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- 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (divided) - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Whipped cream (optional for serving) The main ingredients set the stage for the flavor in Caramel Apple Crisp Cups. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples because they add a nice tartness. You want to peel and dice them to get them ready for mixing. Rolled oats and all-purpose flour create the crunchy topping. These two ingredients give the dessert its classic crisp texture. The flavor enhancers, like ground cinnamon and sea salt, boost the taste. Cinnamon adds warmth while salt balances the sweetness. For sweetness, we divide the brown sugar. You use some in the apple mix and some in the crumble. The caramel sauce brings everything together with rich, gooey goodness. Finally, whipped cream can add a creamy touch if you want it. It makes each bite even more delightful. Enjoy every layer of flavor in these tasty cups! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key. A hot oven helps the cups bake evenly. It ensures the oat topping gets that nice golden color. Preheating also helps the apples cook just right. Next, let’s prepare the apples. Take 3 medium apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Peel and dice them into small pieces. In a big mixing bowl, add the diced apples, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Toss everything together gently. This mix makes the apples sweet and tangy. Once mixed, set this bowl aside. Now, we’ll make the oat crumble. In another bowl, mix 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of melted butter, 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and the last 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir until it looks like coarse crumbs. You want a mix that is crumbly but sticks together. This will give each cup a nice, crunchy topping. Time to put everything together! Line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners. Spoon the apple mix into each muffin cup until they are filled halfway. Then, take the oat topping and spread it over the apples. Press it down gently to make a great texture. The layers should look inviting and delicious. Place the muffin tin in your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness when the oat topping is golden brown, and the apple filling is bubbling. The smell will fill your kitchen with a warm, cozy aroma. After baking, carefully take the tin out of the oven. Let the cups cool for a few minutes. Drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over the tops. If you like, add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. These cups are perfect for sharing, or you might just want to keep them all for yourself! Choosing the right apples makes a big difference. I suggest using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Granny Smith adds a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp gives a sweet crunch. Both hold their shape well when baked. For the best flavor, always peel and dice your apples into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly and mix well with the spices. Achieving the right crumbly texture is key to a great crisp. Mix the rolled oats, flour, melted butter, sea salt, and brown sugar until it looks like coarse crumbs. You want it to stick together but still fall apart easily. If it feels too wet, add a bit more flour. If too dry, add a splash of melted butter. This balance creates a topping that is crispy yet soft. Serving your Caramel Apple Crisp Cups can be fun! I love to drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a sweet touch. A dollop of whipped cream adds creaminess and makes it extra special. You can also serve these cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm apple filling and cold ice cream create a great contrast. Try sprinkling some extra cinnamon on top for a lovely finish! Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold their shape and balance well with the sweetness of the caramel. Customize Your Topping: Feel free to add nuts or spices like nutmeg to the oat crumble for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Serve Warm: These cups are best enjoyed warm, so consider reheating them slightly before serving for maximum enjoyment. Make Ahead: You can prepare the apple mixture and oat topping in advance, storing them separately in the fridge to save time on baking day. {{image_4}} You can make your Caramel Apple Crisp Cups even better by adding nuts. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Just chop them up and mix them into the oat crumble. This small change gives each bite more texture and flavor. Nuts also add healthy fats, making this dessert a bit more wholesome. If you need a gluten-free option, you can easily swap the flour. Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour. This change keeps your dessert tasty without gluten. Make sure the other ingredients you choose are also gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these yummy cups without worry. Want to try something new? Experiment with different caramel flavors. You can use salted caramel for a sweet and salty mix. Or, try adding a hint of vanilla or maple to the caramel sauce. Each option adds its own twist and makes your dessert unique. Have fun and find your favorite! To keep your Caramel Apple Crisp Cups fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each cup in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, they stay tasty for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy your cups again, reheating is key. If you use the microwave, heat them for 20 to 30 seconds. Check to see if they are warm enough. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cups on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10 minutes. This method keeps the crisp topping crunchy. These cups stay fresh in the fridge for about four days. If frozen, they can last for three months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. Enjoy your dessert at its best! Yes, you can use different apple types. The best are Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. These apples balance tartness and sweetness well. They hold up during baking, keeping their shape. Other good choices include Fuji and Braeburn. However, avoid soft apples like Red Delicious. They may turn mushy in the cups. You can keep leftovers for about 3 to 4 days. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps them fresh. If you want to save them longer, freeze the cups. Wrap them well in plastic wrap or foil. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Yes, you can prepare these cups ahead of time. Make the apple filling and oat crumble in advance. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. When ready to bake, layer them in the muffin tin. Bake as usual. This way, you enjoy fresh cups without stress on serving day. This recipe combines scrumptious apples, oats, and sweet toppings. You learned how to prepare and bake apple crumble cups with easy steps. Remember to choose the right apples for flavor. Try adding nuts or using gluten-free flour for variety. Store them well for tasty treats later. Enjoying this dessert will impress anyone who tries it. Get started on this delicious journey today!

Caramel Apple Crisp Cups

Delicious individual cups filled with spiced apples and topped with a crunchy oat crumble, drizzled with caramel sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar, divided
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 2/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 2/3 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 2/3 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Toss until the apples are evenly coated and set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, melted butter, sea salt, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of brown sugar until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Line a standard muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  • Spoon the apple mixture into each muffin cup until filled about halfway.
  • Evenly distribute the oat crumble over the apple layers in each cup, pressing it down gently.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the oat topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Drizzle caramel sauce over each cup and add whipped cream if desired.

Notes

Serve warm with whipped cream for an indulgent treat.
Keyword apple, caramel, crisp, dessert