Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

These irresistible Caramel Apple Dessert Cups combine warm spiced apples with buttery caramel in individual servings.

Quick Answer: Create Caramel Apple Dessert Cups by layering spiced sautéed apples with homemade caramel sauce in serving glasses. Top with whipped cream and crushed graham crackers. Ready in 45 minutes for an elegant individual dessert.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Category: Dessert

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of warm cinnamon apples and rich caramel
Individual portions make serving elegant and easy
Can be prepared ahead for stress-free entertaining
Uses simple pantry ingredients
Impressive presentation with minimal effort

Quick Benefits

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups offer the classic fall flavors everyone loves in an elegant individual serving. They’re perfect for dinner parties and can be partially prepared ahead, making entertaining stress-free.

Ingredients

500 g apples, peeled and chopped
110 g light brown sugar
2 g cinnamon
220 g vanilla wafer crumbs
57 g melted butter (salted or unsalted)
96 g instant vanilla pudding mix
244 g milk
75 g salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
357 g heavy cream
Additional caramel sauce for garnish

Instructions

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.
In a mixing bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter. Stir until fully incorporated. Portion the mixture into 28 2-ounce plastic cups and press down to create the crust.
In a large mixing bowl, combine instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk to combine and chill for 5 minutes.
Add salted caramel sauce to the vanilla pudding mixture. Use an electric hand mixer on medium speed to mix until smooth.
Pour heavy cream into the pudding mixture and whip using an electric hand mixer for 3-5 minutes until thick and creamy.
Transfer the caramel mousse mixture to a large piping bag. Pipe the mousse onto the vanilla wafer crust in each plastic cup.
Using a spoon, portion the cinnamon apples over the caramel mousse. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired. Seal the cups with lids and chill.
The cups can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

You Must Know

Don’t overcook apples – they should hold their shape
Watch caramel carefully as it can burn quickly
Let caramel cool slightly before layering
Use heat-safe glasses for warm components
Keep garnishes separate until serving

Serving Suggestions

Serve with vanilla ice cream
Pair with hot apple cider
Add candied pecans for crunch
Drizzle with extra caramel sauce

Creative Variations

Use pears instead of apples for an elegant twist
Add bourbon to caramel sauce for depth
Layer with crushed gingersnaps instead of graham crackers
Include salted pretzel pieces for sweet-salty contrast

Cultural Notes

Caramel apples have been a beloved fall treat in America since the 1950s. This elegant dessert cup version transforms the traditional carnival treat into a sophisticated dinner party dessert while maintaining the classic flavors.

Pro Tips

Use firm apples that hold shape when cooked
Heat cream before adding to caramel to prevent seizing
Cool components to proper temperature for best layering
Choose clear glasses to show off layers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups ahead of time?
A: Yes, components can be made 24 hours ahead and assembled 2 hours before serving.

Q: What type of apples work best?
A: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples hold their shape well when cooked.

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Yes, though homemade provides better flavor and texture.

Q: How long does the caramel sauce keep?
A: Refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use coconut cream and plant-based butter for dairy-free version.

Health Benefits

While Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are an indulgent treat, apples provide fiber and antioxidants. Using portion-controlled serving cups helps with mindful eating, and you can adjust sugar levels to taste.

Nutrition

(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 425 • Carbs: 65g • Protein: 2g • Fat: 19g • Sodium: 200mg

Notes

Store any leftover components separately in the refrigerator for best results.