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Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Delightful Caramel Apple Dessert Cups filled with sweet apples, creamy caramel, and a crunchy vanilla base—a perfect cozy fall treat.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 28 cups
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Fruit Mixture
  • 4 cups apples (peeled and chopped) Use a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
Crust
  • 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
  • ¼ cup salted or unsalted butter (melted)
Pudding Mixture
  • 1 pkg instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces)
  • 1 cup milk
  • cup salted caramel sauce
Cream Layer
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • Additional caramel sauce for garnish

Method
 

Cooking the Apples
  1. In a medium saucepan, toss together the peeled and chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until thick and fragrant, then set aside to cool.
Making the Crust
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter. Stir until fully incorporated.
Portioning the Crust
  1. Using a small cookie scoop, divide the crumb mixture into 28 two-ounce plastic cups and press down to create a base.
Preparing the Pudding
  1. Whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk in a large mixing bowl. Chill for about five minutes.
Adding Caramel
  1. Stir in the salted caramel sauce into the chilled pudding mixture and mix on medium speed until smooth.
Whipping the Cream
  1. Pour in the heavy cream and whip using an electric mixer for 3-5 minutes until thick and fluffy.
Layering the Cups
  1. Transfer the caramel mousse mixture into a piping bag and pipe over the vanilla wafer crust in each cup.
Topping with Apples
  1. Scoop the cinnamon-scented apples over the mousse layer and drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired.
Chilling
  1. Seal the cups with a lid and chill for at least 30 minutes. They can be served promptly or stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze the mousse separately. Crumble the crust into yogurt for breakfast.