Name: Caramelized Winter Fruit Custards
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cake flour; 3/4 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt; 6 tablespoons lukewarm water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (packed) golden brown sugar; 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 large egg whites, room temperature; 2 tablespoons sugar; 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 large Granny Smith apples (about 1 pound), peeled, quartered, cored, cut into 1/3-inch-thick slices; 2 small Bosc pears (12 to 14 ounces total), peeled, quartered, cored, cut into 1/3-inch-thick slices; 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries; 2 cups half and half; 1/2 cup sugar; 4 large egg yolks; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 6 tablespoons apple brandy (such as applejack or Calvados) or poire Williams (clear pear brandy), divided

Image may contain Food Dessert and Burger

Caramelized Winter Fruit CustardsHans Gissinger

These individual desserts feature layers of tender spiced chiffon muffins; a mix of caramelized apples, pears, and cranberries; and a rich custard laced with apple brandy. To show off the pretty layers, assemble the trifles in clear bowls or dessert glasses. Enjoy the extra muffin for breakfast the next day.

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

Our 73 Best Cranberry Recipes
Cranberry sauce is a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but there's more than one way to spotlight those tart little orbs (or cans if that's the way you go) and these recipes for fresh, frozen, and canned cranberries prove it.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Recipe notes

Our 73 Best Cranberry Recipes