How to Make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Step by Step

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are the sweet treat you didn’t know you needed—until now. These delightful little dessert shooters layer cinnamon-spiced apples, salted caramel mousse, and buttery vanilla wafer crusts in 2-ounce cups.

Easy, no-bake, and dangerously delicious, they’re the kind of dessert that disappears faster than you can say “fall favorite.” Whether you’re hosting a party, packing lunchbox treats, or just need a moment of caramel comfort, these cups hit the sweet spot. The best part? You can make them ahead, pop a lid on, and chill ’til you’re ready to wow everyone. And yes, they’re just as magical during the summer as they are at your cozy autumn bonfire.

Table of Contents

What are Caramel Apple Dessert Cups?

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are mini no-bake parfait-style desserts layered in portable cups. Imagine this: a buttery vanilla wafer crust forms the base, followed by a fluffy, rich mousse made from vanilla pudding, heavy cream, and a swirl of salted caramel. That’s topped with warm, cinnamon-spiced apples—cooked just enough to become tender but not mushy—and a final drizzle of caramel for good measure.

These cups are like bite-sized versions of your favorite apple pie and caramel sundae having a love child. And if you’re short on time or oven space (who isn’t?), they’re your go-to. No baking. Minimal cleanup. Maximum flavor. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or a solo Netflix snack fest. Basically, if you’ve got 45 minutes, a few ingredients, and a sweet tooth, you’re in business.

Reasons to Try Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

If you’re someone who loves the idea of baking but hates turning on the oven, these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are your jam. For starters, they’re completely no-bake, which means no sweating over a hot oven or burning your crust (we’ve all been there). They’re also pre-portioned, which makes them a dream for party prep—no slicing, no mess, just grab and go. And for moms dealing with picky eaters or busy professionals who need a fuss-free dessert for the weekend BBQ, these are game changers.

The combination of salty-sweet caramel, cozy cinnamon apples, and that buttery vanilla base is pure comfort in a cup. They store like champs in the fridge and taste even better the next day. Plus, they’re kind of adorable—think Mini Cheesecakes with Salted Caramel but with a seasonal twist. Who can resist that?

Ingredients Needed to Make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of 28 delightful little 2-ounce cups:

For the Cinnamon Apples:

• 4 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 4 medium apples—go with Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of tart and sweet)
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Cups:

• 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs (Nilla wafers are a classic choice)
• ¼ cup melted butter (salted or unsalted—your call)
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 cup milk
• ⅓ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade if you’re feeling extra)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• Extra caramel sauce for that final drizzle

Equipment:

• 28 two-ounce plastic dessert cups with lids
• Electric hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Piping bag or large zip-top bag

Instructions to Make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups (Step by Step)

This step-by-step guide is everything you need to create these crave-worthy cups. Don’t worry—this isn’t some five-hour baking saga. You’ve got this.

Make the Cinnamon Apples

Grab a medium saucepan and toss in your peeled, chopped apples. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon. Stir everything together and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the apples are tender and the sugary mixture starts to thicken. Your kitchen will smell like fall. Set the apples aside to cool completely.

Create the Vanilla Wafer Crust

In a bowl, mix your vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter until you get that wet sand consistency. Use a small cookie scoop to portion the mixture into each of the 28 cups. Press it down with the back of another cup to create a firm crust. You’re laying the foundation for greatness here.

Whip the Caramel Mousse

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Let it sit and chill for 5 minutes. Then stir in the caramel sauce. Now, grab your electric hand mixer and whip it all together until smooth. Pour in the heavy cream and whip for another 3–5 minutes until the mixture thickens into a dreamy mousse. It should be thick enough to hold its shape when piped.

Assemble the Dessert Cups

Transfer the caramel mousse to a large piping bag (or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off). Pipe a layer of mousse on top of the crust in each cup. Next, spoon your cooled cinnamon apples on top of the mousse. Don’t skimp—this is where the magic happens. Finally, drizzle each cup with a little extra caramel sauce for that glossy, sweet finish.

Chill and Serve

Snap on the lids and pop the cups into the fridge. They’ll be ready in about 30 minutes, but honestly, they taste even better after a few hours or overnight. They’ll keep perfectly for 2–3 days, making them an ideal make-ahead dessert.

What to Serve with Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are stars on their own, but if you’re putting together a dessert spread or seasonal menu, here are a few perfect companions. Pair them with warm drinks like spiced chai, hot apple cider, or even a boozy caramel bourbon cocktail for the grownups. If you’re hosting a dessert bar, line them up with Air Fryer Lava Cake or Irish Cream Brownie Cookies to really impress. For a brunch party, these cups look right at home next to Blackberry Cream Cheese Danish or Best Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars. You could even serve them with a simple cheese plate—sweet and savory always gets along. However you serve them, don’t forget a little whipped cream or crushed pretzels on the side if you want to get fancy.

Key Tips for Making Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

• Don’t overcook the apples. You want them tender, not mushy. Think pie-filling texture, not applesauce.
• Use cold heavy cream for the mousse. Room temp won’t whip properly and you’ll end up with sad soup.
• A piping bag makes life easier. If you’re hosting or gifting, this keeps things neat and professional looking.
• Make ahead. These cups store beautifully. Just keep them sealed and chilled.
• Double the caramel. Not officially required, but let’s be honest—there’s no such thing as too much caramel.
• Customize. Try mixing in chopped pecans, using butterscotch pudding, or topping with whipped cream or crushed toffee bits.
• For a holiday vibe, a dash of nutmeg in the apples adds a cozy, spiced kick.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

No oven? No problem—and no reheating needed. Just chill and serve. These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days with the lids on. The flavors actually get better after a day, as the mousse and apples mingle. Avoid freezing—cream-based mousse doesn’t always hold up well once thawed. If you’re making ahead for an event, store the mousse and apple topping separately, and assemble the cups a few hours before serving for best texture. If the apple topping gets too thick in the fridge, give it a quick stir at room temp before using. Planning to travel with them? Stack them in a cooler with ice packs—they’re surprisingly sturdy and road-trip ready.

FAQs

Can I use homemade caramel sauce? Absolutely! Homemade caramel gives it a richer flavor. Just be sure it’s not too runny or it’ll mess with the mousse texture.

What kind of apples work best? Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are top picks. You want apples that hold their shape when cooked.

Can I make them dairy-free? You can try using coconut whipped cream and dairy-free pudding, but texture may vary.

Can I freeze them? It’s not recommended—the mousse doesn’t thaw well and the texture gets weird.

Do they travel well? Yes! Just keep them chilled, and they’re perfect for picnics, potlucks, and lunchboxes.

Final Thoughts

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a no-fuss, all-flavor treat that feels like a little scoop of fall in every bite. With cozy cinnamon apples, rich caramel mousse, and that buttery cookie base, they check every dessert box—sweet, salty, creamy, and crunchy. Perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something that makes people go, “Wait…you made these?!” Whether you’re prepping for a fall gathering or just need a spoonful of joy after a long Tuesday, these little cups will hit the spot. Want to try something similar but with a tangy twist? Check out our Southern Banana Cobbler or Blueberry Dessert Pizza for more no-fuss dessert inspiration. Happy spooning!

Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.

Print