Description
Scrumptious caramel apple dessert cups deliver pure autumn bliss in handheld pastry shells. Crisp apple chunks nestled with smooth caramel create an irresistible seasonal treat you’ll savor with delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Main Ingredients:
- 4 fresh apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
- 1 sheet puff pastry or pie crust
Sweeteners and Spices:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) cinnamon
Dairy and Extras:
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter
- 1/2 cup whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375F (190C) to prepare for pastry baking.
- Using a rolling pin, flatten the puff pastry or pie crust and use a circular cutter to create rounds matching the size of your dessert cups.
- Gently press the pastry rounds into each cup, ensuring smooth edges and complete coverage.
- Bake the pastry cups for 10-12 minutes until they transform into a rich, golden brown color with crisp edges.
- While pastry bakes, melt butter in a saucepan and add diced apples, stirring with brown sugar and cinnamon until the fruit softens and caramelizes.
- Remove golden pastry cups from the oven and allow them to cool slightly for 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully spoon the warm, caramelized apple mixture into each delicate pastry shell.
- Enhance the dessert by drizzling additional caramel sauce over the filled cups for extra decadence.
- Optional: Crown each dessert cup with a dollop of whipped cream just before serving to add a creamy contrast.
- Serve immediately while the pastry remains crisp and the apples are still warm.
Notes
- Make your pastry extra crispy by brushing with an egg wash before baking for a golden, shiny finish.
- Experiment with different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for varied tartness and texture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute puff pastry with almond flour or gluten-free pie crust.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg