Delicious Caramel Apple Cups Recipe

Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with these irresistible Caramel Apple Dessert Cups! Layered with cozy cinnamon apples, buttery cookie crumbs, and heavenly caramel mousse, these individual treats are a show-stopping delight that requires no baking. Perfect for festive gatherings or satisfying those autumn cravings, these dessert cups are a must-try for apple lovers.

I first created these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups for my daughter’s fall birthday celebration, and they have since become a family favorite at every get-together. The aromatic blend of cinnamon-scented apples and creamy mousse captures the essence of the season, making every bite a comforting delight. The star of this dessert is undeniably the salted caramel sauce, adding a decadently buttery and salty note that perfectly complements the sweet apples and luscious mousse.

For a treat that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve, these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a sure hit. Whether enjoyed at a holiday meal or as a sweet ending to any gathering, these flavorful cups are best enjoyed chilled and topped with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for that perfect finishing touch. Get ready to savor the harmonious blend of textures and flavors in every spoonful of these delightful dessert cups!

Quick Benefits

• Easy to make with no baking required
• Perfect for celebrations or fall cravings
• Can be customized with different cookie crumbs and dairy-free options
• Can be made ahead of time for convenience

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Caramel Apple Cups Recipe Recipe

• Impress your guests with a cozy and elegant dessert featuring layers of cinnamon apples, buttery cookie crumbs, and cloudlike caramel mousse.
• Perfect for celebrations or satisfying fall cravings, these individually portioned dessert cups require no baking and showcase the best of seasonal apples.
• The salted caramel sauce adds a delightful contrast, enhancing the apple and mousse flavors, making it a favorite among both kids and adults.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prep the apple filling and mousse ahead of time, assemble up to four hours before serving, and store tightly covered in the refrigerator.
• Easily customizable: Use alternative cookie crumbs, dairy-free substitutes, or gluten-free options to cater to various dietary preferences and make the dessert accessible to all guests.
• Serve straight from the fridge, garnished with extra caramel sauce, whipped cream, or toasted pecans for a beautiful and delicious finish, perfect for fall parties or holiday meals.
• Inspired by American apple crisp and English trifle, the single-serve presentation makes these dessert cups ideal for sharing at gatherings and celebrations.
• Experiment with seasonal fruits like pears or stone fruits, or swap in pumpkin spice for a festive twist, pairing well with warm drinks for winter gatherings.
• A crowd-pleasing dessert: Share the joy by gifting these delicious dessert cups or serving them at parties, where guests will be sure to ask for the recipe.
• While not suitable for freezing fully assembled, you can freeze the apple filling separately for up to a month, allowing for easy assembly when ready to serve.

Ingredients for Delicious Caramel Apple Cups Recipe

Cinnamon Apple Filling

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 to 4 cups apples, peeled and finely diced (about 2 large apples)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Crust

• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
• 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs or graham cracker crumbs

Caramel Mousse

• 1 1/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
• 1 box (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1/3 cup salted caramel sauce, plus more for garnish
• 1 to 1 1/4 cups cold whole milk

Pro Tips for Delicious Caramel Apple Cups Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For the best results, aim for cold mousse and cooled apple filling to achieve the fluffiest dessert cups. This will help the layers set properly and prevent any excess moisture in the cups.

Pro Tip 2: If you don’t have vanilla wafer cookies, graham crackers or shortbread make great alternatives for the crust. You can also make this dessert gluten-free by using gluten-free cookie crumbs, making it accessible to more guests.

Pro Tip 3: To make ahead, assemble and refrigerate the dessert cups a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures they remain fresh and flavorful for up to 2-3 days. Just add a final drizzle of caramel before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make Delicious Caramel Apple Cups Recipe

Step 1: Cook Cinnamon Apples

Combine diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until apples are tender and mixture thickens, about 7 to 10 minutes. Mix in caramel sauce if desired. Cool mixture completely.

Step 2: Prepare Crust Base

Combine vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottoms of individual serving cups.

Step 3: Whip Caramel Mousse

1. In a large bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until slightly thickened. Mix in caramel sauce.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth and mousse-like.

Step 4: Assemble Dessert Cups

Dollop or pipe caramel mousse onto the crust in each cup. Add a layer of cooled cinnamon apple filling on top and finish with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Chill the prepared cups for a minimum of 1 hour before serving. Enjoy within 2 to 3 days for best texture.

Storage Tips

After preparing the delightful caramel apple dessert cups, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and texture. Ensure the dessert cups are covered or tightly wrapped to prevent them from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge. For optimal taste and presentation, it’s recommended to serve the dessert cups straight from the fridge with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce for a finishing touch.

To make preparation easier and more convenient, you can plan ahead by prepping the apple filling and mousse a day in advance. You can then assemble the dessert cups up to four hours before serving, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free dessert experience. While the fully assembled dessert cups do not freeze well, you can freeze the cooled apple filling separately in small containers for up to a month, making it a convenient option for future enjoyment.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have vanilla wafer cookies, graham crackers or shortbread cookies can be used as a delicious alternative for the crust. They will provide a similar texture and flavor profile to complement the apple and caramel layers.

For a dairy-free version of these dessert cups, you can substitute plant-based butter for the unsalted butter and use coconut cream in place of heavy whipping cream. This swap will maintain the creamy texture of the mousse while catering to dietary restrictions.

When selecting apples for this recipe, consider using tart varieties like Granny Smith or sweeter options such as Honeycrisp. These apples hold their shape well when cooked and offer a nice balance to the caramel flavor in the dessert cups.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful caramel apple dessert cups straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat. Top them with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted pecans for an elegant touch. These individual portions are perfect for dessert buffets at fall parties or as a sweet ending to a holiday meal, impressing every guest with their layers of flavors and textures.

For a fun twist, try using different fruit variations throughout the year. Substitute pears or stone fruits in the summer for a lighter version, or add a pumpkin spice blend to the mousse for cozy autumn gatherings. Pair these dessert cups with warm drinks like apple cider during winter get-togethers for a comforting and seasonal experience that will leave everyone asking for more.

FAQs for Delicious Caramel Apple Cups Recipe

Can I make these dessert cups ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate the cups a day ahead. They’ll remain fresh and flavorful for up to 2–3 days.

Can I use graham cracker crumbs instead of vanilla wafer crumbs?

Yes, graham cracker crumbs offer a similar texture and work well as a base for the dessert cups.

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Tart varieties like Granny Smith or sweeter apples such as Honeycrisp hold their shape and complement the caramel flavor.

Why is heavy cream specified for the mousse?

Heavy cream gives the mousse its airy texture. Lighter alternatives won’t whip the same way and are not recommended.

Conclusion

As you embark on your culinary journey to create these delightful Caramel Apple Dessert Cups, remember that the heartwarming aroma of cinnamon apples and heavenly layers of caramel mousse await you at the finish line. These dessert cups bring a touch of fall magic to any occasion, whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy night in.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! Experiment with different fruit combinations, spice blends, or even alternative ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. The joy of cooking lies in making a recipe your own, and these dessert cups are the perfect canvas for your culinary artistry.

So, gather your ingredients, whip up some caramel mousse, layer those cinnamon apples, and indulge in the deliciousness that is Caramel Apple Dessert Cups. Whether you’re making them for a special celebration or simply to treat yourself, these dessert cups are sure to bring smiles to the faces of everyone who takes a bite. Enjoy every moment of the process and savor every spoonful of these delightful treats.