If you are craving a dessert that perfectly balances the cozy warmth of baked apples with the luscious richness of caramel and creamy mousse, these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are here to steal your heart. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled atop a buttery vanilla wafer crust, layered with a dreamy caramel-infused mousse, and crowned with a glossy drizzle of caramel sauce. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that feels like autumn wrapped up in a cup. Whether you’re serving these for a festive family gathering or a weeknight treat, these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are sure to become a new favorite go-to dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to enjoy.

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the crisp bite of the apples to the silky smooth texture of the caramel mousse. These simple pantry staples come together effortlessly to create a dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly straightforward to prepare.

Apples (4 cups, peeled and chopped): Choose a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
Light brown sugar (½ cup): Adds warmth and depth of flavor, complementing the cinnamon and apples beautifully.
Cinnamon (1 tsp): A classic spice that gives the apple filling that comforting, fragrant touch.
Vanilla wafer crumbs (2 cups): Provide a buttery, crispy base that gives the dessert a delightful crunch.
Butter (¼ cup, melted): Binds the wafer crumbs together and adds richness to the crust.
Instant vanilla pudding mix (1 package, 3.4 oz): Creates a creamy, smooth texture that holds everything together.
Milk (1 cup): Hydrates the pudding mix to the perfect consistency.
Salted caramel sauce (⅓ cup plus extra for garnish): Infuses the mousse with buttery, salty sweetness and decorates the finished cups.
Heavy cream (1 ½ cups): Whipped into the pudding mix to achieve a light, airy mousse texture.

How to Make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Step 1: Cook the Apples

Start by warming up your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and caramelizing apples. In a medium saucepan, gently cook the peeled, chopped apples with the light brown sugar and cinnamon over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the apples soften and their juices thicken into a syrupy glaze. This luscious apple filling will bring the cozy autumn flavors into every bite of your dessert cups. Once ready, set this mixture aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

Next, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir them until the crumbs are evenly coated and ready to press. Using a small cookie scoop, portion the buttery mixture into individual 2-ounce plastic cups. Use the back of one of the cups to press down firm and create an even, compact crust layer. This crust provides a crunchy, buttery base that balances the creamy and fruity layers wonderfully.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Pudding Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Place this mixture in the refrigerator for five minutes to let it set slightly. Then, add the salted caramel sauce and use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend it seamlessly until silky and uniform. This step infuses the creamy pudding with that irresistibly rich caramel flavor that is central to the dessert’s appeal.

Step 4: Whip the Mousse

Pour the heavy cream into the caramel pudding mixture and whip on medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes. The goal is to achieve a thick, light, and fluffy mousse that will sit beautifully atop your crust. Once whipped, transfer the mousse into a piping bag for easy layering into the cups. This mousse adds the luxurious, airy texture that makes the dessert feel gourmet and indulgent.

Step 5: Assemble the Dessert Cups

Pipe the caramel mousse generously above the vanilla wafer crust in each cup. Then spoon the cooled cinnamon apple mixture over the mousse layer. Finish with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce to make the dessert glisten and add a final burst of flavor. Seal the cups with lids and pop them into the refrigerator. These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups can be enjoyed immediately or chilled for a couple of days to allow the flavors to meld perfectly.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation and add an extra pop of texture, consider topping your Caramel Apple Dessert Cups with a sprinkle of crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts. A dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of cinnamon powder also pairs beautifully, enhancing both visual appeal and flavor.

Side Dishes

These dessert cups shine as a standalone treat, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a simple cup of hot tea or coffee makes the experience even cozier. The rich creaminess and fruity sweetness complement a warm beverage perfectly, wrapping up any meal with a satisfying finish.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve the Caramel Apple Dessert Cups in clear glass jars or elegant mini trifle bowls to showcase the beautiful layers. You can also attach a small apple-shaped tag or cinnamon stick to each cup for seasonal flair. These little touches turn a simple dessert into a charming centerpiece that invites guests to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers of these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups, no worries. Just seal them tightly and store in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy a quick sweet treat whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

While these dessert cups are best enjoyed fresh or chilled, you can freeze them if necessary. For freezing, place the cups in an airtight container and freeze for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the texture and flavor as much as possible.

Reheating

These dessert cups are designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Simply allow frozen cups to thaw, then serve chilled for the best taste and consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work wonderfully for this recipe due to their firmness and flavor, you can experiment with other varieties like Fuji or Gala. Just keep in mind that softer apples may become mushier after cooking.

Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?

This recipe relies on dairy ingredients like heavy cream and pudding mix, so to make a vegan version, you would need to substitute with plant-based alternatives such as coconut cream and vegan pudding mixes. The flavor will change slightly, but it can still be delicious.

Can I prepare these cups without individual servings?

Yes! If you prefer, you can assemble the dessert in a larger trifle bowl or a glass dish. Just layer the crust, mousse, and apples in the same order, and chill before serving. Individual cups just add a fun, portable element.

How long does it take to make this recipe?

From start to finish, it generally takes about 30 to 40 minutes to prepare the Caramel Apple Dessert Cups, plus chilling time. It’s a great option for when you want a quick but impressive dessert.

Can I substitute homemade caramel sauce?

Definitely! If you prefer making your own caramel sauce, go for it. Homemade caramel adds a personal touch and can be adjusted in sweetness and saltiness to your liking, making your dessert even more special.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about creating a dessert that feels both indulgent and comforting at the same time, and these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups fit that description perfectly. Their layers of textures and warm autumn flavors are guaranteed to bring smiles and maybe even a few rounds of compliments. So don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients, dive into the process, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these delightful cups. Trust me, they will quickly become a cherished favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 28 servings (2-ounce cups) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these easy-to-make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups featuring tender cinnamon-spiced apples layered over a buttery vanilla wafer crust, topped with silky caramel mousse and drizzled with rich caramel sauce. Perfect for a crowd-pleasing treat or a cozy autumn dessert.

Instructions

Cook the Apples: In a medium saucepan, combine peeled and chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir and cook over medium heat until the apples are soft and the liquid thickens. Set aside to cool completely.
Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter. Stir until fully incorporated to form a crumbly mixture.
Form Crust in Cups: Portion vanilla wafer crumb mixture into twenty-eight 2-ounce plastic cups using a small cookie scoop. Press the crumbs down firmly using the back of a plastic cup to create an even crust layer.
Make Vanilla Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, combine instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk thoroughly until smooth, then chill for 5 minutes.
Add Caramel Sauce: Stir salted caramel sauce into the chilled vanilla pudding mixture. Use an electric hand mixer on medium speed to blend the caramel until smooth and even.
Whip the Cream: Pour heavy cream into the pudding mixture. Using an electric hand mixer, whip for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and creamy, resembling mousse.
Pipe the Mousse: Transfer the caramel mousse to a large piping bag. Pipe the mousse evenly on top of the vanilla wafer crust in each cup.
Add Apple Topping: Spoon the cinnamon-spiced apples over the caramel mousse layer in each cup. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce as desired for extra sweetness and decoration.
Chill and Serve: Seal the cups with lids, then chill in the refrigerator. These dessert cups can be served immediately or stored refrigerated for 2 to 3 days for optimal flavor and freshness.

Notes

For a more intense caramel flavor, use homemade salted caramel sauce.
Ensure apples cool completely before layering to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture.
These cups are perfect for parties and can be prepared a day ahead.
To make this dessert Gluten Free, substitute vanilla wafer crumbs with gluten-free cookies.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop cooking and no-bake assembly
Cuisine: American