🍏🍮 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 dessert that everyone will love! They make a great treat for gatherings and are perfect for the apple season. With a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, creamy salted caramel mousse, and sweet cinnamon apples, these cups are packed with flavor and texture. Plus, they are no-bake, so you won’t have to worry about turning on the oven!

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the fresh flavors of apples. They are easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making them perfect for parties, picnics, or just a sweet treat at home. The combination of caramel, apples, and whipped cream makes for a delightful dessert that everyone will want to try.

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:

Prepare the Cinnamon Apples:
- In a medium saucepan, mix chopped apples, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir well and cook over medium heat until the apples are soft and the liquid thickens. Set aside to cool.
Make the Vanilla Wafer Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter. Stir until well mixed. Divide the mixture into 28 (2-ounce) plastic cups. Use the back of a plastic cup to press down the crumbs to form a crust.
Prepare the Caramel Mousse:
- In a large bowl, combine instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk together and chill for 5 minutes. Then, add salted caramel sauce to the pudding mixture. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth. Pour in heavy cream and whip for 3-5 minutes until thick and creamy.
Assemble the Dessert Cups:
- Transfer the mousse into a large piping bag. Pipe the mousse into the cups on top of the crust. Spoon the cinnamon apples on top of the mousse. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if you like.
Chill and Serve:
- Seal the cups with lids and chill in the refrigerator. You can serve them right away or keep them for 2 to 3 days.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Serve these dessert cups chilled. They are great for parties as individual servings are easy to grab and enjoy. You might serve them with extra caramel sauce on the side for those who want a little more sweetness.

How to Store Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Keep the dessert cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 2 to 3 days. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can prepare the cups in advance and just assemble them when you’re ready to serve.

Tips to Make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Choose your favorite apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness.
Make sure to let the cinnamon apples cool before adding them to the dessert cups.
You can use sugar-free pudding mix and lighter cream options if you want a lighter version.

Variation (If Any)

You can use different flavored pudding mixes, like butterscotch or chocolate, for a twist. For a crunchy topping, consider adding crushed nuts or granola on top.

FAQs

Can I make these cups ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare them a day or two in advance and chill them in the fridge until serving.

What type of apples should I use?
You can use any variety of apple, but tart apples like Granny Smith work well for this recipe.

Can I freeze the dessert cups?
While it’s best to serve them fresh, you may freeze them for a short time. Just remember that the texture might change when thawed.