Easy Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe

Prepare to fall in love with Easy Caramel Apple Dessert Cups—an utterly irresistible twist on a classic autumn treat! Each individual cup is layered with buttery vanilla wafer crumbs, luscious caramel mousse, and sweet cinnamon apples, all finished with a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a beautiful, no-fuss dessert, these little cups bring comfort and excitement to every bite. Easy to make, delightful to eat, and picture-perfect for any gathering—this is not a treat you want to miss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Easy Caramel Apple Dessert Cups is just how accessible the ingredients are. Every component, from fresh apples to creamy pudding, adds its own magic to the dish. Trust me, each ingredient has a special part in creating layers of flavor, luscious textures, and gorgeous color in every single cup.

• Apples (4 cups, peeled and chopped): The hero of this dessert, apples bring freshness, tart-sweet flavor, and extra juiciness to every cup.
• Light brown sugar (½ cup): This is your secret weapon for developing a deep, caramelized sweetness with every spoonful.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp): A warm, fragrant spice that elevates the apples to that cozy, apple-pie level.
• Vanilla wafer crumbs (2 cups): These create a quick, buttery crust that makes each cup incredibly satisfying.
• Salted or unsalted butter, melted (¼ cup): Butter binds the crumbs and adds a rich, decadent base.
• Instant vanilla pudding mix (1 pkg, 3.4 ounces): This is your shortcut to super-smooth, instant mousse—no fussing with eggs or cooktop required.
• Milk (1 cup): Essential for activating the pudding mix and keeping the mousse dreamy and light.
• Salted caramel sauce (⅓ cup): The star flavor in the mousse; salted caramel gives that deep, golden sweetness.
• Heavy cream (1½ cups): Whipped in for volume and luxurious texture—this takes the mousse over the top!
• Additional caramel sauce (for garnish): A final drizzle ties all the flavors together and makes every cup look stunning.

How to Make Easy Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Apples

Start by combining your chopped, peeled apples with brown sugar and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Over medium heat, stir everything together as the apples soften and the mixture gets deliciously saucy. You’ll want the apples fork-tender and the juice bubbling and thick—this is your sweet, spiced fruit layer. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool so it’s ready to layer later.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Wafer Crust

Next up: crust! In a bowl, mix your vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter. Stir until every crumb is coated in buttery goodness. Scoop about a tablespoon into each 2-ounce plastic cup, then press down firmly. The back end of another cup or even a spoon works great for packing it in and making that perfect little base for your dessert cups.

Step 3: Portion the Crust

Once mixed, evenly divvy up the crumb mixture among your 28 cups. Use a small cookie scoop for less mess, and don’t be shy about pressing the mixture firmly—this gets you a sturdy, tasty foundation that holds up when you dig in with a spoon later!

Step 4: Prepare the Vanilla Pudding

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together your instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until there are no lumps. Let the mix chill in the fridge for 5 minutes to thicken up and get super creamy. This is going to be the smooth canvas for your caramel mousse.

Step 5: Make the Caramel Mousse

Add the salted caramel sauce to your prepared vanilla pudding and use an electric mixer to blend it on medium speed until completely smooth. This is where things start to get seriously irresistible—the flavor combo is unreal!

Step 6: Whip in the Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and keep mixing with the hand mixer for 3 to 5 minutes. You want it thick, fluffy, and rich but airy. The mousse should be firm enough to pipe or spoon without being runny. You’ll know it’s ready when gorgeous ribbons form as you lift the beaters out of the bowl.

Step 7: Assemble the Cups

Fill a large piping bag (or a zipper bag with the tip snipped) with the caramel mousse. Pipe a generous layer into each cup on top of the vanilla wafer crust. The contrast of creamy mousse with crispy crust is one of the best parts.

Step 8: Add the Cinnamon Apples and Caramel

Spoon the cooled cinnamon apples over the mousse layer. Don’t forget to include a little of that syrupy sauce from the pan—it’s pure flavor gold! For a finishing touch, drizzle each cup with a swirl of caramel sauce.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Seal each cup with its lid and let them chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This sets all the layers and melds the flavors. The best part? Easy Caramel Apple Dessert Cups can be made ahead and happily sit in the fridge for two to three days.

How to Serve Easy Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Garnishes

For a truly special presentation, finish your Easy Caramel Apple Dessert Cups with a crown of whipped cream, an extra sprinkle of cinnamon, or a tiny wedge of fresh apple. A final drizzle of caramel never goes amiss for extra drama. It’s all about making each cup look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Though these dessert cups easily steal the show, you could round out your spread with salty snacks like spiced nuts or a light cheese platter. If you’re serving them at a fall party, a mug of hot apple cider or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream beside the cup creates a dreamy contrast of temperatures and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with presentation: Arrange the Easy Caramel Apple Dessert Cups in a rustic basket for a picnic vibe, or layer them in mason jars for a trendy twist. For a more elegant gathering, slide each cup into a miniature dessert glass or martini glass with a tiny silver spoon. Kids love getting a cup all to themselves, while adults will admire the individual elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with any extras (it’s rare!), cover the Easy Caramel Apple Dessert Cups tightly and keep them in the fridge. They’ll be just as satisfying for up to three days, making them perfect for prepping ahead or enjoying as a sweet after-dinner treat later in the week.

Freezing

While freezing the entire assembled dessert isn’t recommended because dairy-rich layers can change texture, you can definitely freeze the cinnamon apple mixture and the caramel mousse separately. Just thaw in the refrigerator before assembling and serving for the freshest taste and texture.

Reheating

You won’t need to reheat the completed dessert cups, but if you’re prepping parts ahead, warm the cinnamon apples gently in the microwave or on the stove until just heated through. Always let them cool before layering into the cups—otherwise, they’ll melt the mousse.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in Easy Caramel Apple Dessert Cups?

Absolutely! While any firm, tart apple (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) works beautifully, don’t be afraid to mix and match varieties for more depth of flavor and color. Just make sure the apples you choose will hold up during cooking and not turn mushy.

Can I make these dessert cups gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute gluten-free vanilla wafers for the regular ones in the crust. All the other ingredients are already gluten-free, so it’s an easy switch for guests with dietary needs.

How far in advance can I assemble the Easy Caramel Apple Dessert Cups?

You can assemble these cups up to two days in advance! The flavors meld and the textures hold up well. Just wait to add any fresh garnishes until right before serving so everything looks and tastes its best.

What’s the best way to transport these for a party or potluck?

The lidded plastic cups make these desserts wonderfully portable. Arrange them in a shallow box or tray so they stay upright. If you’re going a long distance, keep them chilled in a cooler with ice packs to maintain freshness.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger group?

Of course! The recipe scales up easily—just make sure you have plenty of cups on hand. You might need to process the mousse in batches depending on your mixer size, but everything else comes together just as effortlessly.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re planning a cozy gathering or just craving a personal-sized treat, these Easy Caramel Apple Dessert Cups deserve a spot on your must-try list. They’re sure to bring a smile to anyone lucky enough to grab a spoonful. Go ahead—whip up a batch and watch them disappear!

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