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Cozy Apple Cider Caramel Crisp for Two: Easy Fall Dessert

apple cider caramel crisp - featured image

A quick and easy small-batch apple crisp featuring a rich, reduced apple cider caramel sauce. Perfect for cozy nights in or last-minute potlucks, this dessert comes together in under 45 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold, cubed)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a baking sheet on the middle rack.
  2. Make the cider caramel: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup apple cider, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Prep the apples: Peel and core apples, cut into 1/2-inch chunks. Toss with 1 tablespoon flour, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice in a medium bowl.
  4. Make the crisp topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in 3 tablespoons cold cubed butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
  5. Assemble the crisps: Divide apple mixture between two 8-ounce ramekins. Pour 2-3 tablespoons cider caramel over each. Sprinkle oat topping evenly over apples, pressing down gently. Place ramekins on baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbly. If topping browns too quickly, tent with foil for last 5 minutes.
  7. Let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes. Drizzle with reserved cider caramel before serving.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and certified gluten-free oats. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter like Miyoko’s. Let the crisp rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for an extra touch.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crisp, apple cider caramel, fall dessert, small batch, easy dessert, apple dessert, caramel apple crisp