These Bread Cups with Applesauce and Whipped Cream are a comforting little dessert that blends creamy, tangy, and fruity flavors in one bite-sized treat.
With a crisp white bread shell, a smooth ricotta layer, a generous spoonful of applesauce, and a swirl of whipped cream on top, they’re like mini apple pie cups, but lighter, quicker, and healthier.
They’re perfect as an afternoon snack, an elegant dessert for brunch, or a festive addition to your holiday table. And with no need to make pastry dough from scratch, they come together with minimal effort using pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
What You’ll Need
This recipe uses a few simple, wholesome ingredients:
- White bread slices, shaped into cups for a golden, crisp base.
- A lightly sweetened ricotta filling flavored with vanilla.
- Applesauce, either store-bought or homemade.
- Soft whipped cream for a fluffy finish.
- A drizzle of maple syrup to bring it all together.
You’ll also need a muffin tin and a rolling pin for shaping the bread cups.
How to Make Bread Cups with Applesauce and Whipped Cream
Start by preparing the bread base. Cut the crusts off the slices of white bread, then flatten them using a rolling pin. Make sure to roll both vertically and horizontally until the bread is thin and easy to shape.
Gently press each slice into the muffin tin cavities to form cups, smoothing the sides so they stay in place. Lightly brush the tops with a bit of oil, then bake until they’re golden and crisp, about 5 minutes using the grill function. Set aside to cool.
Next, mix up the ricotta layer. In a bowl, combine ricotta, Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla. Add sweetener if you want a touch more sweetness. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
For the whipped cream, whip cold cream with a small amount of sweetener or sugar until soft peaks form. Keep it chilled until ready to use.
To assemble the cups, start by adding a spoonful of the ricotta mixture to the bottom of each cooled bread cup. Then fill the rest of the cup with applesauce. You can use smooth or chunky depending on your preference.
Top with a swirl of whipped cream and finish with a light drizzle of maple syrup for a beautiful golden touch right before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Classic Combo – Applesauce and maple syrup are a classic flavor combo that give us total nostalgic vibes.
- Quick to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes with zero stress.
- Simple Ingredients – Uses everyday staples you likely already have.
- Light but Satisfying – The creamy ricotta and applesauce combo is rich without being heavy.
- Great for Any Season – Serve it warm in fall or chilled in summer.
Whether you’re craving a lighter twist on apple pie or just want a sweet treat that’s a little different, these bread cups hit all the right notes.
Tips for Success
- Roll the bread evenly to make it easy to shape and avoid cracking.
- Don’t skip the oil as it helps the cups turn golden and crispy.
- Cool completely before filling, so your cups won’t get soggy.
- Use good quality applesauce – homemade or chunky versions add more texture and flavor.
- Drizzle maple syrup last to keep the whipped cream fluffy.
📌 Bread Cups with Applesauce and Whipped Cream (Recipe Card)
Ingredients:
Bread Cups
- 4 slices of white bread
- Oil for brushing
Ricotta Filling
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2-3 teaspoons sweetener (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or a small dash of vanilla paste
Whipped Cream
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon sweetener or sugar
Assembly
- 2/3 cup applesauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Maple syrup for drizzling
Equipment:
- Rolling pin
- Muffin tin
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
Instructions:
- Cut crusts off bread and roll each slice flat in both directions.
- Press bread into muffin tin to form cups and brush tops with oil.
- Bake until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes using the grill function, then cool completely.
- Mix ricotta, yogurt, honey, vanilla, and sweetener (if using) until smooth.
- Whip cream with sweetener or sugar until soft peaks form.
- Spoon ricotta filling into each bread cup.
- Add applesauce on top of ricotta.
- Top with whipped cream and drizzle with maple syrup. Serve immediately.
