This caramel apple tiramisu blends the nostalgic flavors of warm cinnamon apples and buttery caramel with the creamy elegance of traditional tiramisu. Each bite layers soft, cider-soaked ladyfingers with a light mascarpone filling and rich caramelized apples, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and luxurious. It’s an ideal make-ahead treat for holidays, dinner parties, or any cozy fall celebration.
Yield: 10 to 12 servings
Total Time: 50 minutes, plus 4 hours chill time
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Caramel Apples
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled and diced
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup caramel sauce, plus more for topping
For the Mascarpone Cream
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream, cold
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Ladyfingers
- 1 ½ cups apple cider
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 2 packages ladyfingers (about 40 biscuits)
Preparation
Step 1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and lightly caramelized. Stir in the vanilla and caramel sauce and cook 1 to 2 more minutes until glossy. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. In a separate bowl, combine mascarpone, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until smooth and airy.
Step 3
In a shallow dish, whisk together the apple cider and ¼ cup of caramel sauce until well combined. Quickly dip each ladyfinger into the cider mixture (1 to 2 seconds per side; do not over-soak). Arrange a full layer of soaked ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9 × 13-inch dish.
Step 4
Spread half of the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers. Spoon half of the caramel apple mixture over the cream. Repeat with another layer of dipped ladyfingers, the rest of the mascarpone cream, and the remaining caramel apples.
Step 5
Drizzle generously with caramel sauce. Cover the dish and chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).