🍏🍮 Caramel Apple Dessert Cups 🍮🍏 Prep Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 10 mins Yield: 28 (2-ounce cups) Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are an easy, delicious, and portable no-bake dessert. A vanilla wafer crust, salted caramel mousse, cinnamon apples, and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce make these cups irresistible and perfect for apple season! 📋

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a fun and easy treat that everyone will love! These delightful mini desserts combine a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, smooth salted caramel mousse, and sweet cinnamon apples. Drizzled with caramel sauce, they are perfect for apple season or any gathering.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Caramel Apple Dessert Cups is a fantastic idea because they are quick to prepare and don’t need baking! They are portable, making them easy to serve at parties, picnics, or family gatherings. Plus, the combination of flavors is just irresistible! The crunchy crust and creamy mousse with cinnamon apples will surely impress your friends and family.

How to Make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Ingredients:

Cinnamon Apples:

• 4 cups apples, peeled and chopped 🍏
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar 🍬
• 1 tsp cinnamon 🌿

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups:

• 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs 🍪
• 1/4 cup salted or unsalted butter, melted 🧈
• 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces) 🍮
• 1 cup milk 🥛
• 1/3 cup salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought) 🍮
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream 🥛
• Additional caramel sauce for garnish 🍮

Directions:

1. Prepare the Cinnamon Apples:

   • In a medium saucepan, mix the peeled and chopped apples, light brown sugar, and cinnamon.
   • Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft and the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Vanilla Wafer Crust:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter.
   • Stir until well mixed.
   • Divide the mixture into 28 (2-ounce) plastic cups.
   • Use the back of one cup to press down the crumbs, making a solid crust.

3. Prepare the Caramel Mousse:

   • In a large mixing bowl, add the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk.
   • Whisk together and chill for 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the salted caramel sauce until combined.
   • Use an electric mixer to beat in the heavy cream for 3-5 minutes until the mousse is thick and creamy.

4. Assemble the Dessert Cups:

   • Fill a large piping bag with the caramel mousse.
   • Pipe the mousse into the cups over the crust.
   • Spoon the cinnamon apples on top of the mousse.
   • Drizzle with some extra caramel sauce if you like.

5. Chill and Serve:

   • Cover the cups with lids and chill in the refrigerator.
   • They can be served right away or kept for 2 to 3 days.

These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are now ready to be enjoyed! They are such a tasty treat!

How to Serve Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Serve the dessert cups chilled. You can place them on a nice tray for a beautiful display. They are perfect for any sweet occasion!

How to Store Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Keep the dessert cups sealed in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days. They are great for meal prep or for making ahead of time.

Tips to Make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

• Choose crisp apples for the best flavor and texture.
• Make sure to let the cinnamon apples cool before adding them to the cups.
• If you want a richer flavor, use homemade salted caramel sauce.

Variation (If Any)

You could add some chopped nuts for a crunchy topping or even switch the apples for pears for a twist on the traditional recipe.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of apple?

   • Yes! Any kind of apple works, but Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are great choices for a balance of sweetness and tartness.

2. Can I make these in advance?

   • Yes, you can! They can be prepared and chilled a day before you plan to serve them.

3. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

   • You can use whipped topping or a non-dairy cream if you want a lighter option.