Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are the perfect individual-sized treat for fall or any time I want something sweet and comforting. They layer buttery cinnamon apples, a crunchy cookie crust, and smooth caramel mousse in a portable, no-bake format that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these dessert cups give me all the warm, cozy flavors of a caramel apple pie without needing to bake anything in the oven. The combination of creamy mousse, soft apples, and a sweet, crunchy crust makes every bite irresistible. They’re also easy to prep ahead and portion out, which makes them great for parties or simple family desserts.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cinnamon Apple Layer

• 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced

• ⅓ cup brown sugar

• 3 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ cup caramel sauce

For the Crust Layer

• 2 cups crushed vanilla wafer cookies

• ¼ cup melted butter

For the Caramel Mousse Layer

• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

• 1¼ cups cold whole milk

• ½ cup caramel sauce

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

For Garnish

• Extra caramel sauce for drizzling

Directions

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, I cook the diced apples with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon for about 8–10 minutes until the apples are soft and syrupy. Then I stir in the caramel sauce and let it cool completely.

2. In a bowl, I mix the crushed vanilla wafers with melted butter until combined, then press the mixture into the bottom of small dessert cups to create the crust.

3. For the mousse, I whisk the instant vanilla pudding with milk until it thickens. Then I add the caramel sauce and whip in the heavy cream until it turns smooth and fluffy.

4. I layer the mousse on top of the crust, then spoon the cooled apple mixture over the top.

5. To finish, I drizzle a little more caramel sauce over each cup.

6. I chill the cups in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving, so everything sets nicely.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes about 28 mini (2-ounce) dessert cups

• Prep time: 30–40 minutes

• Chill time: At least 2 hours before serving

Variations

• I sometimes swap the vanilla wafers with crushed graham crackers or Biscoff cookies for a different crust flavor.

• If I want a less sweet version, I reduce the caramel sauce slightly or use unsweetened apples.

• For a fun twist, I add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple layer.

• I’ve also made this with chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a chocolate-caramel variation.

• When serving for kids, I leave out the drizzle and let them top with whipped cream or sprinkles.

Storage / reheating

I keep these dessert cups covered in the refrigerator, and they stay fresh for up to 3 days. The mousse holds its texture well, and the apples don’t get soggy. I don’t freeze them, since the texture changes too much after thawing. If they’re too cold straight from the fridge, I let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

What apples are best for this recipe?

I like using tart apples like Granny Smith because they balance the sweetness of the caramel. Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well for a slightly sweeter result.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I usually make them the day before and let them chill overnight. Everything sets up beautifully, and the flavors develop even more.

Is it okay to use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely. I use a good-quality store-bought caramel sauce to save time, and it tastes great in both the mousse and as a drizzle.

Can I make these cups gluten-free?

Yes, I just use gluten-free cookies for the crust and make sure all other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Can I substitute the mousse with whipped cream?

I’ve tried it with just whipped cream and caramel folded in. It’s lighter and fluffier, but still delicious if I want to skip the pudding mix.

Conclusion

These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are one of my favorite no-bake desserts to make when I’m craving something cozy, sweet, and simple. They’re pretty to serve, fun to eat, and always a hit with guests. I can switch them up depending on the season or occasion, and they store well for a couple of days. Give them a try—I think you’ll love them as much as I do.