Go Back
- 3 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup brown sugar - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup granola (your favorite type) - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Extra caramel and diced apples for garnish When choosing apples, I love using Granny Smith for their tart taste. Honeycrisp adds sweetness and crunch. Mix these apples for a great flavor balance. Lemon juice helps keep apples fresh and adds a zing. Ground cinnamon gives warmth and depth to the apples. You can swap apples with pears or berries for a twist. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option. Maple syrup can replace brown sugar for a different sweetness. If granola isn’t your thing, crushed cookies or nuts work well too. Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your apples. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They add great flavor! In a medium bowl, mix the diced apples with lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. This step helps to soften the apples and brings out their sweet juices. Let them sit for about 10 minutes. This makes the apples taste even better! Next, grab a mixing bowl and pour in the heavy cream. Use an electric mixer to whip the cream until it thickens. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Keep whipping until soft peaks form. This whipped cream will be creamy and light, perfect for our trifle! Now, it’s time for the fun part—layering! Get your serving cups or jars ready. Start by adding a layer of the diced, caramelized apples—about 1 tablespoon per cup. Next, add a layer of whipped cream—around 2 tablespoons. Then, sprinkle in some granola, about 1 tablespoon. Don’t forget to drizzle a spoonful of caramel sauce on top! Repeat these layers until you fill the cups. You can usually get two to three layers, depending on cup size. Finish with a layer of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel on top. For a pretty touch, sprinkle extra granola and diced apples on the top layer. A hint of cinnamon makes it even better! Finally, refrigerate your trifle cups for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and makes each bite extra tasty. Enjoy your creation! Layering makes your trifle look great. Start with diced apples. Use one tablespoon for each cup. Next, add two tablespoons of whipped cream. Then, sprinkle one tablespoon of granola. This adds a nice crunch. Repeat until you fill the cup. Finish with whipped cream on top. Drizzle caramel sauce last. This keeps the layers neat and tasty. Presentation is key for a fun dessert. Use clear cups or jars to show the layers. This makes the colorful layers pop. Top with extra diced apples and a sprinkle of granola. Add a little cinnamon for flair. Place the cups on a nice tray. This makes serving easy and looks fancy. You can prep this dessert ahead of time. Make the apple mix and whipped cream first. Store them separately in the fridge. Layer the cups just before serving. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. You can make them a few hours in advance. Just don’t add the granola until you are ready to serve. This keeps it crunchy! {{image_2}} You can switch up the apples for other fruits. Pears work well for a soft, sweet taste. Berries like strawberries or blueberries add a nice tartness. Bananas are another option, but they brown quickly. To keep them fresh, add lemon juice right before you layer. This recipe is simple to make gluten-free. Just choose gluten-free granola. Most store-bought brands have a gluten-free option. You can also make your own granola at home. Use oats, nuts, and seeds without gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy this treat! You can add fun flavors to your trifle cups. Try mixing in spices like nutmeg or ginger for warmth. A splash of almond or coconut extract gives a nice twist too. You can also use flavored whipped cream. Just fold in some cocoa powder or coffee for a special touch. These small changes can make a big difference! If you have some Caramel Apple Trifle Cups left, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep them fresh. They will stay good for up to three days. This dessert looks and tastes better when cold. You can freeze these trifle cups, but it may change the texture. To freeze, cover each cup tightly with plastic wrap. Store them in the freezer for up to a month. Avoid freezing the whipped cream and granola separately, as they will not hold up well after thawing. To enjoy your trifle cups after storage, thaw them in the fridge overnight. The layers may settle a bit, so gently stir them if needed. Add a fresh sprinkle of granola and a drizzle of caramel before serving. This little touch brings back the original flavor and crispness. Yes, you can use other fruits. Pears, peaches, or berries work well. Just chop them and mix with lemon juice and spices. This gives you a new flavor each time. Mixing fruits adds fun to your trifle cups. These trifle cups last about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Keep them covered to stay fresh. The apples may soften more, but the taste stays yummy. Enjoy them within this time for the best flavor. You can make it vegan! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace caramel sauce with a vegan option. Choose granola that’s dairy-free. These swaps make the dessert plant-based but still tasty. This blog post covered making a delicious Caramel Apple Trifle. We explored key ingredients, from apples to cream. You learned how to layer and present your trifle beautifully. I shared tips for making it ahead and storing leftovers. Don't be afraid to try different fruits or flavors for your creation. In the end, this dessert is fun and easy. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own!

Caramel Apple Trifle Cups

Indulge in these delicious Caramel Apple Trifle Cups that combine the sweetness of apples and creamy delight in each bite. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dessert at home, this easy recipe features layers of caramelized apples, whipped cream, and granola, all topped with rich caramel sauce. Ready in just 50 minutes, these stunning cups will impress your guests. Click to explore this simple recipe and treat yourself today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

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

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup granola (choose your favorite kind)

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Extra caramel and diced apples for garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to soften and release juices.

    While the apples are marinating, whip the heavy cream in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to whip until soft peaks form. Set aside.

      In serving cups or jars, start layering:

        - Begin with a layer of diced caramelized apples (about 1 tablespoon).

          - Follow with a layer of whipped cream (about 2 tablespoons).

            - Add a layer of granola (about 1 tablespoon).

              - Drizzle a spoonful of caramel sauce.

                Repeat the layering process until you fill the cups, usually enough for two to three layers depending on the size of your cups. End with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel on top.

                  For presentation, sprinkle additional granola and some diced apples on the top layer. A sprinkle of cinnamon can add a nice touch as well.

                    Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the layers meld together.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4