If you’re looking for a show-stopping, cozy treat with big autumn vibes, these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups might just become your new favorite indulgence. Imagine layers of buttery vanilla wafer crumbs, cinnamon-laced apples, and a silky caramel mousse all packed into adorable, single-serve cups—what’s not to love? These creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tart bites are perfect for parties, gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a comforting dessert that’s as easy to make as it is impressive. Trust me, once you try Caramel Apple Dessert Cups, you’ll want them on repeat all year long!

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Caramel Apple Dessert Cups is how each ingredient brings something delicious to the table. From the tartness of fresh apples to the rich caramel swirl, every layer adds a new dimension of flavor and texture, making this dessert truly magical.

Apples: Fresh, peeled, and chopped apples give these cups plenty of natural sweetness and a pop of bright, juicy flavor that anchors the whole dessert.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel depth to the apples, enhancing their natural sweetness and helping them cook down into a luscious filling.
Cinnamon: Classic apple-cinnamon warmth ties the layers together and really brings that cozy fall feeling.
Vanilla Wafer Crumbs: Finely crushed vanilla wafers make the perfect crunchy, buttery crust at the bottom of each cup.
Butter: Melted butter binds the crumbs, turning them into a sturdy and flavorful base.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: A shortcut to an ultra-smooth and creamy mousse layer that holds all the cozy flavors together.
Milk: Blends with the pudding mix to build the perfect mousse texture.
Salted Caramel Sauce: Adds buttery richness, a little saltiness, and that gorgeous caramel flavor everyone loves.
Heavy Cream: When whipped in, this gives the mousse an airy, luscious finish that’s absolutely irresistible.
Additional Caramel Sauce for Garnish: A final flourish that makes them look as dreamy as they taste!

How to Make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Step 1: Cook the Cinnamon Apples

Start by peeling and chopping your apples—any variety will work, but something tart like Granny Smith adds a nice balance. In a medium saucepan, combine the apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Gently stir and cook over medium heat until the apples become tender and soak up all the lovely cinnamon sugar, creating a thick, syrupy mixture. Set this aside to cool while you prepare the other components.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Wafer Crust

Crush your vanilla wafers into fine crumbs and mix them together with melted butter until everything is evenly combined. This simple base adds a delightful crunch and a hint of buttery vanilla flavor. It’s super quick, and you don’t even need to bake it!

Step 3: Assemble the Crust in Cups

Spoon or scoop the crumb mixture into small cups—I love using a cookie scoop for precision. Press the crumbs down firmly with the back of a cup or spoon to create a nice, compact crust. These individual servings really make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups party-ready and easy to share.

Step 4: Prepare the Pudding Layer

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth, then let it chill for a few minutes. This sets the stage for the silky mousse layer everyone will swoon over.

Step 5: Caramelize the Pudding

Drizzle in salted caramel sauce and blend it into the pudding using a hand mixer. The caramel melds perfectly with the vanilla pudding, infusing each bite with that signature buttery richness.

Step 6: Whip It All Together

Now, pour in the heavy cream and whip at medium speed for several minutes. You’ll see the pudding transform into a thick, luxurious mousse that feels almost cloud-like—this is where the magic happens for Caramel Apple Dessert Cups!

Step 7: Assemble the Cups

Scoop the caramel mousse into a piping bag for neat, even layers, and pipe it right over the wafer crust in each cup. This not only looks pretty, but ensures each serving has the perfect balance of flavors.

Step 8: Layer Cinnamon Apples and Garnish

Spoon the cooled, cinnamon apples generously over the caramel mousse. For the finishing touch, drizzle more caramel sauce across the top. The contrast of creamy, crunchy, and saucy layers is what makes these cups irresistible.

Step 9: Chill and Serve

Seal up the cups and let them chill in the fridge. This gives the layers time to meld and makes them super refreshing to eat. Serve them up anytime—right away or within the next couple of days for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Garnishes

A simple caramel drizzle is classic, but you can take things up a notch with a dollop of whipped cream, candied nuts, or even a dusting of extra cinnamon on top. These little extras make your Caramel Apple Dessert Cups feel like they came straight from a fancy bakery.

Side Dishes

Since these cups are sweet and rich, they pair wonderfully with lighter sides. Try a fresh fruit platter, crisp apple slices, or even a mug of hot tea or cider to balance out the sweetness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside a Caramel Apple Dessert Cup is extra decadent if you’re feeling bold!

Creative Ways to Present

Layer your Caramel Apple Dessert Cups in glass jars or mini trifle bowls for a more dramatic presentation. For fall gatherings, tie a ribbon around each cup, or top with a mini cinnamon stick for a thematic touch that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are surprisingly sturdy and keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just snap on the lids or cover tightly with plastic wrap to keep them fresh and delicious. The layers hold up beautifully and flavors meld even more as they sit.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled cups without the garnish. Wrap each cup well and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying. The texture remains creamy and satisfying—even after freezing!

Reheating

Since these cups are best enjoyed chilled, there’s really no need to reheat. If you’ve frozen them, simply let them thaw in the fridge. For a warm twist, serve your Caramel Apple Dessert Cup alongside a hot beverage or gently warm the apple topping before assembling (just don’t heat the mousse layer).

FAQs

Can I make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! These cups are perfect for prepping in advance. Assemble everything up to two days before your event and keep them chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Just hold off on garnishes until just before serving for the freshest look.

What type of apples works best for this recipe?

You can use almost any apple, but tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp offer the best flavor contrast to the sweet caramel. Feel free to mix and match for a more complex, fruity taste in your Caramel Apple Dessert Cups.

Can I make these cups gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute gluten-free vanilla wafers or another gluten-free cookie for the crust. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.

Is there a way to make these dessert cups dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the milk and heavy cream for your favorite plant-based alternatives (like almond or coconut milk), and use a dairy-free pudding mix. Plenty of store-bought caramel sauces are also dairy-free, making this a delicious treat for everyone.

How long do Caramel Apple Dessert Cups stay fresh?

These dessert cups will taste freshest within 2 to 3 days of making them. The flavors meld together beautifully over time, but for the best texture and look, enjoy them within that window.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups as I am to share them! They’re the ultimate blend of creamy, crunchy, and caramelly goodness, ready to shine at your next gathering or sweeten up your weeknights. Give them a go and let these cozy, charming little cups work their magic in your kitchen!