Caramel Apple Trifle Cups

$- 3 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1 cup heavy whipping cream - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup granola (your favorite kind) - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Extra caramel sauce and diced apples for garnish - Use 3 apples for a fresh crunch. - Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to keep apples bright. - Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon for warmth. - Mix in 1/4 cup of brown sugar for sweetness. - Whip up 1 cup of heavy cream for a rich layer. - Sweeten with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. - Flavor with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. - Layer with 1 cup of granola for crunch. - Drizzle with 1/2 cup of caramel sauce for that sweet finish. - Use extra apples and caramel for a pretty top. - Try Fuji or Gala apples if you want a sweeter taste. - Use lime juice instead of lemon juice for a twist. - Swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a different flavor. - Use non-dairy cream for a vegan option. - Try coconut whipped cream for a tropical touch. - Experiment with different granola types, like nut or chocolate. - Use chocolate sauce instead of caramel for a rich change. - You can also add nuts or dried fruits for extra texture. First, grab your apples. I like using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their crunch. Peel, core, and dice them into small pieces. In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples with lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. This step adds flavor and keeps the apples fresh. Toss the apples gently to coat them well. Let them rest for about 10 minutes. This time helps the apples soften and release their juices. While the apples marinate, it’s time to whip the cream. Take a clean mixing bowl. Pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream on medium speed. Watch closely as it thickens. Once it starts to get thick, slowly add in ½ cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Keep whipping until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, or it may turn to butter! Once ready, set the whipped cream aside. Now for the fun part—layering! Get your serving cups or jars ready. Start with about 1 tablespoon of the marinated apples at the bottom of each cup. Next, add 2 tablespoons of whipped cream on top of the apples. Then, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of granola over the cream. Drizzle a spoonful of caramel sauce on top of the granola. Repeat this layering process until your cups are full. You can fit two to three layers, depending on cup size. For the final layer, add a big dollop of whipped cream. Finish it off with another drizzle of caramel sauce. To make it pretty, top with extra granola and a few diced apple pieces. A light dusting of cinnamon adds a nice touch. Cover the trifle cups with plastic wrap. Put them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to mix and the layers to set before you enjoy your treat! Serve these trifle cups cold for the best taste. They make a great treat for parties. You can also set them out for a fun family dessert night. For a special touch, add a sprinkle of nuts or chocolate shavings on top. These little details make your dessert shine! Layering is key to a great trifle. Start with a thin layer of apples. Then, add whipped cream to keep things light. Follow with granola for a nice crunch. Repeat these layers until your cup is full. Make sure the top layer is whipped cream, so it looks pretty. This way, guests see the delicious layers right away. Whipping cream is easy, but it can be tricky. Start with cold cream for the best results. Use a clean bowl and beaters to get the cream fluffy. Whip until you see soft peaks. Don't overwhip, or it will turn into butter. If you want sweet cream, add powdered sugar slowly while whipping. This makes it sweet and smooth. {{image_4}} You can use many apple types for your trifle cups. Each type brings its taste. Granny Smith apples add tartness, while Honeycrisp offers sweetness. Fuji apples are juicy and sweet. For a spicier flavor, try using Jonagold apples. Mixing different kinds can also boost flavor and texture. Toppings can change your trifle in fun ways. Instead of granola, use crushed cookies or nuts for crunch. You can also swap caramel sauce for chocolate sauce. Fresh berries add a bright touch and a burst of flavor. Consider whipped cream alternatives, like yogurt or coconut cream. Each option gives your trifle a new twist. Want a lighter version? Use low-fat whipped cream or Greek yogurt. Swap brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness. You can also add more fruits, like bananas or pears, to boost nutrition. Use less caramel sauce to cut sugar. These changes keep the dessert tasty but healthier for you. To store your trifle cups, cover them tightly with plastic wrap. You can also use a lid if your cups have them. This keeps the layers fresh and prevents drying. Make sure they are placed in the fridge. They stay cool and tasty this way. These trifle cups are best enjoyed within two days. After that, the apples may lose their crunch. The whipped cream can also lose its fluffiness. If you want the best taste, eat them fresh. However, they can last up to three days in the fridge if stored well. Caramel apple trifle cups are meant to be served cold. Reheating is not recommended. The whipped cream will melt, and the trifle will lose its charm. Enjoy them straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat. Yes, you can make these trifle cups ahead of time. Prepare them and store them in the fridge. They taste even better after resting. The flavors blend well, and the apples soften nicely. Just be sure to cover them well with plastic wrap. Absolutely! You can use any whipped topping you like. Store-bought whipped cream works great. You can also use dairy-free options if you prefer. Just make sure it holds its shape well. Some people even use cool whip for ease. If you don’t have caramel sauce, try using chocolate sauce instead. You can also use honey or maple syrup for a twist. These options add sweetness and flavor. If you want a healthier choice, use date syrup. Just pick what you love! This blog post covered how to make Caramel Apple Trifle Cups. We talked about the needed ingredients, their amounts, and alternatives you can use. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing the apples, whipping the cream, and layering the trifle. You learned serving tips and best practices for layering. We also explored variations, storage, and frequently asked questions. Get creative with your trifle and enjoy it your way!$

Indulge in the delightful taste of these Caramel Apple Trifle Cups! This easy recipe combines sweet, juicy apples, whipped cream, and crunchy granola drizzled with rich caramel for a dessert that's sure to impress. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these trifle cups are as beautiful as they are delicious. Ready to elevate your dessert game? Click through to explore this recipe and treat yourself to this irresistible treat!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup granola (use your favorite variety)

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Additional caramel sauce and diced apples for garnish

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced apples with the lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Toss them gently to coat, then let them marinate for about 10 minutes. This will help soften the apples and release their natural juices.

As the apples sit, take another mixing bowl and pour in the heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until it begins to thicken. Then, gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue whipping until soft peaks form, making sure not to overwhip. Set the whipped cream aside.

Prepare your serving cups or jars. Begin layering the trifle as follows:

- Start with approximately 1 tablespoon of the marinated diced apples at the bottom of each cup.

- Add about 2 tablespoons of the freshly whipped cream on top of the apples.

- Sprinkle a layer of granola, roughly 1 tablespoon, over the whipped cream.

- Drizzle a spoonful of caramel sauce over the granola.

Repeat this layering process until the cups are filled, typically allowing for two to three layers depending on the size of your containers. For the final layer, top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and finish with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

For stunning presentation, garnish your final layer with extra granola and a few diced apples. A light dusting of ground cinnamon on top adds a lovely touch and enhances the flavor.

Cover the trifle cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4