Description
Enjoy the flavors of fall with these delightful Caramel Apple Dessert Cups featuring tender spiced apples, a buttery vanilla wafer crust, and a luscious caramel-infused vanilla mousse. Perfectly layered and chilled, these cups offer a cozy and indulgent treat that’s ideal for gatherings or dessert cravings during the autumn season.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Filling
- 4 cups apples, peeled and chopped (e.g., Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Crust
- 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter (salted or unsalted)
Mousse Filling
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- ⅓ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1½ cups heavy cream
For Serving
- Additional caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Apples: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the peeled and chopped apples with brown sugar and cinnamon. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and coated in a syrupy glaze. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, mix the vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter until the mixture is well combined. Divide this crust mixture evenly among 8 individual serving cups, pressing gently to form an even base. Place the cups in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the mousse filling.
- Make the Pudding Base: In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until the mixture starts to thicken slightly. Stir in the caramel sauce until fully incorporated.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream using a mixer until soft peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the pudding-caramel mixture until smooth and light, creating a creamy mousse.
- Assemble the Cups: Spoon or pipe the caramel mousse over the chilled crust in each cup, filling them about two-thirds full.
- Add the Apple Topping: Spoon a generous amount of the cooled spiced apples over the mousse layer in each cup. Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top if desired for extra sweetness and visual appeal.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled dessert cups for at least 1 hour to allow the mousse to set and flavors to meld. These can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and served chilled for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet varieties like Honeycrisp for best flavor and texture balance.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute vanilla wafer crumbs with gluten-free cookies or almond flour crust.
- Make sure the apples cool completely before assembling to avoid melting the mousse.
- Store dessert cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with whipped coconut cream if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
