Name: Caramel Apple Dessert Cups with Golden Spice Chocolate and Coconut Crunch Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 Gala apples, cored and thinly sliced; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 3 cups room-temperature water; 1/2 cup white chocolate chips; 6 soft Werther’s caramels, unwrapped; 1/4 cup heavy cream; Pinch of salt; 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips; 10 soft Werther’s caramels, unwrapped; 1/4 cup heavy cream; Pinch of salt; 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes; 1 teaspoon light brown sugar; Coconut crunch (prepared above); Ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 6 reviews

Picture this: crisp, fresh apples layered with a luscious golden chocolate sauce that carries warm spices, all crowned with a delightfully crunchy coconut topping and a hint of cinnamon. That’s exactly what you get with the Caramel Apple Dessert Cups with Golden Spice Chocolate and Coconut Crunch Recipe, a divine treat inspired by a beloved Zupas classic. This dessert balances sweet, creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures beautifully, making it a perfect indulgence any time of year. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for impressing friends or treating yourself to something special!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a single layer of thin, crispy, brown fried shallots, evenly spread inside. The background is a white marbled surface, clean and simple, focusing attention on the textured golden-brown bits in the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step to creating a dessert that feels both luxurious and accessible. Each plays a crucial role—from the crisp apples providing a fresh bite, to the creamy, spiced golden chocolate sauce that brings warmth and sweetness, finished off perfectly by the toasted coconut crunch that adds texture and color.

4 Gala apples, cored and thinly sliced: Use fresh, crisp apples for the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
1/2 cup white chocolate chips: High-quality chips melt smoother and mix perfectly with the caramel.
6 soft Werther’s caramels: Fresh and soft caramels ensure a rich, gooey sauce without graininess.
1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds smoothness and richness to the chocolate sauce.
Pinch of salt: Enhances the sweetness and brings out the depth in the sauce.
1 cup sweetened coconut flakes: Toasted to golden perfection for that irresistible crunch.
1 teaspoon light brown sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the coconut flakes beautifully.
Ground cinnamon: A light sprinkle adds warmth and aroma to the final presentation.

How to Make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups with Golden Spice Chocolate and Coconut Crunch Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Begin by soaking your sliced apples in a salted water solution for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps keep them crisp and prevents browning, preserving their fresh and vibrant flavor in your dessert cups. After soaking, rinse and pat the slices completely dry—this is key so the rich chocolate sauce will stick well and not slide off.

Step 2: Make the Coconut Crunch

Preheat your oven to 325°F and spread the sweetened coconut flakes over a baking sheet. Toss the coconut with light brown sugar for a hint of caramelization as it bakes. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the flakes turn a warm golden brown. Watch closely near the end to avoid burning. Let it cool completely—the crunchiness will develop as it cools, promising a perfect texture contrast in your dessert.

Step 3: Prepare the Golden Spice Chocolate Sauce

The magic sauce starts by placing white chocolate chips, unwrapped soft caramels, and a pinch of salt into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat heavy cream until very hot (about 50 seconds) and pour it over the chocolate and caramel. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes so everything melts together gently. If needed, microwave in short 15-second bursts while stirring until perfectly smooth. This sauce carries the warm golden spices and a velvety texture that’s utterly irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble the Dessert Cups

Layer the apple slices evenly in clear 9-ounce cups, creating a fresh and inviting base. Spoon or drizzle the golden spice chocolate sauce generously over the apples. Next, sprinkle the crunchy toasted coconut flakes on top for that sensational texture. Finish with a light dusting of ground cinnamon to add a subtle warmth. Serve immediately for the freshest, most delightful experience.

Step 5: Optional Chocolate Duo Variation

If you’re feeling adventurous, try the chocolate duo version. Substitute white chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips and combine them with soft caramels and cream using the same melting process. This gives a richer, deeper chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh apples and coconut crunch.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Dessert Cups with Golden Spice Chocolate and Coconut Crunch Recipe

A clear plastic cup is filled with layers of sliced red and yellow apples, coated with a cinnamon brown powder and a light caramel or syrup glaze. The top is covered with a thick layer of brown crumbly topping and drizzled with a thin white sauce. Small crumbs are scattered around the cup on a white marbled surface, and a gray cloth is visible on the left side with a red apple blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For extra flair, consider adding a few toasted pecans or walnuts on top along with a fresh mint leaf. A dollop of whipped cream makes it even more indulgent if you’re serving these at a party or special occasion.

Side Dishes

These dessert cups stand out beautifully on their own but pair wonderfully with a light herbal tea or a spiced cider that complements the comforting flavors of the golden spice chocolate and cinnamon.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve each cup in clear glass jars tied with a ribbon. You can also create a dessert bar by placing the prepared sauces in warmers and letting guests build their own caramel apple cups with a variety of toppings and mix-ins.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Caramel Apple Dessert Cups with Golden Spice Chocolate and Coconut Crunch Recipe is best enjoyed freshly assembled, but if you have leftovers, cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Keep the coconut crunch separate to maintain its crispiness, adding it just before serving.

Freezing

Freezing this dessert is not recommended, as the fresh apple slices will become mushy and the sauce’s texture will change. For best results, prepare the components ahead but assemble just before serving.

Reheating

Since this is a cold or room-temperature dessert, reheating is typically unnecessary. However, if you want to warm the sauce to drizzle again, gently heat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently to prevent overheating.

FAQs

Can I use other apple varieties for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Gala apples provide a great balance of sweetness and crispness, feel free to use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith depending on your preference for tartness or sweetness.

Is there a vegan alternative for the caramel and chocolate?

You can try dairy-free white or milk chocolate alternatives and look for vegan caramel sauces or make your own using coconut milk and coconut sugar for a plant-based version.

How do I keep the apples from browning before serving?

Soaking the apples in salted water as described is key. Also, assemble the cups close to serving time to maintain freshness and color.

Can I prepare the sauce on the stove instead of the microwave?

Yes, gently heat the heavy cream and caramel first, then remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until melted and smooth, ensuring no burning occurs.

What’s the best way to serve this dessert at a party?

Set up a dessert bar with the sauces kept warm in jars inside a water bath, offer pre-sliced apples, and provide plenty of coconut crunch and additional toppings for guests to mix and match.

Final Thoughts

Give yourself permission to dive into this beautiful Caramel Apple Dessert Cups with Golden Spice Chocolate and Coconut Crunch Recipe. It’s an easy-to-make delight that brings together fresh fruit, creamy chocolate, and crunchy texture in a way that’s sure to make you smile with every bite. I can’t wait to hear how much you love it as much as I do—happy eating!