Caramel Apple Dessert Cups |Simple & Delicious Holiday Treat

The kitchen always smells different when caramel meets apples. Warm, buttery, and sweet — it’s a scent that feels like December. These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups capture that cozy magic in every bite. With layers of vanilla wafer crust, fluffy caramel mousse, and cinnamon-spiced apples, each cup feels like a mini hug on a chilly night.

Why You’ll Love It

You’ll love how simple these are. No oven needed and ready ahead of time, they make party prep easy. Each little cup looks beautiful on a dessert tray. They’re flexible too — use any apples you have and either homemade or store-bought caramel. Make them the night before and enjoy a stress-free dessert moment later.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need for these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups.

For the Vanilla Wafer Crust

• 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer cookie crumbs
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Salted Caramel Mousse

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

For the Cinnamon Apples

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

Optional Toppings

• Extra salted caramel sauce
• Crushed vanilla wafer cookies

Step-by-Step: How to Make Them

Step 1 — Prepare the Crust

Mix the cookie crumbs and melted butter until evenly coated. Spoon about one tablespoon into each 2-ounce dessert cup and press gently with the back of a spoon. The crust sets quickly, so keep it ready before the next layer.

Step 2 — Make the Salted Caramel Mousse

Whip the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Add the caramel sauce and whip again until the peaks are firm and smooth. Spoon the mousse into a piping bag, then pipe it neatly over the crust. The mousse should feel light and silky.

Step 3 — Cook the Cinnamon Apples

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Stir often until the apples turn golden and soft — about ten minutes. Let them cool completely. This cooling step is important because warm apples will melt the mousse.

Step 4 — Assemble

Spoon the cooled apples over the mousse. Drizzle extra caramel sauce for a glossy finish, then sprinkle crushed cookies if you want a little crunch. The mix of creamy and crisp makes every bite more exciting.

Step 5 — Chill

Cover the dessert cups and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight. As they chill, the flavors blend beautifully and the mousse sets into a soft, cloud-like texture.

Pro Tips

Cool the apples completely before layering. This keeps the mousse fluffy.
For cleaner layers, chill the mousse in the piping bag for 15 minutes before assembling.
Use clear 2-ounce cups for a pretty layered look — the caramel swirls peek through.
Graham crackers or Biscoff cookies also work well for the crust.
This recipe makes 12 cups, but you can double it for larger gatherings.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Keep the cups covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. They taste even better the next day as the flavors settle. However, skip freezing because the mousse loses its soft texture. For the best look, add the final caramel drizzle just before serving.

Nutrition (per serving)

Approximate values per cup:
Calories: 261 | Carbs: 25g | Fat: 18g | Protein: 1g | Sugar: 19g | Sodium: 111mg
You’ll also get small amounts of Vitamin A and C from the apples.

More Such Recipes

If you love the mix of caramel and apple, try my Easy caramel apple cheesecake dip for fall parties.
You might also like The best caramel apple cheesecake bars for a sweet autumn treat.
For a flaky twist, check out Caramel apple puff pastries with flaky layers and gooey filling.
Or bake a cozy tray of Salted caramel apple bars packed with seasonal flavor.

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups — Recipe Card

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups bring all the joy of a fall festival right to your fridge. The mix of creamy caramel, buttery crumbs, and spiced apples makes every bite feel special. They’re easy to make ahead, easy to serve, and hard not to love.
For more cozy dessert ideas and seasonal inspiration, visit me on Pinterest or follow along on Facebook.