Can I make these dessert cups ahead of time?

Yes. Make the apple filling up to 4 days in advance and assemble just before serving, or assemble fully and chill.

What apples are best for cinnamon apple cups?

Firm, sweet tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji hold texture and flavor best.

Can I serve these cold?

Absolutely. They are delicious chilled and set up beautifully for grab and go desserts.

How do I make them dairy free?

Serve plain or layer with coconut or almond milk yogurt.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use a larger saucepan and extend simmer time by a few minutes.

Easy Cinnamon Apple Dessert Cups (No Bake)

Description

Warm, cozy Easy Cinnamon Apple Dessert Cups made on the stovetop with tender apples and a glossy cinnamon sauce. No baking needed, ready in about 25 minutes, and perfect served warm or chilled.

Ingredients

Scale

3 medium apples, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes (about 450 g)

1 tsp ground cinnamon (2.5 g)

2 tbsp maple syrup (30 ml) (use honey if not vegan)

1 tbsp lemon juice (15 ml)

1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)

1/2 cup water or apple juice (120 ml)

1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot starch (8 g)

1 tbsp cold water (15 ml)

Pinch of fine salt (optional, to balance sweetness)

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Instructions

1. Peel (optional), core, and dice the apples into even 1/2-inch (1.5 cm) cubes.

2. Add apples, cinnamon, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla, and water (or apple juice) to a medium saucepan. Stir to coat.

3. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low. Cook 10 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender but still hold their shape.

4. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch (or arrowroot) with cold water to make a slurry. Pour into the pan while stirring.

5. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce looks glossy and lightly thickened. Remove from heat.

6. Spoon into 4 dessert cups or jars. Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled. Add optional toppings if desired.

Notes

Apple choice: Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady hold their shape best.

Adjust sweetness: Apples vary, so taste after simmering and add 1 to 2 tsp more maple syrup if needed.

Sauce control: If the filling gets too thick, stir in 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) water to loosen.

Make ahead: Store covered in the fridge up to 4 days. Rewarm gently or enjoy chilled.

Diet note: Use maple syrup to keep this vegan; honey makes it vegetarian but not vegan.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 145
Sugar: 24 g
Sodium: 10 mg
Fat: 0.3 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg