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Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

When the crisp days of fall arrive, there’s nothing quite like the comforting flavors of caramel and apples. Caramel Apple Dessert Cups offer the perfect way to indulge in this delicious combination without the need for baking. These portable, no-bake treats feature a rich vanilla wafer crust, creamy salted caramel mousse, and cinnamon-spiced apples, all topped off with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply crave a sweet and easy dessert, these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups will quickly become a favorite.

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Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

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🍎✨ Sweet, creamy, and oh-so-delicious—Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are the ultimate fall treat! 🍮🍏 With rich caramel, tender apple slices, and a crunch that adds the perfect balance, these cups are a must-try. Whether for a holiday celebration or a simple snack, these little delights are sure to steal the show! 🍂💖

#CaramelAppleDelight #AutumnVibes #FallDessert #AppleCrisp #SweetTreats #CrispyAndCreamy #CaramelCravings #DessertInspo #AppleDessertLove #FallFlavors 🍏🍮🍂

  • Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Cinnamon Apples:

  • 4 cups apples (peeled and chopped)
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups:

  • 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
  • ¼ cup salted or unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces)
  • 1 cup milk
  • ⅓ cup salted caramel sauce (or store-bought)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • Additional caramel sauce for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Apples

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the peeled and chopped apples, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir the ingredients together and cook over medium heat.
  • Allow the apples to cook until they are soft, and the liquid thickens. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once done, remove the apples from heat and set them aside to cool. This step infuses the apples with a warm, spiced flavor that will complement the creamy mousse in the dessert cups.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Wafer Crust

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the butter is fully incorporated with the crumbs.
  • Using a small cookie scoop, portion the crumb mixture into 28 two-ounce plastic cups.
  • Press the crumbs down with the back of one of the cups to create a compact, even crust. This ensures the crust will hold together and provide a solid base for the mousse.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Mousse

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Chill the mixture for 5 minutes to allow it to set.
  • After chilling, add the salted caramel sauce to the pudding mixture. Using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, mix the caramel sauce into the pudding until fully incorporated and smooth.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, and use the electric hand mixer to whip the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it becomes thick and creamy. The whipped cream will add a light, airy texture to the mousse.

Step 4: Assemble the Dessert Cups

  • Transfer the caramel mousse into a large piping bag. This will make it easy to pipe the mousse into each cup without making a mess.
  • Pipe the mousse into the plastic cups on top of the vanilla wafer crust. Aim for an even layer that fills the cup, but leave some space at the top for the apples.
  • Spoon the cooled cinnamon apples over the caramel mousse in each cup. Be sure to evenly distribute the apples to ensure each bite has a perfect ratio of apples and mousse.
  • If desired, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top of the apples for an extra touch of sweetness and richness.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

  • Seal the cups with lids and place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. The dessert cups can also be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
  • Serve the Caramel Apple Dessert Cups chilled, either immediately after preparing or after they’ve had time to set in the fridge. They make a great make-ahead dessert for parties or gatherings.

Notes

  • Apple Substitution: While this recipe calls for cinnamon apples, you could easily swap in other fruits, such as pears or peaches, to create your own version of these dessert cups.
  • Pudding Mix: For an extra rich flavor, you could use butterscotch or caramel pudding mix instead of vanilla. This will enhance the caramel flavor throughout the dessert.
  • Dairy-Free Option: To make these dessert cups dairy-free, use dairy-free butter, almond milk, and a non-dairy whipped cream alternative in place of the heavy cream.
  • Add Some Nuts: For added texture, sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon apples before adding the caramel drizzle. This will introduce a nice crunch to complement the creamy mousse.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

Cinnamon Apples:

  • 4 cups apples (peeled and chopped)
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups:

  • 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
  • ¼ cup salted or unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces)
  • 1 cup milk
  • ⅓ cup salted caramel sauce (or store-bought)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • Additional caramel sauce for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Apples

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the peeled and chopped apples, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir the ingredients together and cook over medium heat.
  • Allow the apples to cook until they are soft, and the liquid thickens. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
  • Once done, remove the apples from heat and set them aside to cool. This step infuses the apples with a warm, spiced flavor that will complement the creamy mousse in the dessert cups.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Wafer Crust

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the butter is fully incorporated with the crumbs.
  • Using a small cookie scoop, portion the crumb mixture into 28 two-ounce plastic cups.
  • Press the crumbs down with the back of one of the cups to create a compact, even crust. This ensures the crust will hold together and provide a solid base for the mousse.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Mousse

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Chill the mixture for 5 minutes to allow it to set.
  • After chilling, add the salted caramel sauce to the pudding mixture. Using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, mix the caramel sauce into the pudding until fully incorporated and smooth.
  • Pour in the heavy cream, and use the electric hand mixer to whip the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it becomes thick and creamy. The whipped cream will add a light, airy texture to the mousse.

