If you’ve ever dreamed of marrying the cozy flavors of autumn into one irresistible treat, the Salted Caramel Apple Cups Recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert obsession. Imagine tender, warmly spiced apples nestled inside a buttery, tender batter, all crowned with a buttery crumble and drizzled in luscious, buttery salted caramel. These delightful little cups are the perfect blend of sweet and salty with just the right amount of spice — an absolute showstopper for gatherings or a comforting night in. Trust me, once you try this Salted Caramel Apple Cups Recipe, you’ll want to make it over and over again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows small pieces of golden-brown cooked food in a black non-stick pan. The pieces are irregular and shiny with a slightly caramelized texture. There is a bright orange spatula resting inside the pan on the right side. The background surface is white with a marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, down-to-earth ingredients is the secret to achieving the perfect balance of textures and flavors in this recipe. Each component plays a role – the apples bring juicy sweetness, the brown sugar adds depth, and the butter creates that tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

1 Tablespoon butter: Used to soften apples and add richness to their natural sweetness.
1 cup peeled and chopped apples: Choose crisp, tart apples to keep the flavor bright and fresh.
1 Tablespoon brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness to both the apples and the crumble topping.
½ teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses warm, cozy spice for that signature fall flavor.
Pinch of nutmeg: A subtle touch to enhance the apple’s natural aroma.
½ cup melted butter (1 stick): Makes the batter tender and rich.
1 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the batter with a deep, molasses flavor.
1 egg: Binds the batter to hold the cups together perfectly.
1 teaspoon vanilla: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor.
1 cup flour: Provides structure to the batter.
20 caramels (about 5.5 oz, unwrapped): Melted into a luscious salted caramel sauce.
1 Tablespoon cream (or water): Helps melt the caramels smoothly.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness for that stunning salted caramel contrast.
2 Tablespoons butter (slightly softened): Key for the crumbly topping texture.
5 Tablespoons flour: Combines with butter and sugar to create the perfect crumble.
¼ cup brown sugar: Sweetens the crumble topping beautifully.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Cups Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees and giving your muffin tin a good spray with cooking spray — skip paper liners here to avoid sticking. In a small skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter, then toss in your peeled and chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for about 3 minutes until the apples are just tender but still hold their shape. This step wakes up those spices and caramelizes the apples ever so slightly, creating the heart of flavor in our cups.

Step 2: Whip Up the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the melted butter and brown sugar until fluffy and light. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract for richness and flavor, then gently fold in the flour until just combined. This batter forms the soft, buttery base that will cradle the apples and caramel in a perfect little package.

Step 3: Melt the Caramel

Pop your unwrapped caramels and cream (or water) into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for around 60 to 90 seconds. Stir well until smooth and velvety. Don’t forget to mix in the kosher salt at this stage — this touch adds the essential salty contrast that makes the caramel pop.

Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping

Combine the softened butter, flour, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to mix until the mixture looks like coarse sand. This crumble topping will bake to a golden, crispy finish that adds texture and sweetness to our apple cups.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Drop about 2 tablespoons of batter into each prepared muffin cup (you’ll end up with 12). Spoon 1 to 2 teaspoons of those juicy apples on top, then drizzle 1 to 2 teaspoons of your salted caramel sauce on each, being careful not to let it touch the edges of the tins. Finally, sprinkle the crumble evenly over the tops. Bake for 13 to 16 minutes until the tops are just starting to turn golden and the aroma fills your kitchen. Once out of the oven, let them cool in the tin and carefully loosen with a knife before removing. These little cups are delicious served warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Cups Recipe

The image shows a close-up of two steps in making a dessert in an old metal muffin tray on a white marbled surface. The first step features a spoon pouring a shiny, light golden caramel sauce over small pieces of a brown ingredient at the bottom of one muffin cup. The second step shows a woman's hand gently sprinkling crumbly, light beige streusel topping evenly over the caramel mixture in the muffin cups nearby. The metal tray has several empty cups visible, and the scene has a warm, homey feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Salted Caramel Apple Cups Recipe even more, try adding a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream right on top. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can enhance the salted caramel notes, while a few toasted pecans or walnuts lend a delightful crunch. Fresh apple slices or a dusting of cinnamon can also provide a pretty finishing touch that wows your guests.

Side Dishes

These cups pair wonderfully with hot beverages like chai tea, coffee, or even a spiced cider. For a more indulgent dessert spread, serve alongside warm oatmeal or a creamy custard. They also hold their own on a brunch table next to spiced muffins or cinnamon rolls — basically, anytime you want to fill your meal with warmth and love.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, arrange the Salted Caramel Apple Cups on a wooden rustic board surrounded by scattered apple slices, caramel drizzle, and sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary. Alternatively, present them in individual mini baking dishes or mason jars for a charming twist. Adding edible flowers or colorful fall leaves as decoration can easily make your dessert both a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store your apple cups in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them fresh longer, refrigeration is a good option, but be sure to bring them back to room temperature or warm gently before serving to preserve their lovely texture.

Freezing

These treats freeze beautifully! Place cooled apple cups in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat gently in the microwave for that just-baked feel.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your salted caramel apple cups is in the microwave for about 30 seconds, just enough to warm without melting the crumble topping too much. You can also reheat in a preheated 300-degree oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Either way will make your Salted Caramel Apple Cups Recipe taste freshly baked again!

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith work best to balance the sweetness, but you can also try Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala if you prefer a slightly sweeter bite. Just make sure they hold their shape well when cooked.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free caramel or homemade coconut caramel. Make sure to pick ingredients that melt smoothly for the best texture in your caramel drizzle.

Can I prepare these in advance for a party?

Definitely! Assemble the cups up to the point before baking and store them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When your guests arrive, bake fresh for warm, gooey results that will impress everyone.

What can I use instead of caramels for the sauce?

If you don’t have soft caramels, you can make your own salted caramel sauce from scratch using sugar, butter, cream, and salt. It’s a bit more involved but adds a wonderful homemade touch.

How do I avoid the batter sticking to the muffin tin?

Spraying your muffin tin thoroughly with a nonstick cooking spray is key here. Avoid paper liners as the caramel and crumble tend to stick, which can break your beautiful cups when you try to remove them.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fill your kitchen with the warm aromas of cinnamon, caramel, and baked apples, this Salted Caramel Apple Cups Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both special and homey. Once you make and share these delightful cups, I’m sure they’ll become a go-to treat that brings smiles at every occasion. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones – you deserve it!