There are few dessert combinations as timeless and satisfying as caramel and apples. The sweet, buttery richness of caramel paired with the crisp tartness of apples creates a flavor harmony that’s hard to resist. When presented in a fun, layered cup-style dessert, you get not only a treat that looks beautiful but one that also offers a delightful textural experience—creamy, crunchy, soft, and gooey all in one bite.
Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a perfect no-fuss treat for parties, holidays, fall gatherings, or even just a cozy night in. With layers of buttery graham crackers (or crushed cookies), creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apples, and gooey caramel, these dessert cups strike the right balance of sweet and tangy. The best part is they’re portioned individually, which makes them great for serving and enjoying without the hassle of slicing or plating.
In this guide, we’ll go deep into everything you need to know about making the ultimate Caramel Apple Dessert Cups—from ingredient breakdown, variations, preparation tips, calorie content, and creative presentation ideas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple but impressive: Though the ingredients are basic, the final product looks elegant and restaurant-worthy.
Perfect portions: Individual servings mean no messy cutting or scooping, and everyone gets their own cup.
Versatile layers: You can swap graham crackers for cookies, cheesecake filling for pudding, or even apples for pears.
Great make-ahead option: These cups hold up well when refrigerated, making them a wonderful prep-ahead dessert.
Crowd-pleasing flavor: Caramel and apple are universally loved, especially in the fall season.
Ingredients
To make about 6–8 individual dessert cups (depending on size), you’ll need:
For the Apple Layer:
4 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work best), peeled, cored, and diced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (to prevent browning and enhance flavor)
