Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Caramel apple dessert cups bring together cozy cinnamon apples, buttery cookie crumbs, and cloudlike caramel mousse for an easy layered treat that never fails to impress. They are individually portioned and require no baking, perfect for celebrations or fall cravings when apples are at their peak.

I started making these dessert cups for my daughter’s fall birthday one year and now everyone in my family asks for them at almost every gathering. When the house fills with the scent of cinnamon apples, it feels like autumn no matter the season.

Ingredients

• Apples: sweet crisp types like Honeycrisp or Gala hold up well when cooked and offer a balance of tart and sweetness. Look for firm fruit without blemishes
• Brown sugar: deepens the molasses note in the filling. Choose fresh packed light brown sugar for the right texture
• Ground cinnamon: a good quality cinnamon gives the apples warmth and fall flavor
• Butter: real unsalted or salted butter makes the apples silky while cooking. European style butter brings extra richness
• Vanilla wafer or graham cracker crumbs: both work for the crust a slightly sweet base. If possible crush cookies just before using to maintain freshness
• Melted butter: binds the crust crumbs and adds that golden hue
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: acts as the mousse base. Use a reputable brand for best texture
• Milk: helps the pudding set to the right consistency. Opt for whole milk if possible for creaminess
• Salted caramel sauce: adds sweet buttery complexity. Try to find one with real cream and vanilla or make your own
• Heavy whipping cream: must be ice cold in order to whip up properly and give the mousse (and your spoon) that pillowy richness

Instructions

Make the Cinnamon Apple Filling:

Cook diced apples brown sugar cinnamon and butter over medium heat for seven to ten minutes until the apples turn soft and the mixture becomes thick and syrupy. Take your time here If you want extra caramel flavor stir in salted caramel sauce at the end. Be sure to let the filling cool completely before using to keep the mousse stable

Prepare the Crust:

Combine vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter until the mixture looks like wet sand and holds together when pressed. Spoon and press this into the bottoms of each individual serving cup so it forms a solid buttery base

Make the Caramel Mousse:

In a bowl whisk instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until just beginning to thicken. Stir in salted caramel sauce. In a separate bowl whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks—it should not flop over when you lift the beaters—then gently fold it into the pudding mixture so you preserve all that air

Assemble the Cups:

Using a spoon or piping bag layer mousse over the crust in each cup. Top with the completely cooled apple filling and finally drizzle with extra caramel sauce for that bakery finish

Chill and Serve:

Place cups in the refrigerator for at least one hour so flavors meld and the mousse sets up. These cups keep well covered for up to three days which makes them perfect for make ahead situations

Salted caramel sauce is my absolute favorite part of this dessert because it brings a buttery salty contrast that highlights the apples and creamy mousse. When I made these cups for Thanksgiving last year everyone from kids to grandparents wanted seconds. The best moment was seeing my son sneak an extra drizzle of caramel on top when he thought no one was watching

Storage Tips

Caramel apple dessert cups keep best when chilled and covered in the refrigerator. For the freshest layers store them with lids or tightly wrapped to prevent them from picking up fridge odors. If you want to make parts ahead you can prep the apple filling and mousse a day in advance and then assemble up to four hours before serving

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have vanilla wafer cookies graham crackers or shortbread make great alternatives. For a dairy free version swap in a plant based butter and use coconut cream in place of heavy whipping cream. Gluten free cookie crumbs also make this treat accessible to more guests

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cups straight from the fridge with a little extra caramel sauce. For a fancier finish add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans. They look beautiful on dessert buffets for fall parties or as a sweet ending to a holiday meal

Cultural and Historical Context

Layered apple and caramel desserts have their roots in both American classic apple crisp as well as English trifle traditions. Making them in cups draws on the popularity of single serve desserts that are easy to share for celebrations and gatherings

Seasonal Adaptations

Use pears or stone fruits in summer for a lighter take Try pumpkin spice blend in the mousse for autumn parties Pair with warm drinks like apple cider for winter gatherings

Success Stories

My cousin made these for her bridal shower using gluten free graham crumbs and every guest went home asking for the recipe. Another friend layered the mousse with sautéed pears and gave them out as holiday gifts

Freezer Meal Conversion

These cups do not freeze well fully assembled but you can freeze the cooled apple filling in small containers for up to one month. When ready to serve just thaw the filling and assemble with fresh mousse and crust

Aim for cold mousse and cooled apple filling for the fluffiest dessert cups. Serve with a final drizzle of caramel and enjoy the crowd pleasing combination of flavors and textures.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I keep the apple filling from getting watery?

Cook the apples until all liquids reduce and thicken. Cooling the filling completely also helps prevent extra moisture.

→ Can I substitute graham crackers for vanilla wafers in the crust?

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

→ Is it possible to make the dessert in advance?

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

→ What type of apples work best?

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

→ Can the mousse be made without heavy cream?

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