Ingredients
Caramel Sauce
To make the perfect caramel sauce, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (207g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 to 1 tsp salt (depending on how salty you like it)
Alternative Suggestions:
If you’re in a rush or prefer to skip the homemade caramel sauce, you can use a store-bought version. However, making your own caramel sauce adds a rich, homemade flavor that’s hard to beat. If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or a pinch of sea salt to your caramel sauce for a unique twist.
Cinnamon Apples
For the spiced apple filling, you’ll need:
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 4 tbsp (56g) packed brown sugar
Alternative Suggestions:
If you don’t have Granny Smith apples, you can substitute them with another tart apple variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp. These apples will add sweetness to the dish, so be sure to adjust the sugar if needed. You can also skip the lemon juice if you prefer, though it does help balance the sweetness of the apples.
Cinnamon Whipped Cream and Granola
For the cinnamon whipped cream, gather:
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the granola topping, you’ll need:
- 1 cup Cinnamon Granola (or any granola of your choice)
Alternative Suggestions:
You can substitute the cinnamon granola with any type of granola you prefer. If you’re gluten-free, be sure to choose a certified gluten-free granola. For a dairy-free option, substitute the heavy whipping cream with coconut cream and opt for a dairy-free whipped topping.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Caramel Sauce
Begin by preparing the caramel sauce. In a medium to large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar completely dissolves (about 3 to 5 minutes). This step is crucial, as you don’t want the sugar to burn at this stage.
Once the sugar is dissolved, add the butter and let it melt. Once melted, bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. At this point, avoid stirring the mixture to prevent crystallization. Allow it to boil for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches a deep golden copper color. Be patient and keep an eye on it—this part of the process is where the magic happens!
After the caramel has reached the desired color, remove the pan from the heat. Carefully add the heavy whipping cream in a slow, steady stream. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious. Whisk the caramel quickly until it’s smooth and combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Allow the caramel to cool to room temperature. If you want to make this sauce in advance, you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Apples
While the caramel sauce is cooling, move on to the cinnamon apples. Start by peeling and dicing the apples into bite-sized pieces. In a medium pan, combine the apples with lemon juice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Toss to coat the apples evenly with the spices and sugar.
Cook the apples over medium-low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of softness. For a slightly firmer texture, cook them for a shorter time; for softer apples, cook them a little longer. Allow the apples to cool for about 10-15 minutes before assembling the trifles.
Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Whipped Cream
Next, make the cinnamon whipped cream. In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and ground cinnamon. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can turn the cream into butter!
Step 4: Assemble the Trifles
Now it’s time to assemble the trifles. Start by adding a generous spoonful of cinnamon whipped cream into the bottom of 4 cups or jars. Next, top with about 2 tablespoons of granola in an even layer. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce over the granola, followed by 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon apples.
Repeat the layers one more time, starting with whipped cream, followed by granola, caramel sauce, and apples. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the tops of each trifle. For best results, refrigerate the trifles for 2 to 3 hours before serving. The dessert will set and develop even more flavor over time.
Notes
- Caramel Tips: Making caramel can be a bit tricky, but with practice, it becomes easy! If your caramel begins to harden or seize up when adding the cream, simply return it to the stove and gently heat it until smooth again.
- Apple Softness: For a perfectly balanced apple texture, taste a few pieces of apple as they cook. If you like them soft, continue cooking. If you prefer a little crunch, remove them from the heat sooner.
- Whipped Cream: For the best whipped cream texture, make sure the bowl and beaters are chilled before whipping. This will help the cream whip up faster and achieve stiff peaks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian