Caramel Apple Cups

Name: Caramel Apple Cups
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 g of cinnamon powder; 500 g apples, peeled, diced into chunks; 110 g of light brown sugar; 357 g of chilled heavy cream; 96 g of instant vanilla pudding powder mix; 220 g finely crushed vanilla wafers; 244 g milk, cold; 75 g ready-made or DIY salted caramel sauce; 57 g of butter, melted (can be salted or unsalted); Extra caramel sauce to drizzle on top

Author: Lora

Published: August 27, 2025

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Introduction to Caramel Apple Cups

Hey there, fellow dessert lovers! If you’re anything like me, balancing a busy schedule and satisfying sweet cravings can be quite the challenge. That’s where these delightful Caramel Apple Cups come into play—a quick, no-bake solution that’s perfect for impressing friends or just treating yourself after a long day. Picture fresh cinnamon-spiced apples nestled beneath a fluffy caramel mousse, all snuggled up in a crunchy crust. It’s a sweet slice of autumn bliss that’s both delightful and simple to whip up. Let’s dive into this treat that promises to warm your heart!

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cups

These Caramel Apple Cups are a game changer for busy moms and professionals alike. They’re quick to whip up, taking only 40 minutes from start to finish. Plus, each cup offers that warm, comforting flavor of fall in every bite! It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a simple weeknight treat. Trust me, your loved ones will be begging for more!

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cups

Gathering the right ingredients is just one of the joys of cooking! For these scrumptious Caramel Apple Cups, you’ll need a few delightful components to create the flavors that will embrace your senses like a warm hug.

Cinnamon Powder: This spice adds warmth and a hint of autumn flavor, making the apples sing.
Apples: Juicy and sweet or tart—choose your favorite! Peeled and diced, they form the heart of the dessert.
Light Brown Sugar: It gives a rich sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor, perfect for caramelizing the apples.
Heavy Cream: A must for that luscious mousse texture, it whips up beautifully to create fluffy layers.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Powder: This will help thicken the mousse while adding a creamy vanilla flavor.
Vanilla Wafers: These provide the crunch you’re going to love, creating a perfect base for the cups.
Cold Milk: Essential for mixing into the pudding; it helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture.
Salted Caramel Sauce: Whether homemade or store-bought, it elevates the flavor and adds decadence to the mousse.
Butter: It can be salted or unsalted. This gem helps bind the cookie base and enriches the overall taste.
Extra Caramel Sauce: We can’t resist drizzling a bit more on top for an extra touch of indulgence!

For those looking to take a creative leap, feel free to tweak the ingredients! Nuts paired with the mousse or chocolate chips tucked in can add delightful surprise elements. The ingredient amounts are detailed at the bottom of the article for easy access and printing. Let’s make the magic happen!

How to Make Caramel Apple Cups

Now, let’s get to the fun part! Making these Caramel Apple Cups is like bringing a bit of fall into your kitchen and filling it with delightful aromas. I’ll guide you step-by-step, ensuring you create a dessert that’s as pleasing to look at as it is to eat.

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Apples

Start by heating a medium pot over a low flame. Toss the peeled, diced apples with light brown sugar and cinnamon powder, letting the mixture mingle. As it begins to simmer, you’ll start to notice the comforting aroma wafting through your home. Stir occasionally until the apples soften and become syrupy, creating a sweet, sticky sauce. Once they’re tender and fragrant, let them cool for a bit. Trust me, this step sets the stage for a cozy dessert.

Step 2: Create the Base

While the apples are cooling, let’s whip up the delicious base! In a bowl, combine melted butter with finely crushed vanilla wafers. Mix everything together until it’s nicely combined—this mixture should feel a tad sandy yet buttery. Now, divide it into 28 small clear cups, pressing firmly to create an even, crunchy base. It’s this delightful crunch that will perfectly complement the smoothness of the mousse later on.

Step 3: Make the Caramel Mousse

For the decadently fluffy mousse, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding powder with cold milk in a mixing bowl. Keep whisking until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. This step will take just a few minutes. Now, gently fold in the salted caramel sauce—this is where the magic happens! The combination of flavors creates a luscious caramel mousse that everyone will adore.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

In another bowl, take that chilled heavy cream and whip it until you can see firm peaks forming. It’s like watching clouds turn into whipped wonders! This fluffy cream will be folded into the mousse mixture, adding an airiness that feels heavenly. Make sure not to overwhip; the goal is to achieve a thick yet creamy texture.

Step 5: Assemble the Cups

Now comes the fun part—assembly! Scoop the caramel mousse into a piping bag and pipe a generous layer over the crumb base in each cup, smoothing it out for an elegant finish. Next, add a heaping spoonful of your cinnamon apples on top of the mousse. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the apples for an indulgent touch! Secure the lids on your cups and chill them in the fridge. You can enjoy them right away, but if they sit for a bit, the flavors get even better. Enjoy every delightful bite!

Tips for Success

Use fresh, juicy apples for maximum flavor. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work wonderfully!
Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream for an easier process.
For a fancier presentation, top each cup with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped nuts.
Feel free to make these treats a day ahead—flavors meld beautifully overnight!
Don’t rush the chilling time; patience is key for the best texture!

Equipment Needed

Medium Pot: For simmering the cinnamon apples—any sturdy pot will do!
Mixing Bowls: A couple of bowls for mixing ingredients; feel free to use plastic or glass.
Hand Mixer: This is perfect for whipping cream; a whisk works too, just takes a bit longer.
Piping Bag: To pipe the mousse easily; a zip-top bag with the corner cut off is a great alternative!
Clear Cups: Small clear cups for serving; any dessert cups or even small glass jars will work beautifully!

Variations for Caramel Apple Cups

Nuts: Add some chopped pecans or walnuts to the mousse for a delightful crunch and enhanced flavor.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra layer of decadence—talk about a sweet upgrade!
Gluten-Free Option: Swap vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookies or crushed gluten-free graham crackers.
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and plant-based milk for a delicious non-dairy twist.
Spiced Apples: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger with the cinnamon for a flavorful kick!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Caramel Apple Cups with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo.
Enjoy them alongside a steaming cup of spiced chai or hot apple cider to elevate the autumn vibes.
For presentation, garnish each cup with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices!

FAQs about Caramel Apple Cups

Got questions about these irresistible Caramel Apple Cups? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up while making or enjoying this delightful dessert.

Can I make these cups ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare Caramel Apple Cups up to three days in advance. Just keep them chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for a couple of days, but let’s be honest—you probably won’t have any left!

Can I substitute the apples? Absolutely! While the classic combo is delicious, you can try pears or even diced peaches if you’d like a different fruity twist in your cups.

What if I don’t have a hand mixer? No problem at all! You can whisk by hand; it may take longer, but it’s a great workout and still yields fantastic results. Just be sure to whip until you get those lovely peaks!

Is this dessert suitable for kids? Definitely! Kids will love the combination of flavors, and it’s a fun dessert to serve at parties or family gatherings. Just watch out for the caramel—it can be sticky!

Final Thoughts

Creating these Caramel Apple Cups is more than just whipping up a dessert; it’s about bringing joy to your home. The comforting aroma of cinnamon apples fills the air, while the smooth, velvety caramel mousse invites everyone to dig in. Whether you’re enjoying quiet moments after a hectic day or dazzling friends at a gathering, these sweet cups are sure to delight. Plus, the possibility of customizing them to fit your taste makes this dessert even more enjoyable. So gather your loved ones, savor each bite, and create wonderful memories with this delightful treat!