Last fall, I was volunteering at our town’s community clean-up day, and during the lunch break, I got chatting with a retired teacher who had brought along a tray of little desserts in plastic cups. They weren’t fancy—no gold spoons or piped flowers—but they disappeared faster than anything else on the table.
What caught my attention was how easy they were to serve: no slicing, no messy plates, just a spoon, a cup, and instant happiness. On my way home that evening, I kept thinking about how clever that idea was for busy parents like us who need both practicality and fun in one package.
So, I went into my kitchen and experimented with the idea, inspired by the flavors of fall—caramel, cinnamon, apples. I wanted something that felt like a treat but could still be portioned and stored without fuss. After a few tweaks, these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups became a new family favorite.
My husband calls them “apple pie without the hassle,” and the kids love sneaking one out of the fridge after dinner. They’re simple, budget-friendly, and perfect for sharing at school events, neighborhood potlucks, or even just as a weeknight dessert that feels special without taking all night.
Short Description
Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are layered treats with a buttery wafer crust, creamy caramel mousse, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a drizzle of caramel on top. Easy to prep ahead, they’re ideal for parties, family gatherings, or everyday indulgence.
Key Ingredients
Cinnamon Apples
- 500 g apples, peeled and chopped
- 110 g light brown sugar
- 2 g cinnamon
Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
- 220 g vanilla wafer crumbs
- 57 g melted butter (salted or unsalted)
- 96 g instant vanilla pudding mix
- 244 g milk
- 75 g salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 357 g heavy cream
- Extra caramel sauce for garnish
Tools Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 28 (2-ounce) plastic cups with lids
- Piping bag
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Cinnamon Apples
In a medium saucepan, combine apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until apples soften and the syrup thickens, about 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 2: Make the Crust
Mix vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter in a bowl until well combined. Portion into 28 cups and press down firmly to form the crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Base
Whisk pudding mix with milk in a large bowl. Chill for 5 minutes until slightly set.
Step 4: Add Caramel
Blend salted caramel sauce into the pudding with a hand mixer until smooth.
Step 5: Whip the Cream into the Pudding
Pour heavy cream into the mixture and whip 3–5 minutes until thick, creamy, and mousse-like.
Step 6: Assemble the Cups
Transfer mousse to a piping bag. Pipe onto the crust in each cup. Spoon cinnamon apples over the mousse.
Step 7: Garnish and Chill
Drizzle with caramel sauce if desired. Cover with lids and chill until ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: Sweet caramel, spiced apples, and creamy mousse create a comforting yet indulgent dessert.
Easy to Share: Served in individual cups, perfect for parties or grab-and-go desserts.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and affordable ingredients.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Kid-Approved: Fun, handheld portions that kids can enjoy without the mess.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Runny apples: If your apples release too much liquid, cook a few extra minutes until the syrup thickens.
Crust falling apart: Make sure butter is fully mixed with the crumbs and press down firmly. Chill before adding mousse for extra stability.
Overwhipping cream: Stop whipping once soft peaks form in the mousse. Overwhipping can make it grainy.
Too much caramel: A heavy hand with caramel can overpower the apples. Use it lightly to balance flavors.
Watery pudding base: Chill the pudding properly before folding in caramel and cream to keep texture thick.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve at birthday parties, family gatherings, or school events.
Pair with hot drinks like spiced tea, apple cider, or strong coffee.
Serve chilled in a dessert buffet with brownies, cookies, and fruit platters.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Store covered cups in the fridge for 2–3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the mousse loses texture when thawed.
Best Flavor: Let cups sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving for a softer mousse texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought apple pie filling instead of cooking apples?
Yes, but fresh cinnamon apples give better flavor and less sweetness.
2. Can I swap vanilla wafers for graham crackers?
Absolutely. Use the same weight and follow the same crust steps.
3. Can I make this without caramel?
Yes, skip caramel or replace with honey or maple syrup for a lighter version.
4. How far ahead can I make these?
Up to 2 days in advance. Just keep covered in the fridge.
5. Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the flavor will be sweeter and less rich than freshly whipped cream.
Tips & Tricks
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance against the sweet caramel.
Chill cups at least 2 hours before serving for the best texture.
Use clear cups so layers show for a prettier presentation.
Drizzle caramel just before serving for the neatest look.
Portion apples evenly to avoid some cups having too much or too little.
Recipe Variations
Apple Pie Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg and allspice to the apples for more pie-like flavor.
Pumpkin Spice Cups: Replace apples with pumpkin puree spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Chocolate Caramel Cups: Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla and top with shaved chocolate.
Nutty Version: Add chopped toasted pecans between the mousse and apple layer.
Lightened-Up: Swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter mousse.
Final Thoughts
I can honestly say these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups have become one of those recipes I turn to when life feels too hectic but I still want to put something sweet and thoughtful on the table. The layers tell a little story—crispy crust, creamy mousse, spiced fruit—and each bite feels like a small reward at the end of the day.
I love that they fit into lunchboxes as easily as they shine at a holiday gathering. And maybe the best part? They always spark conversation, because someone will inevitably ask for the recipe. If you give these a try, I hope they bring the same smiles to your table that they bring to mine.
Decadent Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
Ingredients
Cinnamon Apples
- 500 g apples peeled and chopped
- 110 g light brown sugar
- 2 g cinnamon
Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
- 220 g vanilla wafer crumbs
- 57 g melted butter salted or unsalted
- 96 g instant vanilla pudding mix
- 244 g milk
- 75 g salted caramel sauce homemade or store-bought
- 357 g heavy cream
- Extra caramel sauce for garnish
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cook apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon over medium heat, stirring until soft and syrupy, about 8–10 minutes. Let cool.
- Mix vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter, then press into 28 cups to form crusts.
- Whisk pudding mix with milk and chill 5 minutes. Blend in caramel sauce with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Whip heavy cream into the pudding mixture for 3–5 minutes until thick and mousse-like.
- Pipe mousse over crusts, spoon cinnamon apples on top, drizzle with caramel if desired, cover, and chill until serving.
