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Salted Caramel Apple Cups

Salted Caramel Apple Cups
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Salted Caramel Apple Cups are an easy and elegant dessert featuring crisp apples filled with rich salted caramel sauce, a touch of sea salt, and optional warm spices. This recipe offers a balanced blend of sweet, salty, and fresh flavors, making it a perfect treat for fall gatherings or quick snacks. Individual apple cups create an eye-catching presentation with a healthier indulgence thanks to fiber-rich apples.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

  • 4 firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salted Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for warming caramel)
  • Sea salt, to taste (for sprinkling)

Optional Add-ins and Garnishes

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Crushed pecans or walnuts, for topping
  • Whipped cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Wash and dry your apples thoroughly. Carefully core each apple, removing all seeds and creating enough hollow space to hold the caramel filling. Lightly brush the insides with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  2. Warm the caramel sauce: Gently warm the caramel sauce over low heat on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl until it becomes pourable but not hot. If making homemade caramel, melt sugar with butter and cream while stirring continuously until golden and smooth, avoiding burning.
  3. Fill the apple cups: Pour or spoon the warmed salted caramel sauce inside each hollowed apple, filling up to just below the rim. Sprinkle a light dash of sea salt on top to enhance the sweet-salty flavor contrast.
  4. Bake (optional): Place the filled apples on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes. This softens the apples slightly and melds flavors but can be skipped if you prefer a fresh crisp bite.
  5. Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven or serve immediately after filling. Optionally, garnish with cinnamon, chopped nuts, or whipped cream to enhance texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
  • Use fresh lemon juice to prevent apple browning and maintain a bright appearance.
  • Do not overfill the apple cups; leave a small gap at the top to avoid spillage.
  • Warm caramel gently to prevent burning or separation of the sauce.
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt for a burst of salty crunch that complements the sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Salted Caramel Apple Cups, caramel apple dessert, fall dessert, easy apple recipe, caramel treats, healthy dessert

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/salted-caramel-apple-cups/