Caramel Apple Dessert Cups combine the best of both worlds: the tart crunch of fresh apples and the rich, creamy sweetness of caramel. These no-bake, easy-to-make treats are perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any time you’re craving a sweet, comforting dessert. With layers of caramel, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crunchy base, these little cups are sure to become a new favorite!
Here’s how to make them:
🧾 Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best), peeled and diced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp brown sugar (or maple syrup for a natural sweetener)
1 tbsp butter
For the Caramel Sauce:
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup brown sugar
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers (or shortbread cookies for a richer base)
3 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp sugar
Toppings:
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Extra caramel sauce
Crushed nuts (optional, for crunch)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Apple Filling
In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add the diced apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until apples are softened but still slightly firm.
Add lemon juice and remove from heat. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Make the Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, brown sugar, butter, and salt.
Stir until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved.
Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let the caramel cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare the Crust
In a bowl, combine crushed graham crackers (or shortbread), melted butter, and sugar.
Stir until the crumbs are well-coated and press the mixture into the bottom of serving cups (use small glass jars, dessert cups, or even mason jars for a cute presentation).
Chill the crust in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to set.
4. Assemble the Dessert Cups
Once the crust has set, layer the cooked apple filling over the crust.
Drizzle with a generous amount of homemade caramel sauce.
Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Add a drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top for extra indulgence. Optional: sprinkle with crushed nuts for crunch.
🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Cups
Let the caramel cool before drizzling over the apples to prevent it from melting the whipped cream or ice cream.
Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance out the sweetness of the caramel sauce.
Customize your topping — whipped cream is classic, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds extra creaminess.
Crust alternatives — For a different twist, use crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet contrast.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
These caramel apple dessert cups are perfect for fall-themed parties, Thanksgiving, or any casual get-together.
Pair with hot apple cider, a spiced chai latte, or a cozy cup of coffee.
They also make a great, individually portioned dessert for picnics or potlucks.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store the dessert cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Toppings: Add whipped cream or ice cream just before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.
Reheating: If you have leftover caramel sauce, simply reheat it on the stove for a few minutes before drizzling over the cups.
⭐ Final Thoughts
These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are the ultimate fall indulgence. With sweet cinnamon apples, rich caramel sauce, and a crunchy graham cracker crust, each bite delivers the perfect balance of textures and flavors. They’re easy to make and completely customizable — you can even add a sprinkle of granola or crushed nuts for extra texture.