4-5 medium, firm apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup caramel sauce (homemade or good quality store-bought)
Oatmeal Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- Pinch salt
Optional Garnish
- whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or an extra drizzle of caramel
Instructions
Preparation
- Peel, core, and dice the apples into 1/2-inch pieces.
Cook Apples
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 8-10 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat.
Make Crumble Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter until coarse crumbs form using your fingertips or a pastry blender.
Assemble & Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and divide the sautéed apples evenly among 6-8 oven-safe ramekins. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce over the apples in each cup, then generously sprinkle the oatmeal crumble topping over the caramel layer.
- Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until the crumble is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving warm, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
For best results, use firm apples that hold their shape well during cooking. Adjust spices to your preference. These dessert cups can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.