Step 4: Assemble the Dessert Cups

  • Transfer the caramel mousse into a large piping bag. This will make it easy to pipe the mousse into each cup without making a mess.
  • Pipe the mousse into the plastic cups on top of the vanilla wafer crust. Aim for an even layer that fills the cup, but leave some space at the top for the apples.
  • Spoon the cooled cinnamon apples over the caramel mousse in each cup. Be sure to evenly distribute the apples to ensure each bite has a perfect ratio of apples and mousse.
  • If desired, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top of the apples for an extra touch of sweetness and richness.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

  • Seal the cups with lids and place them in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. The dessert cups can also be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
  • Serve the Caramel Apple Dessert Cups chilled, either immediately after preparing or after they’ve had time to set in the fridge. They make a great make-ahead dessert for parties or gatherings.

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

Each bite of these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups delivers an irresistible mix of flavors and textures. The cinnamon apples are tender and spiced with warm cinnamon, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy, decadent salted caramel mousse. The vanilla wafer crust adds a buttery, crunchy base, holding everything together with a satisfying crunch. The smoothness of the mousse is perfectly complemented by the juicy, cinnamon-coated apples. The drizzle of caramel sauce on top brings everything together, adding a final touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.

The aroma that wafts through your kitchen while preparing these cups is a comforting blend of cinnamon, caramel, and vanilla. These dessert cups not only taste amazing but fill your home with the warm scents of fall, making them an ideal treat for gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile, allowing for a few substitutions and variations to suit your tastes or dietary preferences:

  • Apple Substitution: While this recipe calls for cinnamon apples, you could easily swap in other fruits, such as pears or peaches, to create your own version of these dessert cups.
  • Pudding Mix: For an extra rich flavor, you could use butterscotch or caramel pudding mix instead of vanilla. This will enhance the caramel flavor throughout the dessert.
  • Dairy-Free Option: To make these dessert cups dairy-free, use dairy-free butteralmond milk, and a non-dairy whipped cream alternative in place of the heavy cream.
  • Add Some Nuts: For added texture, sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts over the cinnamon apples before adding the caramel drizzle. This will introduce a nice crunch to complement the creamy mousse.

Serving Suggestions

These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are perfect as a standalone treat, but they can also be paired with other desserts or beverages for an even more indulgent experience:

  • Serve with Coffee or Hot Cider: Pair these dessert cups with a cup of coffee or hot apple cider for a cozy fall treat. The spices and caramel flavors will perfectly complement the warmth of your beverage.
  • Make Them Part of a Dessert Platter: These dessert cups are perfect for serving at gatherings. Create a mini dessert platter with other fall-inspired treats, such as pumpkin spice cupcakes or cinnamon rolls, and watch your guests delight in the variety of flavors.
  • Top with Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent touch, top each dessert cup with a dollop of whipped cream. This will add an extra layer of creaminess and a beautiful presentation.

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are the perfect fall treat that combines simplicity, portability, and irresistible flavors. With a buttery vanilla wafer crust, creamy caramel mousse, and cinnamon-spiced apples, they’re a no-bake dessert that comes together quickly, making them ideal for busy hosts or those looking for a stress-free yet impressive dessert. The ability to make them ahead of time and the convenience of serving them in individual cups makes them perfect for parties, picnics, or casual family gatherings.

Whether you’re craving something sweet for yourself or want to impress your guests with a seasonal dessert, these cups are sure to be a hit.

Conclusion

These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a perfect blend of flavors and textures that come together in a simple, no-bake treat. Whether you’re serving them at a fall celebration or just enjoying them as a sweet snack, they’re sure to become a go-to recipe. With their combination of cinnamon-spiced apples, creamy caramel mousse, and crunchy wafer crust, these dessert cups offer everything you love about caramel apples — in the most delightful, portable form!

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