Caramel apple dessert cups are a simple, mouthwatering, no-bake treat that’s perfect for apple season! Featuring a vanilla wafer crust, creamy salted caramel mousse, spiced cinnamon apples, and a drizzle of caramel, these portable cups are irresistibly delicious—no oven needed!
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 melted butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- ⅓ cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- Additional caramel sauce for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Cinnamon Apples
- In a medium saucepan, combine the peeled and chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and the liquid thickens. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Vanilla Wafer Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter. Stir until well mixed.
- Divide the mixture evenly into 28 small (2-ounce) plastic cups. Use a small cookie scoop for easy portioning.
- Press the crumbs down with the back of a plastic cup to form the crust.
- Prepare the Caramel Mousse
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Chill the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Add the caramel sauce to the pudding and mix with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until smooth.
- Pour in the heavy cream and whip for 3–5 minutes until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Transfer the mousse to a large piping bag.
- Assemble the Dessert Cups
- Pipe the caramel mousse into each cup on top of the vanilla wafer crust.
- Spoon the cooled cinnamon apples over the mousse.
- Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired.
- Chill and Serve
- Seal the cups with lids and refrigerate. These can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
NOTES
- Keep the caramel apple dessert cups chilled until ready to serve.
- They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for maximum freshness.
