Oh my gosh, the smell of warm apples and sweet caramel filled my whole kitchen. The golden color and sticky shine made me want a bite right away. It felt cozy, like fall in every bite.

I made this one afternoon, and it was so fun to watch the apples bubble and turn soft. The sugar melted into a rich sauce that coated each slice. It looked fancy but was super easy.

The first taste was sweet, soft, and a little buttery. I couldn’t stop at just one bite. It’s the kind of treat you want to share with family or keep all for yourself.

So let’s get started together. Grab your apples, some sugar, and a pan. We’ll make this Caramelized Apple Delight, and trust me—you’ll love how simple and yummy it is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadently Sweet & Warm: The warm, caramelized apples paired with aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg are the perfect dessert combination for any season.
• Simple & Quick to Make: With only a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, this dessert is incredibly easy to make.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness or spice level, and add or omit optional ingredients such as nuts and raisins for a personal touch.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make this in advance, and serve it with ice cream or whipped cream when guests arrive for a quick and impressive treat.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From casual gatherings to formal dinner parties, this dessert fits right in.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need to make this caramelized apple delight:

• Apple Corer: To remove the core and make slicing the apples easier.
• Small Saucepan: To melt the butter and caramelize the apples.
• Baking Dish: To bake the caramelized apples and hold all the deliciousness together.
• Oven: To cook the apples to perfection.
• Spatula: For stirring and spreading the caramelized apples.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delightful dessert to life (precise measurements can be found in the recipe card below):

• 4 Large Apples: I recommend Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
• 1/4 Cup Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the apples.
• 1/4 Cup Brown Sugar: For the sweet, deep, and rich flavor that caramelizes beautifully.
• 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar: Helps balance the sweetness and adds to the caramelizing effect.
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: A must-have spice for that warm, aromatic flavor.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: Adds a hint of warm, cozy spice.
• 1/4 Cup Chopped Walnuts (Optional): For a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• 1/4 Cup Golden Raisins: For an added sweetness and chewy texture.
• 1/2 Cup Apple Cider: To deglaze the pan and enhance the apple flavor.
• Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream for Serving: These will take this dessert to the next level, offering a creamy contrast to the warm caramelized apples.

Variations for Caramelized Apple Delight

This dessert is versatile and can be customized to suit different preferences or dietary needs:

• Add a Splash of Bourbon: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of bourbon to the caramelization process.
• Use Maple Syrup Instead of Brown Sugar: Swap out the brown sugar for maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness.
• Try Different Nuts: Instead of walnuts, try pecans or almonds for a different crunch.
• Add More Spices: If you love spices, feel free to increase the amount of cinnamon or nutmeg, or even add ginger for an extra kick.
• Use Other Fruits: While apples are the star of this recipe, you could mix in pears for a more nuanced flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples

First, prepare the apples by coring and slicing them. You can use an apple corer for easy work, or simply slice them in half and cut out the core with a knife. After removing the cores, slice the apples into thin wedges, about 1/4 inch thick. This will ensure they cook evenly.

2. Make the Caramel Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir to combine, ensuring the sugar completely dissolves into the butter. Let this mixture simmer for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally. The sugars will begin to caramelize, creating a thick, rich syrup.

3. Add the Apples

Once your caramel sauce has come together, add the sliced apples to the saucepan. Stir to coat the apples evenly with the caramel sauce. Allow the apples to cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and start to caramelize. If the caramel starts to stick to the pan, add in the apple cider and stir to loosen it up, creating a lovely glaze for the apples.

4. Add Raisins and Walnuts (Optional)

At this point, you can add the golden raisins and walnuts if you’re using them. Stir them into the apples, allowing them to soften and toast slightly in the caramel sauce. The raisins will absorb some of the sweet caramel, while the walnuts will add a nice crunch.

5. Bake the Caramelized Apples

Transfer the caramelized apples into a baking dish and spread them out evenly. If there’s any remaining caramel sauce in the pan, pour it over the apples. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the apples are tender and bubbling in the sauce. You can adjust the baking time if you like your apples softer or firmer.

6. Serve the Caramelized Apple Delight

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the caramelized apples warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the warm, gooey apples and the cool creaminess is absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve Caramelized Apple Delight

Caramelized Apple Delight is incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are some ideas:

• On Its Own: Serve it straight from the baking dish with a spoonful of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for a simple yet decadent dessert.
• Over Pancakes or Waffles: For a breakfast or brunch treat, serve the caramelized apples over fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles, drizzled with the rich caramel sauce.
• As a Topping for Cakes or Pies: Use the caramelized apples as a topping for a plain vanilla cake, a cinnamon roll cake, or even an apple pie for an extra burst of flavor.
• With Yogurt: For a lighter, healthier version, serve the caramelized apples with a scoop of Greek yogurt instead of ice cream for a tangy contrast.
• As a Side Dish: If you prefer, this can also work as a warm side dish for roasted meats, particularly pork or chicken, providing a sweet balance to savory dishes.

Storing Caramelized Apple Delight

• Leftover Apples: Store leftover caramelized apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
• Apple Cider: If you have extra apple cider left over from the recipe, store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can use it in other recipes or simply enjoy it as a refreshing drink.
• Freezing: You can freeze the caramelized apples for up to 3 months. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	~200 calories
Total Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	5g
Cholesterol	25mg
Sodium	10mg
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	3g
Sugars	25g
Protein	1g

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on portion size and optional ingredients such as ice cream or whipped cream.

Conclusion

Caramelized Apple Delight is a dessert that satisfies every sweet tooth with its blend of tender apples, rich caramel sauce, and warm spices. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight treat or serving it at a holiday gathering, this dessert never disappoints. Its simplicity makes it an easy, yet elegant, dessert that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, or get creative with your toppings. One thing’s for sure—this caramelized apple dessert will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.