Caramel Apple Cups with Cinnamon Apples – A Sweet and Cozy Dessert You’ll Love

Few desserts capture the warmth of fall quite like Caramel Apple Cups with Cinnamon Apples. Imagine biting into a soft, chewy blondie base topped with tender, spiced apples, drizzled in buttery salted caramel, and finished with a golden crumble. These little bites of comfort are perfect for cozy family nights, holiday dessert tables, or whenever you want to impress without hours in the kitchen. The best part? You can prepare them in simple steps, and they taste just as good warm out of the oven as they do the next day. Looking for inspiration? Try our Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake recipe for another fall favorite.

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Why Caramel Apple Cups with Cinnamon Apples Are the Perfect Treat

Caramel apple desserts have been a seasonal staple for generations, but this recipe takes the tradition to a new level of convenience and flavor. Instead of juggling a sticky caramel apple on a stick, you get a neat, handheld dessert that packs in all the same flavors with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

These cups strike the perfect balance of flavors: the sweet and slightly tart apples pair beautifully with the rich, buttery blondie base, while the salted caramel adds a gourmet touch that keeps the sweetness in check. They’re ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or as a make-ahead dessert for your next holiday gathering. And since they bake in muffin tins, portion control is built right in—though good luck stopping at just one.

Not to mention, the aroma of cinnamon and caramel filling your kitchen is reason enough to bake these. Don’t miss our Salted Caramel Apple Bars if you love that same cozy scent wafting through your home.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cups with Cinnamon Apples

When it comes to ingredients, you probably already have most of them in your pantry. The magic lies in using fresh apples and real butter for maximum flavor.

• Fresh apples: Honeycrisp works beautifully for sweetness and texture, but you can also try Granny Smith for a tangier bite.
• Pantry staples: You’ll need butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract for that warm, home-baked taste.
• Caramel: You can opt for store-bought caramel candies for convenience or make your own salted caramel for a deeper flavor.
• Optional toppings: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or extra caramel drizzle can turn these into a decadent plated dessert.

Discover great ideas like our Cinnamon Apple Bread if you want another spiced apple recipe that’s just as comforting. And for a quick no-bake option, check out our No-Bake Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Parfaits — perfect when you’re short on oven space.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Caramel Apple Cups

This recipe comes together in a series of simple steps, and the best part is you can prep each component ahead of time if needed.

Preparing the Cinnamon Apples

Start with peeling and chopping your apples into small cubes for even cooking. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Cook for about three minutes, just until the apples are slightly tender. They don’t need to be fully soft yet—they’ll finish cooking in the oven. This step is where the magic begins, as the warm spices infuse the apples and create that irresistible aroma.

Making the Chewy Blondie Base

The blondie layer is the foundation of your caramel apple cups. In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter and brown sugar until smooth, then beat in the egg and vanilla. Gently fold in flour until the batter is just combined—overmixing can make the blondies dense. The result should be a thick, rich batter that will hold up well to the juicy apple topping.

Creating the Salted Caramel Sauce

Place unwrapped caramel candies and cream (or water) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts, stirring until smooth. Add a sprinkle of kosher salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the caramel flavor. If the caramel starts to thicken while assembling your cups, simply warm it again for a few seconds to restore its pourable consistency.

Assembling the Cups

Spray a muffin tin with cooking spray—skip the paper liners, as the caramel will stick. Drop about two tablespoons of blondie batter into each cup, smoothing it slightly. Add a spoonful of cinnamon apples on top, then drizzle a teaspoon of caramel sauce over the apples, keeping it away from the tin’s edges to prevent sticking. Finally, sprinkle each cup with a crumble made from butter, flour, and brown sugar for added texture.

Baking and Cooling

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 13–16 minutes, or until the tops are just golden. Allow the cups to cool in the tin before running a knife around the edges to release them. Cooling is important here—it allows the caramel to set slightly and keeps the cups intact.

Don’t miss our Apple Hand Pies if you love handheld apple desserts with a flaky crust. Or for a seasonal twist, our Pumpkin S’mores Cookies are a must-try for fall gatherings.

Tips for the Best Caramel Apple CupsEven the simplest recipes have little tricks that take them from good to unforgettable.

• Keep the caramel soft: Adding a bit of cream to the caramel keeps it from turning hard after cooling.
• Avoid soggy bottoms: Make sure apples are slightly cooked before adding them to the batter to release excess moisture.
• Storage tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• Reheating: Warm individual cups in the microwave for 20–30 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Easy Fresh Peach Fritters for another fruit-filled dessert with a crispy, sweet topping.

Serving Ideas and Variations

The beauty of Caramel Apple Cups with Cinnamon Apples is their versatility. You can serve them as-is for a simple treat or dress them up for special occasions.

• With ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream turns these cups into an indulgent plated dessert.
• With whipped cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream balances the richness with a light, airy texture.
• Mini pie twist: Line the muffin tin with pie crust instead of blondie batter for a flaky variation.
• Flavor upgrades: Add chopped pecans for crunch, drizzle with maple syrup for warmth, or sprinkle with pumpkin spice for an autumn twist.

If you enjoy flavor experimentation, don’t miss our Honey Peach Galette for another fruit-meets-pastry masterpiece.

FAQ – Caramel Apple Cups with Cinnamon Apples

Conclusion

From their rich blondie base to the gooey cinnamon apples and salted caramel drizzle, Caramel Apple Cups with Cinnamon Apples deliver pure comfort in every bite. They’re easy enough for weeknight baking yet elegant enough for holiday dessert tables. Whether you serve them warm with ice cream or enjoy them straight from the muffin tin, these treats are sure to disappear quickly.

For another crowd-pleaser, check out our Cinnamon Apple Bread — it’s a slice of fall in every bite.

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