Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe

If you have a soft spot for cozy, fall-inspired desserts that bring a smile with every spoonful, you are going to fall in love with these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups. Imagine tender cinnamon-spiced apples layered atop a buttery vanilla wafer crust, all crowned with a luscious caramel-infused vanilla mousse. This treat feels like a warm hug in a cup—perfect for any occasion when you want something sweet, comforting, and just a bit fancy without fussing over complicated baking. Once you start making these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups, they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for family gatherings or a special indulgence after dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the magic happen, you only need a handful of simple, classic ingredients that each play an essential role in building the layers of flavor and texture. From the fresh apples that add natural sweetness and a bit of bite, to the vanilla wafers that create a perfectly crunchy base, every item is a star in its own right.

• Apples (4 cups, peeled and chopped): The heart of the dessert, apples bring juicy sweetness and a wholesome texture.
• Light brown sugar (½ cup): Adds a deep, mellow sweetness that perfectly complements the apples.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): Warms up the dish with its classic spice, making it feel like autumn.
• Vanilla wafer crumbs (2 cups): These crumbs form a buttery, crisp crust that balances the softness of the apples and cream.
• Butter (¼ cup, melted): Binds the wafer crumbs and adds richness to the crust.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix (1 package, 3.4 ounces): Creates a smooth base for the mousse layer, making the dessert creamy and dreamy.
• Milk (1 cup): Essential for preparing the pudding mix and lightening the mousse.
• Salted caramel sauce (⅓ cup plus additional for garnish): Provides that luscious, buttery caramel flavor and a hint of salt that balances sweetness.
• Heavy cream (1 ½ cups): Whipped into the pudding to create a thick, airy caramel mousse topping.

How to Make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Step 1: Cook the Cinnamon-Spiced Apples

Start by combining the peeled and chopped apples with brown sugar and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Cooking them over medium heat softens the fruit while the brown sugar melts down to a syrupy glaze that hugs every apple chunk. Cook until the apples are tender and the liquid thickens slightly. Once your kitchen fills with that cozy aroma, remove from heat and set aside to cool. This step ensures the apples become the perfect sweet and spiced filling that everyone will love.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Wafer Crust

Next, mix the vanilla wafer crumbs with the melted butter. This simple combination creates your crust’s base. Using a small cookie scoop, portion the crumb mixture into individual plastic cups. Press firmly with the back of a cup or a spoon to compact the crumbs tightly. This crust will stay crisp, serving as the crunchy counterpoint to the creamy mousse and tender apples layered on top.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Vanilla Pudding

Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix together with milk in a large bowl until smooth. Chill it for about five minutes; this helps the pudding to thicken slightly before adding more lusciousness. Once chilled, pour in the salted caramel sauce and use an electric hand mixer on medium speed to blend everything until it’s perfectly smooth and silky.

Step 4: Whip Up the Caramel Mousse

To make the mousse, add the heavy cream to your caramel pudding mixture. Then whip it with the electric hand mixer for 3 to 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes thick, fluffy, and creamy. This airy texture is what makes the Caramel Apple Dessert Cups so incredibly indulgent and light, complementing the dense crust and soft apples beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble the Dessert Cups

Transfer the caramel mousse into a large piping bag, then pipe a generous layer over your pressed vanilla wafer crust in each cup. Top with spoonfuls of the cinnamon-spiced apples, distributing the fruit evenly. Drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the top for that irresistible glossy finish. Seal the cups with lids and refrigerate. They’re ready to serve immediately, but chilling for a little while gives the flavors time to marry beautifully.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Garnishes

Adding the right garnishes can take your Caramel Apple Dessert Cups from delicious to downright stunning. Try sprinkling crushed cinnamon-nut streusel or chopped toasted pecans on top for an extra crunch and nutty depth. A fresh mint leaf or a light dusting of cinnamon powder can make each cup feel like a little masterpiece served individually.

Side Dishes

Although these dessert cups shine on their own, they also pair delightfully with a hot cup of spiced apple cider or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a brunch setting, consider serving alongside a platter of buttery croissants or cinnamon rolls to keep that warm, comforting theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation makes a huge difference when you want to impress your guests or treat yourself. Serve the Caramel Apple Dessert Cups in clear glass jars or elegant mini trifle bowls for a rustic yet refined look. Layer them in tall glasses to show off the beautiful layers, or even use edible cups made from baked cinnamon sugar cookie dough for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover Caramel Apple Dessert Cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop as the dessert chills, and the mousse stays creamy and fresh. Just be sure to keep the cups tightly sealed to prevent them from absorbing other aromas in your fridge.

Freezing

While these dessert cups are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Freeze immediately after assembly but before adding fresh apple topping and caramel drizzle. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add the fresh toppings just before serving to maintain texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since this dessert is meant to be served chilled, reheating is not recommended. Warm-up will affect the texture of the mousse and the crispness of the crust. Instead, allow the Caramel Apple Dessert Cups to come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving if you prefer them slightly less chilled.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best as they hold their shape well and offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

Is it possible to make these dessert cups vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use dairy-free pudding mix, and swap heavy cream for coconut cream to keep the dessert creamy and delicious.

How long do Caramel Apple Dessert Cups keep in the fridge?

They stay fresh and tasty for about 2 to 3 days when properly stored in airtight containers or sealed cups.

Can I prepare the components separately ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the apples and make the crust in advance. Store them separately, then assemble the dessert cups shortly before serving for the best texture.

What can I substitute for vanilla wafers if I don’t have any?

Graham cracker crumbs or crushed digestive biscuits make great alternatives and will still give you that satisfying crunch in the crust.

Final Thoughts

Making Caramel Apple Dessert Cups is such a rewarding and fun way to bring joy to any gathering or a quiet night at home. With its simple ingredients that come together into layers of flavor and texture, this dessert feels special yet totally achievable. Give it a try—you might find it becoming your new favorite fall treat or an easy crowd-pleaser that everyone keeps asking for. Once you taste that heavenly mix of caramel, cream, and cinnamon apples, you’ll be hooked for good!

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