Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
Imagine warm spiced apples layered over crumbled cookies and rich caramel, then topped with fluffy whipped cream — all tucked into an adorable little dessert cup. Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are the perfect single-serve treat that delivers cozy fall flavor in every spoonful. They’re easy, elegant, and downright irresistible for holidays, parties, or weeknight indulgence.
Behind the Recipe
This recipe came together during a family gathering when we had leftover apple pie filling and a craving for something a little lighter and faster than a whole pie. By layering the flavors in mini cups, each person got their own bite of heaven — sweet apples, silky caramel, and a soft crunch from buttery cookies. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite — and then some.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
Caramel apples have been a seasonal favorite since the early 1900s, originally created as a candy treat for fall festivals. Turning those classic flavors into a layered dessert cup takes the mess out of eating them and adds a whole new dimension. These dessert cups borrow elements from trifles and parfaits, creating a modern, spoonable version of a nostalgic classic.
Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
This treat checks all the right boxes — here’s why:
Versatile: Great for dessert tables, lunchboxes, or festive dinners.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients and fresh apples.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with no baking needed.
Customizable: Swap cookies, use different apples, or add nuts.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves caramel and apples — especially in layers.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill well in advance and serve when ready.
Great for Leftovers: Repack and refrigerate for a second round of yum.
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Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Layered with spiced apples, rich caramel, whipped cream, and buttery cookie crumbs, these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a quick, elegant treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 medium Apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
- Pinch of Salt
- ½ cup Caramel Sauce
- 1 ½ cups Whipped Cream
- 1 cup Crushed Shortbread or Graham Crackers
- Optional: Extra caramel, chopped pecans, cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 8–10 minutes until apples are tender and syrupy.
- Let apples cool slightly while preparing dessert cups or jars.
- Layer crushed cookies at the bottom of each cup.
- Spoon warm apple mixture over the cookie base.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce and top with whipped cream.
- Repeat layers if desired. Garnish with extra caramel, chopped nuts, or cinnamon.
- Serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor.
- Cool apples slightly before layering to prevent melting cream.
- Use piping bags for neater layers.
- Assemble just before serving for best presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: caramel apple dessert, apple parfait, fall desserts, no bake dessert, caramel apple cups
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
These easy tips make your dessert cups truly unforgettable:
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balance and depth.
- Chop apples evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Layer while the apples are still warm for melty caramel magic.
- Whip your cream fresh or use stabilized whipped topping if storing.
- Use clear dessert cups for that show-stopping layered look.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Minimal tools make this recipe even more tempting:
Medium Saucepan: For cooking down apples with spices.
Mixing Bowls: To whip cream and prep other layers.
Rubber Spatu la: For folding and scooping without deflating.
Clear Dessert Cups or Jars: To show off the layers.
Hand Mixer (optional): Speeds up whipped cream prep.
Ingredients in Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
Each layer adds texture and flavor to create a complete dessert experience:
1. Apples: 3 medium, peeled and diced — The juicy, sweet-tart base.
2. Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons — Helps caramelize the apples.
3. Brown Sugar: ¼ cup — Sweetens and creates a syrupy glaze.
4. Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon — Brings warmth and classic fall aroma.
5. Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon — Adds depth and spice.
6. Salt: A pinch — Balances the sweetness.
7. Caramel Sauce: ½ cup — Rich, gooey sweetness layered in.
8. Whipped Cream: 1 ½ cups — Light and fluffy topper.
9. Shortbread or Graham Crackers: 1 cup, crushed — Adds buttery crunch.
10. Optional Toppings: Extra caramel drizzle, chopped pecans, or cinnamon dust.
Make it your own with these easy swaps:
Apples: Pears work beautifully too.
Brown Sugar: Use maple syrup or coconut sugar.
Butter: Substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Whipped Cream: Use coconut whipped cream or store-bought whipped topping.
Shortbread: Swap with gingersnaps, vanilla wafers, or granola.
Ingredient Spotlight
Apples: Choose a mix like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for sweet-tart complexity and soft-but-firm bites.
Caramel Sauce: Opt for a thick, buttery caramel — homemade or store-bought — to give your layers that luscious richness.
