Caramelized Apple Delight Sundaes
Indulge in the heavenly combination of warm, caramelized apples and creamy vanilla frozen yogurt in this delightful sundae recipe. The tartness of Granny Smith apples balances perfectly with the sweetness of brown sugar and cinnamon, creating a luxurious topping for your frozen dessert. With the addition of dried cranberries for a pop of color and texture, this treat is not only delicious but visually appealing. Perfect for gatherings, it can easily be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Bring warmth and sweetness to your dinner table with these Caramelized Apple Delight Sundaes!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Granny Smith apples
2 medium (peeled, cored, and sliced)
Butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (melted)
Brown sugar
1/2 cup (packed)
Dried sweetened cranberries
1/4 cup (optional)
Ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Apple juice
1/4 cup (none)
Vanilla frozen yogurt or ice cream
1 pint (2 cups) (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and coring the Granny Smith apples. Slice the apples thinly and chop each slice in half crosswise to create bite-sized pieces.
2
In a medium skillet, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced apples and stir frequently, cooking for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
3
Next, add the packed brown sugar, dried cranberries (if desired), ground cinnamon, and apple juice to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4
Continue cooking the mixture for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should become tender, and the sauce should thicken to your desired consistency.
5
To assemble the sundaes, scoop the vanilla frozen yogurt into individual dessert dishes. Generously spoon the warm caramelized apple mixture over the frozen yogurt.
6
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful contrast of warm and cold in each bite!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Caramelized Apple Delight Sundaes?
They are a delicious dessert combining warm, caramelized Granny Smith apples with creamy vanilla frozen yogurt or ice cream.
Which type of apple is recommended for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are recommended because their tartness perfectly balances the sweetness of the brown sugar.
Can I use butter or margarine for the sauce?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine to be used.
How should the apples be prepared before cooking?
The apples should be peeled, cored, sliced thinly, and then chopped in half crosswise into bite-sized pieces.
What ingredients are needed for the caramel sauce?
The sauce is made using butter, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and apple juice.
Are the dried cranberries mandatory?
No, the 1/4 cup of dried sweetened cranberries is optional, but they add a nice pop of color and texture.
How long do the apples need to cook initially?
The sliced apples should be stirred frequently in melted butter for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
What is the total cooking time for the apple mixture?
After adding the sugar and juice, the mixture cooks for an additional 6 to 8 minutes until the apples are tender.
How much brown sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar.
What kind of frozen base is best for these sundaes?
Vanilla frozen yogurt or vanilla ice cream is the ideal base for this warm apple topping.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, the caramelized apple mixture can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for Thanksgiving?
Absolutely, the apple and cinnamon flavors make it an excellent choice for Thanksgiving or autumn gatherings.
How do I assemble the sundaes?
Scoop the frozen yogurt into dishes and generously spoon the warm caramelized apple mixture over the top.
Does the sauce thicken as it cooks?
Yes, you should continue cooking the mixture until the sauce reaches your desired thick consistency.
How much apple juice is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of apple juice to help create the sauce.
Can I use different spices?
While the recipe calls for cinnamon, you could experiment with apple pie spice or nutmeg for variety.
How many apples do I need?
You will need 2 medium-sized Granny Smith apples.
Should the sundaes be served hot or cold?
They should be served immediately to enjoy the contrast of the warm apples and the cold frozen yogurt.
What is the serving size for the frozen yogurt?
The recipe suggests using one pint, which is approximately 2 cups.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is considered an easy dessert that can be prepared quickly in a single skillet.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling the apples provides a better texture for the caramelized topping.
Can I substitute the apple juice with something else?
You can use water or even a bit of cider if apple juice is not available.
Why are the apples chopped crosswise?
Chopping them crosswise ensures the pieces are bite-sized and easier to eat in a sundae.
Can I use light brown sugar?
Yes, either light or dark brown sugar will work, though dark brown sugar will have a slightly richer flavor.
Is the cinnamon amount strong?
No, it uses 1/8 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, providing a subtle hint of spice.
What equipment do I need?
You will need a medium skillet and basic kitchen tools for peeling and slicing.
How do I know when the apples are done?
The apples are done when they are tender to the touch of a fork and the sauce has thickened.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
While not in the original recipe, chopped pecans or walnuts would make a great addition for extra crunch.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains fruit, dairy, and sugar.
Can I use a different type of apple if I don't have Granny Smith?
Yes, you can use other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn, though the flavor profile will be slightly sweeter.