Caramel Apple Dessert Cups layer a buttery vanilla wafer or graham cracker crust, silky salted caramel mousse, and warm cinnamon apples into individual no-bake cups that taste like a caramel apple pie parfait. They are rich, creamy, and perfectly portable, making them ideal for fall gatherings, holiday dessert tables, or anytime you want an impressive make-ahead dessert without turning on the oven.
This recipe follows the same structure as popular caramel apple dessert cup recipes: cook a simple cinnamon-apple filling on the stove, press cookie crumbs with butter into cups for the crust, whip together a caramel-infused pudding mousse, then layer everything and chill. The result is a dessert with contrasting textures—crunchy base, cloud-like mousse, and tender apples—finished with an irresistible drizzle of salted caramel.
Why you’ll love these dessert cups
Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a true no-bake dessert, relying only on a quick stovetop apple filling and refrigerator time to set the mousse. The recipe uses familiar ingredients like instant pudding mix, heavy cream, caramel sauce, and vanilla wafers or graham crackers, which means it is as approachable as it is elegant.
The individual portions make them perfect for parties, potlucks, bake sales, and events where guests can grab a dessert cup and go. They hold up well in the fridge for a couple of days, and the layers stay neat and attractive, giving you a dessert that tastes bakery-level but is practical for real-life hosting.
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