Apple Crisp in a Cone

This Apple Crisp in a Cone is a fun way to add a summer twist to a favorite fall dessert. It has layers of apple filling, buttery streusel, and vanilla ice cream. All of this is served in a caramel and walnut-rimmed waffle cone!

If you read this blog regularly, you might have noticed the last several posts have been sweets. At this point, you’re probably ready for something savory. I promise it’s coming up next! However, apple picking season is about to start here in Massachusetts. That makes me so excited about sharing this recipe first!!

I realize it’s a bit early to think about fall desserts, especially when the temps have been soaring well into the 90s. But this cone perfectly bridges summer and fall sweet treats. Keep this recipe in mind when you need ideas for fresh-picked apples!

This cone is a fun way to present and serve apple crisp. One of the best things about any apple crisp is the mouthfeel of warm apple and cold ice cream. The sensation between the two is palatable and satisfying. Anyhow, apple crisp is delectable hot, cold, or anywhere in between. Don’t you think? This apple crisp cone is no different.

To add to all the deliciousness, the waffle cone is dipped in melted caramel and chopped pecans. What’s not to love about the added layers of decadence and textural contrast?

I suggest you eat this treat with a spoon. These cones are fun, but they could be messy without the utensils.

How is the apple crisp prepared?

The apple filling is cooked on the stovetop while the streusel is baked in the oven. Speed is the deciding factor in the cooking method. I chose the one that got the cones into my mouth as quickly as possible😀 The apple crisp requires less cooking time when it’s done on the stovetop.

Ingredients needed:

• All-purpose flour
• Quick cooking oats
• Butter
• Dark brown sugar
• Apples
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Waffle cones
• Soft caramel candy
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Vanilla ice cream

Recipe highlights:

• Peel, core, and cut apples into thin bite-size pieces.
• Cook apples in butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until tender.
• Combine streusel ingredients. Work until the mixture is moist and crumbly. Bake at 350° F until toasted and crunchy, about 8-10 minutes.

• Melt caramel in the microwave or on a double boiler. I prefer a microwave. It’s fast.
• Use a butter knife to smear a 1/2 to 3/4-inch band of caramel around the top outer edge of an ice cream cone.
• Roll in chopped nuts. Continue rimming the remaining cones with caramel.
• Layer the ice cream cones as follows: apple crisp, streusel, ice cream. Repeat. Top with streusel.
• Refer to the recipe card below for detailed instructions. 

View the how-to video or save it for later with this Pinterest Pin.

Shortcuts:

I highly suggest you make this recipe, but for convenience, store-bought apple crisp would be just fine. My feelings won’t be hurt!

In a pinch, you can even use canned pie filling and just make the streusel topping. Keep in mind that your apple crisp cones will not taste the same as this recipe’s.

Can you make the cones ahead?

Yes, you can assemble and freeze the ice cream cones ahead of time. After assembling, stand each cone individually in a heavy small jar or shot glass. Freeze for an hour, then wrap individually in plastic wrap. Finally, put them in an airtight container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To serve from frozen, leave the cone at room temperature for about 5 minutes for the apple filling and caramel to soften slightly before biting into it. You won’t get the enjoyment of warm apple crisp and cold ice cream, but it’s still delicious!

Helpful tips:

• Cut the apples into small, thin pieces. They cook faster and are easier to manipulate into the cones.
• Leave the ice cream out at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before layering into the cone. It’s easier to manipulate than rock-hard ice cream.

Recommended supplies:

(Affiliate links. The products I recommend are either what I use, are on my wish list, or come highly rated.)

• 4-quart skillet with lid for cooking the apples.
• A spatula for stirring the apples.
• Small baking sheet for the streusel.

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Apple Crisp in a Cone

Author: Thao | In Good Flavor Cooking Method:Fruit, Dairy Cuisine:American Courses:Dessert Recipe Keys: F Frozen Dessert

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 25 minutesCook time: 25 minutesTotal time: 50 minutesServings:6 Cones

Description

This Apple Crisp in a Cone is a fun way to add a summer twist to a favorite fall dessert. It has layers of apple filling, buttery streusel, and vanilla ice cream. All of this is served in a caramel and walnut-rimmed waffle cone!

Ingredients

For the apple filling:

• 4 apples (suggestions: Gala, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• pinch of salt

For the streusel:

• 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the cones:

• 6 waffle ice cream cones
• 4.5 ounces soft caramel candy (I use Werther’s Original)
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 cup vanilla ice cream

Instructions

For the apple filling:

1. Peel and core apples. Slice in 8 wedges, then cut each crosswise into small 1/8-thick slices. Set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 375° F for the streusel.
3. Melt butter in a medium saucepan on medium heat. Add brown sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
4. Add apple, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to combine. Cover and increase heat to medium-high for 5 minutes. Stir. Cover. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Remove from heat when apples are fork tender or to your desired doneness.

For the streusel:

5. While the apple filling cooks, prepare the streusel.
6. Combine oats, flour, sugar, and salt. Add melted butter. Work the mixture with your hand until it forms small crumbles.
7. Place on a greased baking sheet. Bake until toasted and crunchy, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven. Set aside.

To rim the waffle cones:

8. Melt caramel using the stovetop method: Place the caramel in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir frequently until melted and smooth.
   Melt caramel using the microwave method: Place caramel in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt on the “chocolate melt” setting at 20-second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until smooth. Alternatively, melt on 50% power at 20-second intervals.
9. Using a butter knife, smear a 1/2 to 3-4-inch wide band of caramel onto the outside edge of the cone. Roll the top of the cone into chopped nuts. Press the nuts onto any bare caramel areas with your fingers. Set the rimmed cone on parchment paper. Continue to run the remaining ice cream cones.

Layer the ice cream cone:

10. Fill the bottom 1/3 of the cone with the apple filling. Add 1 tablespoon ice cream. Top with 1 teaspoon streusel then 1 tablespoon ice cream. Fill the cone 3/4 full with apple filling. Add a generous teaspoon of streusel. Top with ice cream, leaving a couple of small pockets to add dollops of apple filling. Finish with more streusel.
11. Continue filling all the cones.
12. Serve immediately with a spoon.
13. Makes 6 cones.

Notes

• Cut the apples into small and thin pieces. They cook up faster and are easier to work with than large slices when layering the ice cream cones.
• Apple filling cook time can vary depending on the kind of apple used and how soft you like your apples. Check for desired doneness at the 10-minute mark.
• An entire bag of caramel makes more melted caramel than you’ll need for 6 cones. Feel free to use only 3.5 ounces.
• If your caramel becomes too thick while you work, put it back on heat for a minute or two or microwave for 10-15 seconds. You can also add HOT milk or cream, 1 tablespoon at a time to get the desired consistency.

Keywords:Fall Dessert, Apple Crisp, Waffle Cone, Ice Cream Cone, Streusel Topping

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