Mini Homemade Applesauce Dessert Cups
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Do you want to know a secret? These mini homemade applesauce dessert cups will make your kitchen smell like Thanksgiving. And if you make them before Thanksgiving, the scent will linger until the big feast day.
I’m not sure if the latter is true, but they do taste and smell amazing. I originally made them for our kids Thanksgiving table, but had used store bought applesauce. I decided to go back and make them with homemade applesauce, seasonal spices and a lot of love. These homemade applesauce dessert cups are one of my new favorite fall desserts.
The streusel topping makes these mini homemade applesauce dessert cups feel exactly like that – dessert. With a “little” extra pinch of brown sugar to add a bit more sweetness.
Deep down, I want to say they’re healthy… but they are a perfect addition to the Thanksgiving dessert table. Especially for your little guests who aren’t too crazy yet about pumpkin pie!
You Will Need:
6 pounds of apples – a sweeter variety (I wouldn’t use Granny Smith) such as Gala works well
1 cup of apple juice (or you can substitute apple cider)
Juice of 1 lemon
1 cup of brown sugar (reduce to 2/3 cup if you want your applesauce a little less sweet)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Streusel Topping:
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup butter – melted
Jelly Jars
1. Peel, core and cut the apples into wedges.
The wedges should be about a 1/2 inch wide. When coring your apples, a lot of gooey “stuff” gets left behind. If desired, clean out the goo…leaving nice, crisp apples.
2. Combine all of the apple sauce ingredients into a large pot.
3. Cook over medium heat for 20 – 25 minutes. Stir occasionally. All of the liquid (or close to it) will be absorbed when the apples are soft enough to mash.
4. While the applesauce is cooking, make your streusel topping. Combine your ingredients into a separate bowl and crumble with your fingers into small pieces.
5. Once your apple mixture is soft enough, puree with a food processor or hand blender.
6. Spoon into mini jelly jars – they will hold about 4 ounces.
.
Top each jar with a sprinkling of streusel.
7. Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees or until the streusel topping is slightly brown. Take out and let cool before serving.
This is also the perfect dessert to make ahead or bring to someone’s Thanksgiving feast to share. You can make up to a few days in advance and just brown the topping right before serving.
These mini homemade applesauce dessert cups were a huge hit with my kids (and adults). I can’t wait to share them on Thanksgiving Day with our guests. And it’s right around the corner….
Happy Celebrating,
Natalie
