Description
Sweet Caramel Apple Dessert Cups deliver a delightful autumn treat combining crisp apples and rich caramel. Buttery pastry shells cradle warm spiced fruit for a memorable seasonal indulgence you’ll savor with pure delight.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese (softened)
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
- ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsps brown sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Extra whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Graham Cracker Foundation: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar into a cohesive mixture. Press firmly into serving cups, creating a sturdy base that will anchor the dessert’s structure.
- Caramelized Apple Symphony: In a skillet, transform diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg over medium heat. Stir occasionally, allowing the fruit to soften and develop a deep golden caramelization. Finish with a splash of vanilla extract, then set aside to cool and intensify flavors.
- Creamy Cheese Elevation: Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until achieving a velvety smooth texture. Gently fold in whipped topping, maintaining a light and airy consistency that will provide luxurious volume to the dessert.
- Layered Flavor Assembly: Strategically construct the dessert by spreading the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker base. Crown with the caramelized apple compote, then embellish with a lavish caramel drizzle and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for textural intrigue and visual appeal.
- Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cups for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize and the dessert to set. Serve thoroughly chilled, presenting a refreshing and indulgent treat that promises a symphony of tastes and textures.
Notes
- Prevent Soggy Crust: Prebake graham cracker base for 5 minutes at 350°F to create a crisp foundation that resists moisture from apple filling.
- Balance Apple Texture: Choose firm apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain structure during caramelization and prevent mushy consistency.
- Adjust Sweetness Level: Control sugar content by reducing brown sugar in apple mixture for a less sweet version or substituting with honey for natural sweetness.
- Make It Dietary-Friendly: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour crust, and use dairy-free cream cheese for vegan adaptation while maintaining original dessert’s rich flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg