Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a delightful treat that combines tender cinnamon-spiced apples with creamy caramel mousse and a crunchy vanilla wafer crust. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for autumn gatherings or any time you crave a sweet and comforting bite.

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
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• Additional caramel sauce for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the peeled and chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir and cook over medium heat until the apples are soft and the liquid thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, mix the vanilla wafer crumbs with the melted butter until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Divide the vanilla wafer crumb mixture into 28 small (2-ounce) plastic cups. Press the crumbs down firmly with the back of a plastic cup or a spoon to create an even crust layer.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Chill for 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the salted caramel sauce to the pudding mixture. Using an electric hand mixer on medium speed, blend until the caramel is fully incorporated and smooth.
6. Step 6: Pour in the heavy cream and whip the mixture with the electric hand mixer on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes, until it becomes thick and creamy.
7. Step 7: Transfer the caramel mousse to a piping bag and pipe it evenly over the vanilla wafer crusts in each cup.
8. Step 8: Spoon the cinnamon apples on top of the mousse layer. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over each cup as desired.
9. Step 9: Seal the cups with lids and chill in the refrigerator. Serve immediately or store for 2 to 3 days for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
• For extra crunch, add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the apple mixture.
• Experiment with spiced caramel sauce to add a warming twist to the dessert.
• If plastic cups aren’t available, small glass jars or dessert dishes work well.

Storage

Store the sealed dessert cups in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. They are best enjoyed chilled. When ready to serve, you can add an extra drizzle of caramel sauce if desired. No reheating is needed as this dessert is served cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these dessert cups ahead of time?

Yes, these cups can be prepared and assembled up to 2 days in advance. Just keep them refrigerated and sealed to maintain freshness.

Can I substitute the vanilla wafer crumbs with something else?

Absolutely! Graham cracker crumbs or crushed shortbread cookies make great alternatives for the crust and add their own unique flavor.

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe

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These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a delightful layered treat featuring soft cinnamon-spiced apples, a buttery vanilla wafer crust, and a creamy caramel-infused vanilla pudding mousse. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet, comforting dessert with rich caramel and warm apple flavors, these individual servings are easy to prepare and impressively delicious.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 28 individual dessert cups 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Filling

• 4 cups apples, peeled and chopped
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Crust

• 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
• ¼ cup salted or unsalted butter, melted

Caramel Vanilla Mousse

• 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces)
• 1 cup milk
• ⅓ cup salted caramel sauce
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream

Garnish

• Additional caramel sauce for drizzle

Instructions

1. Cook the Apples: In a medium saucepan, combine peeled and chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir the mixture and cook over medium heat until the apples become soft and the liquid thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
3. Form the Base Layer: Portion the vanilla wafer crumb mixture evenly into 28 – 2-ounce plastic cups using a small cookie scoop. Use the back of one of the cups to firmly press the crumbs down and create a compact crust layer.
4. Mix Pudding Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 5 minutes to start setting.
5. Incorporate Caramel: Add the salted caramel sauce to the chilled pudding mixture. Using an electric hand mixer at medium speed, blend the caramel into the pudding until smooth and uniform in color.
6. Whip the Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the pudding caramel mixture. Whip the combined ingredients using an electric hand mixer on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy and mousse-like.
7. Assemble the Mousse Layer: Transfer the caramel mousse mixture into a large piping bag. Pipe the mousse evenly on top of the vanilla wafer crust in each cup, filling about 2/3 of the cup.
8. Add Apple Topping: Spoon the cooled cinnamon apples gently over the caramel mousse layer in each cup. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce as desired for extra sweetness and decoration.
9. Chill and Serve: Seal each cup with a lid and refrigerate. The dessert cups can be served immediately or stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days for enhanced flavor melding.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart contrast.
• Ensure apples are fully cooled before adding to mousse to prevent melting the cream.
• For easier serving, use a piping bag or plastic bag with the tip cut off for the mousse layer.
• These cups can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated for convenience.
• Adjust caramel sauce quantity to taste, using less or more depending on preferred sweetness.

Keywords: caramel apple dessert, caramel mousse, apple dessert cups, layered dessert, easy fall dessert, instant pudding dessert