Caramel Apple Dessert Cups: A Perfectly Sweet Fall Treat
Fall is the season for all things cozy, warm, and packed with apple goodness! These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups bring together the comforting flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples, creamy caramel pudding, and a crunchy vanilla wafer crust. Not only are these dessert cups delicious, but they’re also easy to assemble and perfect for sharing at gatherings, potlucks, or as a quick make-ahead treat for the family. Each bite is a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and creamy – a guaranteed hit for fall!
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Apples:
- 4 cups apples, peeled and chopped
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Caramel Apple Dessert Cups:
- 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- ¼ cup salted or unsalted butter, melted
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces)
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup salted caramel sauce (or store-bought)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- Additional caramel sauce for garnish
Directions
1. Prepare the Cinnamon Apples:
Start by peeling and chopping your apples. In a medium saucepan, combine the apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir everything together and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the apples soften and the liquid thickens into a syrupy consistency. Set the mixture aside to cool.
2. Make the Vanilla Wafer Crust:
In a mixing bowl, stir the vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter together until fully combined. This will create the crunchy, flavorful base for your dessert cups.
3. Assemble the Crusts:
Scoop the vanilla wafer mixture into 28 small (2-ounce) plastic cups. A small cookie scoop works well for even portions. Press the crumbs down using the bottom of one of the cups to create a firm crust layer in each dessert cup.
4. Prepare the Caramel Pudding:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Allow the mixture to sit for about 5 minutes until it begins to thicken.
5. Add Caramel Sauce to the Pudding:
Once the pudding has set, pour in the salted caramel sauce. Use an electric hand mixer to blend the caramel into the pudding until smooth and fully combined.
6. Whip the Cream into the Pudding:
Add the heavy cream to the pudding mixture and whip with an electric hand mixer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture becomes thick, fluffy, and creamy. Transfer this caramel mousse to a piping bag for easy assembly.
7. Assemble the Dessert Cups:
Pipe the caramel mousse over the vanilla wafer crusts in each cup. Then, spoon the cinnamon apple mixture over the mousse layer in each cup. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top of each dessert cup.
8. Chill and Serve:
Seal each dessert cup with a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. These cups can be enjoyed right away or stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days for a quick and easy dessert later!
Recipe Tips:
- Apple Variety: Granny Smith apples work great in this recipe due to their tartness, but feel free to use any variety you prefer. Honeycrisp or Gala apples add a touch of sweetness.
- Salted Caramel: Using salted caramel sauce adds a perfect balance to the sweetness, but regular caramel sauce works well if that’s what you have on hand.
- Make Ahead: These dessert cups can be made up to two days in advance, making them an excellent choice for parties or meal prepping.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 28 mini dessert cups
- Calories: 320 kcal per cup
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups:
These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and fruity! The warm cinnamon apples pair perfectly with the cool, rich caramel mousse, all atop a buttery vanilla wafer crust. These individual dessert cups are ideal for fall celebrations, holiday gatherings, or even just a sweet treat on a cozy evening. Plus, they’re easy to transport and serve – making them the perfect make-ahead dessert!
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Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 28 1x
Description
These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are the perfect mini indulgence for fall gatherings. Each cup is filled with layers of buttery vanilla wafer crust, creamy caramel mousse, and cinnamon-spiced apples. The warm apples pair beautifully with the cool and smooth caramel mousse, creating a delicious balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Apples:
4 cups apples, peeled and chopped
½ cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Caramel Apple Dessert Cups:
2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
¼ cup salted or unsalted butter, melted
1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces)
1 cup milk
⅓ cup salted caramel sauce (or store-bought)
1 ½ cups heavy cream
Additional caramel sauce for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Cinnamon Apples:
In a medium saucepan, combine the peeled and chopped apples, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir and cook over medium heat until the apples soften and the liquid thickens, about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Make the Crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the mixture is fully combined.
Portion the vanilla wafer mixture into 28 small (2-ounce) plastic cups, using a small cookie scoop for ease. Use the bottom of one of the plastic cups to press the crumbs down to form the crust.
Prepare the Caramel Pudding:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Let the mixture chill for 5 minutes until it begins to set.
Add the salted caramel sauce to the pudding mixture. Use an electric hand mixer on medium speed to blend the caramel into the pudding until smooth.
Whip the Cream:
Pour the heavy cream into the pudding mixture and whip with an electric hand mixer for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture becomes thick and creamy. Transfer the caramel mousse to a piping bag.
Assemble the Dessert Cups:
Pipe the caramel mousse into the prepared cups, over the vanilla wafer crust. Spoon the cinnamon apples over the mousse layer in each cup. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top if desired.
Chill and Serve:
Seal the dessert cups with lids and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. These dessert cups can be enjoyed immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320