Heavenly Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe: Sweet Fall Bliss

Sweet memories dance around this caramel apple dessert cups creation that connects childhood nostalgia with sophisticated flavor profiles.

Crisp autumn apples meet buttery pastry in a delightful combination.

Delicate layers promise a symphony of textures and tastes.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly to craft something magical.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and indulgence.

Rich caramel drizzles promise pure decadence.

Inside Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the dessert cup.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Baking Powder: Gives light and fluffy texture to the dessert.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Ginger, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the autumn flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies other flavors.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide richness.
• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture and classic fall flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and aromatic sweetness.
• Cream Cheese: Creates creamy, tangy filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and smooths cream cheese mixture.

• Butter, Softened: Adds richness and helps create smooth texture.
• Powdered Sugar (for Dusting): Provides elegant final touch and extra sweetness.

Note: Choose fresh, high-quality spices for best flavor. Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly.

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up your oven to a cozy 375°F.

Line a spacious 15×10 inch jelly roll pan with parchment paper, giving it a quick spray of cooking grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Nutmeg
• Salt

Step 3: Whip Up Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat eggs and sugar until they transform into a thick, creamy mixture.

Gently fold in pumpkin puree and vanilla extract, creating a smooth base.

Step 4: Combine and Spread

Tenderly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

Spread the batter evenly across the prepared pan, creating a smooth canvas.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes.

The cake should look golden and spring back when lightly touched.

Step 6: Create the Rolled Cake

While the cake is still warm, carefully roll it up in a towel dusted with powdered sugar.

Let it cool completely, allowing it to set its shape.

Step 7: Whip Up the Filling

• Cream cheese
• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Blend until the mixture becomes silky smooth and irresistible.

Step 8: Assemble and Finish

Gently unroll the cooled cake, spread the creamy filling evenly across the surface, then carefully re-roll.

Dust the top with a snowfall of powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Slice and serve these delectable caramel apple dessert cups, watching as your guests’ eyes light up with delight.

Helpful Dessert Tips For Caramel Apple Cups

• Select firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tartness in your dessert cups.
• Heat caramel slowly and stir constantly to prevent burning, creating a smooth and glossy sauce that coats apples perfectly.
• Lightly toast cup bases before adding caramel and apples to maintain a crisp, sturdy foundation for your dessert.
• Experiment with different spices like cardamom or nutmeg, or add chopped nuts for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Chill dessert cups for 15-20 minutes before serving to help caramel set and enhance the overall taste experience.

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups: Saving Leftovers

• Store leftover dessert cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Slice the roll into individual portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
• Remove from freezer and let sit in the refrigerator overnight. For quicker thawing, leave at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving.
• Warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness and enhance the cream cheese filling's creamy texture.

Apple Dessert Cups Great Additions

• Sip Sweet Apple Cider: Crisp, chilled apple cider perfectly complements the warm caramel and spice notes in this dessert, enhancing the autumnal flavors and creating a delightful taste experience.
• Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a smooth contrast to the cake's texture, balancing the rich caramel and adding a luxurious touch to each bite.
• Serve with Cinnamon Chai Latte: Spicy, aromatic chai latte echoes the cake's warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, creating a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the dessert's complexity.
• Enjoy with Butterscotch Liqueur: For adult gatherings, a small glass of smooth butterscotch liqueur intensifies the caramel undertones and adds a sophisticated twist to the dessert pairing.

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Fun Customizations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking blend to create a celiac-friendly dessert without compromising taste or texture.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and use reduced-fat cream cheese for a diabetic-friendly option that maintains the dessert's delicious profile.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use aquafaba instead of eggs, coconut cream cheese substitute, and plant-based butter to transform the recipe into a completely dairy-free and egg-free treat.
• Nut-Enhanced Variation: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans inside the filling and on top for added crunch and nutty flavor, elevating the dessert's complexity and nutritional value.

FAQs

• What ingredients make this dessert unique?

Fresh pumpkin puree and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg give this dessert a rich, cozy autumn flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional cake rolls.

• Is this recipe difficult to make?

While it looks impressive, this dessert is surprisingly straightforward. The key is carefully rolling the cake while warm and using a towel dusted with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

• Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make the cake base a day ahead and store it rolled in the towel. The cream cheese filling can also be prepared earlier and refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the dessert.

• What are some tips for perfect cake rolling?

Work quickly when the cake is warm, use a powdered sugar-dusted towel, and roll gently but firmly to avoid cracking. Let the cake cool completely before unrolling and adding the filling.

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe That Bring Fall To The Table

• Savor Quick Baking Bliss: Simple dessert that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat.
• Slice and Serve Ease: Minimal prep work means you can whip up this elegant rolled cake in under 30 minutes, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Warm spices like cinnamon and ginger create a cozy flavor profile that appeals to all ages, making it ideal for family gatherings or potluck desserts.
• Versatile Presentation Magic: Stunning rolled design looks professionally crafted but requires basic baking skills, allowing home cooks to impress guests without extensive culinary training.

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy caramel apple dessert cups blend sweet autumn flavors into a delightful handheld treat. Crisp pastry shells cradle rich caramel and tender apple filling, offering a perfect balance of textures you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 large eggs
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Flour and Spices:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients and Finishing:

• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring the surface is lightly greased for easy cake removal.
2. Combine all dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg – in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute evenly.
3. In a separate large bowl, whip eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and creates ribbons when the whisk is lifted.
4. Incorporate pumpkin puree and vanilla extract into the egg mixture, stirring gently to maintain the mixture’s airy texture.
5. Carefully fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, using a spatula to blend without deflating the batter.
6. Spread the batter uniformly across the prepared baking sheet, creating an even layer that will ensure consistent baking.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 13-15 minutes, watching for a golden edge and a slight springback when touched.
8. Remove the cake and immediately dust a clean kitchen towel with powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
9. While still warm, carefully roll the cake within the sugar-dusted towel, allowing it to cool completely in this cylindrical shape.
10. Prepare the filling by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
11. Once cooled, gently unroll the cake and spread the filling evenly across the surface.
12. Re-roll the cake, ensuring the filling is distributed consistently.
13. Finish by lightly dusting the exterior with additional powdered sugar for a delicate, elegant presentation.

Notes

• Swap wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Use reduced-fat cream cheese and butter to lower the calorie content without compromising taste.
• Keep the cake roll tightly wrapped to prevent cracking and maintain moisture during cooling.
• Enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of cardamom or cloves for a more complex flavor experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg