Dessert

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe

ByElena Hart November 3, 2025November 3, 2025

Introduction

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a delightful treat that combine the warm flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples with creamy caramel mousse and a crunchy vanilla wafer crust. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting, sweet dessert in a convenient cup.

The image shows small clear plastic cups filled with a layered dessert. The bottom layer is a crumbly light brown crust, topped by a smooth, creamy off-white layer. Above that is a shiny, thick caramel-colored sauce, and the top layer is made of chunky caramelized apple pieces in a glossy brown syrup. The dessert cups are placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 cups apples (peeled and chopped)
½ cup light brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon
2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs

¼ cup salted or unsalted butter (melted)
1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces)

1 cup milk
⅓ cup salted caramel sauce
1 ½ cups heavy cream

Additional caramel sauce for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine peeled and chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir and cook over medium heat until the apples are soft and the liquid thickens. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter. Stir until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Portion vanilla wafer crumbs into 28 – 2 ounce plastic cups using a small cookie scoop. Use the back of one of the plastic cups to press the crumbs down firmly to create the crust.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk to combine and chill for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add salted caramel sauce to the chilled pudding mixture. Use an electric hand mixer on medium speed to mix the caramel into the pudding until smooth.

Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream to the pudding mixture and whip with an electric hand mixer for 3-5 minutes until it becomes thick and creamy.
Step 7: Transfer the caramel mousse mixture to a large piping bag. Pipe the mousse into the plastic cups on top of the vanilla wafer crust.
Step 8: Using a spoon, portion the cinnamon apples over the caramel mousse. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired.

Step 9: Seal the cups with a lid and chill. The cups can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before serving.
Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor or Fuji apples for a sweeter taste.

If you prefer, substitute salted caramel sauce with regular caramel and add a pinch of sea salt to balance flavors.
Use store-bought vanilla wafer crumbs to save time or crush your own cookies for a fresher texture.

Storage

Store the dessert cups in the refrigerator, tightly sealed, for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the creamy texture and fresh flavor. Before serving, you can let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the mousse may change upon thawing.

How to Serve

The image shows small clear plastic cups with a dessert that has four layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly brown crust, the second layer is a smooth pale cream, the third layer is a glossy amber caramel sauce, and the top layer is a pile of soft, warm-looking diced apples coated in a shiny caramel glaze. The cups are placed on a white marbled surface, with the focus on the cup in the front center, while others are blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these dessert cups ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made and assembled a day in advance. Keep them refrigerated and add the caramel drizzle just before serving for the best presentation.

Can I use another type of pudding mix?

Vanilla pudding works best to complement the caramel and apple flavors, but you could experiment with butterscotch or caramel pudding for a richer taste.