Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

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Introduction

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a delicious and elegant way to enjoy the classic flavor combination of sweet apples and rich caramel. These individual dessert cups feature a creamy caramel mousse paired with fresh, crisp apples and topped with a sweet drizzle of caramel. A perfect treat for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or any occasion that calls for a delightful, bite-sized indulgence. These dessert cups are simple to prepare, yet sophisticated enough to impress your guests!

Perfect for:

  • Fall gatherings
  • Thanksgiving
  • Holiday parties
  • Dessert buffets
  • Apple lovers
  • Family celebrations

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Caramel Apple Dessert Cups will become a favorite fall treat:

  • Seasonal Flavor: The perfect combination of tart apples and sweet caramel makes this dessert ideal for autumn.
  • Individual Servings: Pre-portioned in cute cups for easy serving and minimal mess.
  • No-Bake Delight: A simple, no-bake dessert that’s easy to prepare.
  • Refreshing and Creamy: The apples provide a crisp contrast to the creamy caramel mousse.
  • Versatile: Customize with different types of apples or add extra toppings like nuts or whipped cream.
  • Elegant Presentation: The layered cups make this dessert look impressive without the need for advanced skills.
  • Kid-Friendly: Children love the sweet and creamy taste, and they’re fun to make with the whole family.
  • Quick to Prepare: Ready in under an hour (including chilling time), making it a great last-minute dessert option.
  • Perfect for Fall Entertaining: A festive treat that fits the autumn theme perfectly.
  • Light Yet Satisfying: The caramel mousse is rich but light enough to enjoy without being overly indulgent.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 45 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Preparation Time: 25 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 8 dessert cups
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Carbs: 35g, Fat: 14g, Protein: 2g

Ingredients

For the Caramel Apple Cups:

  • 2 large apples (preferably tart like Granny Smith)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup milk (whole or skim)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to toss apples)
  • Optional: Crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies for the base

For the Caramel Drizzle:

  • ¼ cup caramel sauce
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream

Optional Garnish:

  • Chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
  • Whipped cream
  • Cinnamon

Ingredient Highlights

  • Tart Apples: The tartness of Granny Smith apples balances the sweetness of the caramel and mousse.
  • Caramel Sauce: Adds a rich, indulgent sweetness that perfectly complements the apples.
  • Cream Cheese: Gives the mousse its creamy, smooth texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Apples:

  1. Slice Apples: Core and slice the apples into thin wedges or small cubes.
  2. Toss in Lemon Juice: Toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.

Make the Caramel Mousse:

  1. Whip Cream: In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
  2. Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
  3. Add Caramel Sauce: Stir in the caramel sauce and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture.
  4. Combine Mousse: Gently fold the whipped cream into the caramel cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy. If needed, add milk to reach desired consistency.

Assemble the Dessert Cups:

  1. Prepare the Cups: If using, place crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies at the bottom of each cup to create a base layer.
  2. Layer Apples and Mousse: Layer the caramel mousse at the bottom of each cup, followed by the apple slices, and top with a spoonful of mousse.
  3. Chill the Cups: Refrigerate the assembled cups for 20 minutes to set the mousse and allow the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Caramel Drizzle:

  1. Make the Drizzle: In a small saucepan, heat caramel sauce and heavy cream over low heat, stirring until smooth and slightly thinned. Allow to cool.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Drizzle with Caramel: Once the mousse has set, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of each cup.
  2. Optional Garnishes: Top with whipped cream, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Caramel Apple Dessert Cups:

  • As a Party Dessert: Serve these dessert cups at your next holiday or fall party for a crowd-pleasing treat.
  • In Gift Baskets: Include these cups as part of a homemade gift basket.
  • On a Dessert Table: Arrange these dessert cups on a fall-themed dessert table for a beautiful display.
  • With Afternoon Tea: Serve alongside tea for a delicious mid-day treat.
  • For Family Dinners: A great dessert to prepare ahead of time for a stress-free dinner party.
  • As a Special Breakfast or Brunch: Perfect for a sweet start to a holiday brunch or weekend breakfast.
  • In Mini Versions: Serve smaller portions in mini cups for a cute and bite-sized treat.
  • As a Fall Picnic Treat: Pack these cups for an outdoor picnic with a seasonal touch.
  • As a Gift: Package the dessert cups in clear containers for a charming homemade gift.
  • With Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Additional Tips

  • Make Ahead: These dessert cups can be made a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve.
  • Customizing Apple Types: Experiment with different types of apples, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a sweeter flavor.
  • Thicker Mousse: For a firmer mousse, reduce the amount of milk or add a bit more cream cheese.
  • Caramel Temperature: Let the caramel drizzle cool slightly before serving to prevent it from being too runny.
  • Prevent Sogginess: If preparing ahead of time, make sure to layer the apples right before serving to avoid soggy layers.

Recipe Variations

  • Cinnamon Caramel Apple Cups: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the mousse or sprinkle it on top for an extra fall flavor.
  • Salted Caramel Apple Cups: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle for a sweet and salty combination.
  • Pecan Caramel Apple Cups: Top with toasted pecans for an added crunch and flavor boost.
  • Vegan Version: Replace the cream cheese with a non-dairy alternative and use coconut cream for the mousse.
  • Mini Caramel Apple Cups: Use mini dessert cups or shot glasses for a bite-sized treat.
  • Apple Crisp Topping: Add a layer of crumbled oat topping for a crisp texture.
  • Spiced Apple Cups: Add a dash of nutmeg or clove to the mousse for a spiced twist.
  • Caramel Popcorn Apple Cups: For added texture, top with caramel popcorn instead of chopped nuts.
  • Chocolate Caramel Apple Cups: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top in addition to caramel for a decadent treat.

Special Equipment

  • Dessert Cups: Small glass or plastic cups for assembling the dessert.
  • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To beat the cream cheese and whip the cream.
  • Small Saucepan: For making the caramel drizzle.
  • Spoon or Piping Bag: For layering and filling the dessert cups.
  • Refrigerator: To chill the dessert cups before serving.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?
    Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe.
  2. How long do these dessert cups last?
    The dessert cups can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  3. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Yes, these cups can be made up to a day in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve.
  4. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
    You can use whipped topping or a mixture of half-and-half and butter as a substitute.
  5. Can I use a different type of apple?
    Yes, you can use any apple variety you like, but tart apples like Granny Smith provide the best balance of flavor with the sweet caramel.
  6. Can I freeze these dessert cups?
    It’s best to serve these fresh, as freezing can affect the texture of the mousse and apples.
  7. How do I prevent the apples from browning?
    Tossing the apples with lemon juice helps prevent browning.
  8. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes, simply omit the graham cracker base or use gluten-free cookies.
  9. What’s a good substitute for caramel sauce?
    You could use dulce de leche or make a homemade caramel sauce if preferred.
  10. How can I make this recipe more indulgent?
    Add a layer of whipped cream or chocolate chips for added richness.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a delightful treat that combines the sweet, rich flavors of caramel with the tartness of fresh apples, all in a convenient, bite-sized cup. The blend of soft, warm caramel and crisp apples creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether you enjoy them as a light dessert after a meal or a fun party snack, these cups are sure to please everyone with their deliciously sweet and comforting taste.

This dessert is incredibly easy to make, making it a great choice for last-minute gatherings or cozy nights at home. You can customize the cups with your favorite toppings, such as chopped nuts, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of extra caramel for an added indulgence. With its irresistible combination of flavors, Caramel Apple Dessert Cups will feel like a special treat no matter the occasion.

I can’t wait to see how your Caramel Apple Dessert Cups turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your amazing creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what fun twists you added to this dessert!

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