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- Apples: - Use 4 medium apples. I like Granny Smith for a tart taste. Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Both work well for this dish. - Other Essential Ingredients: - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup store-bought salted caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling) - Optional Ingredients for Serving: - You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It pairs well with the warm crumble. An extra drizzle of salted caramel makes it even better! Prepping and Marinating Start by peeling and dicing your apples. I like to use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for their tartness. In a large bowl, mix the diced apples with one tablespoon of lemon juice, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a quarter cup of brown sugar. This mix needs about ten minutes to marinate. The lemon juice brightens the apple flavor. The cinnamon and brown sugar add warmth and sweetness. Key Tips for Flavor Enhancement To enhance the apple flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon. You can also use other sweeteners like maple syrup. This adds depth and makes the apples even tastier. If you want a stronger taste, let the apples marinate longer. Combining Dry Ingredients In another bowl, combine one cup of all-purpose flour, half a cup of old-fashioned oats, and one-third cup of granulated sugar. Add a quarter teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness. Then, pour in half a cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until the mixture looks crumbly. This crumbly texture is key for a delicious topping. The Importance of Consistency The crumble should have a mix of small and bigger pieces. This gives your crumble a nice crunch. If it’s too wet, add more flour. If it’s too dry, a bit more butter can help. The right texture makes every bite enjoyable. Layering in the Muffin Tin Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with parchment paper liners. Start by dividing half of the crumble mixture into the cups. Press it down to form a solid base. Next, spoon the marinated apple mixture over the crumble. Fill each cup well to ensure a good apple flavor in every bite. Baking Time and Temperature Guidelines After adding the apple layer, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for golden-brown tops and tender apples. Once done, let the muffin tin cool for about ten minutes. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over each cup just before serving for a sweet finish. - Overloading the Apple Filling It’s easy to add too many apples. This makes the cups soggy. Stick to the recipe. Use just enough apples to cover the crumble base. This helps keep the texture nice. - Baking Time Miscalculations Every oven is a bit different. Check your cups at 25 minutes. If they look golden brown, they are ready. If not, add a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. - Adding Spices or Flavorings You can boost the flavor with spices. Try adding nutmeg or ginger for warmth. A splash of vanilla extract can also add depth. Just a little can go a long way. - Best Practices for Caramel Drizzling For the best drizzle, warm the salted caramel sauce. This makes it easier to pour. Use a spoon or squeeze bottle for neat lines. Drizzle right before serving for the best look and taste. {{image_2}} When I think about making these salted caramel apple crumble cups healthier, I explore a few options. - Gluten-Free Options: You can swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. This change keeps the taste while making it safe for those with gluten issues. - Reducing Sugar Content: Cut the sugar in the apple filling. You can use just two tablespoons of brown sugar instead of a quarter cup. This way, the apples shine through without too much sweetness. You can be creative with the fruits in this recipe. - Seasonal Fruit Suggestions: Use pears in the fall or fresh berries in the summer. Both will add a nice twist to the flavors. - Mixing with Berries or Pears: Try adding blueberries or raspberries for a burst of flavor. Mixing apples with pears gives a nice, soft texture. Switching up the toppings can make your cups even better. - Crunchy Nut Variations: Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts on top. They add a great crunch and flavor contrast. - Swapping Caramel for Other Sauces: Instead of salted caramel, drizzle chocolate sauce or a homemade berry sauce. This change makes each cup unique and delightful. To keep your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cups fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below. They will stay tasty for up to three days. For best results, use parchment paper or wax paper between layers. This method helps avoid sticking. If you want to enjoy them warm, just reheat them in the microwave. Heat them for about 20-30 seconds. You can freeze your Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cups. It’s best to freeze them after baking. Make sure they are completely cool. Wrap each cup tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They will last for up to three months. To thaw, move them to the fridge for a few hours or overnight. For reheating, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This way, the crumble stays crunchy, and the apples warm up nicely. To make these tasty cups, follow these steps: 1. Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Toss Apples: In a bowl, mix diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Let it sit for 10 minutes. 3. Make Crumble: In another bowl, combine flour, oats, granulated sugar, melted butter, and salt until crumbly. 4. Layer the Cups: Line a muffin tin with parchment liners. Press half of the crumble mixture into the bottom of each cup. 5. Add Apple Filling: Spoon the marinated apple mixture over the crumble in each cup. 6. Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the rest of the crumble on top of the apples. 7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and soft. 8. Cool and Serve: Let them cool for 10 minutes and drizzle with salted caramel before enjoying. Yes, you can use various apples. Granny Smith apples give a tart taste. Honeycrisp apples offer a sweet crunch. Other good options include Fuji and Gala for sweetness. Mixing apple types can add nice flavor layers. Experiment to find your favorite combo. To keep the crumble crunchy, follow these tips: - Use Fresh Apples: Older apples release more juice. Fresh apples stay firmer. - Don’t Overfill: Avoid adding too many apples. A balanced layer works best. - Bake Until Golden: Make sure the crumble is golden brown. This ensures a nice crisp. - Cool Before Serving: Let the cups cool a bit. This helps set the texture before you dig in. This blog post covered how to make delicious Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cups. We discussed the key ingredients, including apple types and essential spices. I provided easy steps for prepping, baking, and storing these tasty treats. Remember to avoid common mistakes like overloading the filling. You can also explore variations with different fruits or toppings. Now, you’re ready to impress your friends and family with your new baking skills. Enjoy every bite of your homemade cups!

Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cups

Indulge in the deliciousness of Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cups that combine sweet, tender apples with a crunchy oat topping. This easy recipe is perfect for sharing or enjoying as a special treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a warm dessert that’s drizzled with rich salted caramel and pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this delightful treat to your table!
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Ingredients
  

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

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup store-bought salted caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

Optional: vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

    In a large bowl, combine the diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Mix well and set aside to marinate for about 10 minutes.

      In another bowl, mix together flour, oats, granulated sugar, melted butter, and salt until crumbly.

        Assemble the cups: In a muffin tin, place parchment paper liners. Divide half of the crumble mixture among the cups, pressing it down to form a base layer.

          Add the apple filling: Spoon the marinated apple mixture over the crumble base in each muffin cup.

            Top with remaining crumble: Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the apples.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the apples are tender.

                Remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes.

                  Drizzle salted caramel sauce over each cup before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 12

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top and an extra drizzle of salted caramel for an indulgent touch!