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Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

A whimsical dessert combining crispy vanilla wafers and warm caramelized apples, perfect for gatherings and cravings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 28 cups
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Street Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Apple Filling
  • 4 cups apples (peeled and chopped) Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth.
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
Crust
  • 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
  • ¼ cup salted or unsalted butter (melted)
Caramel Mousse
  • 1 pkg instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces)
  • 1 cup milk
  • ⅓ cup salted caramel sauce
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
Garnish
  • additional caramel sauce For drizzling on top

Method
 

Apple Filling
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the peeled and chopped apples with brown sugar and cinnamon over medium heat until softened and thickened.
  2. Set the apple filling aside to cool.
Crust Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter until coated.
  2. Portion the mixture into 28 - 2 ounce cups, pressing down firmly to form a crust.
Caramel Mousse
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk, then chill for 5 minutes.
  2. Add the salted caramel sauce to the pudding and blend with an electric mixer until smooth.
  3. Pour the heavy cream into the mixture and whip until fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
Assembly
  1. Transfer the caramel mousse to a piping bag and layer it over the vanilla wafer crusts.
  2. Top with cinnamon apples and drizzle with additional caramel sauce.
Chill and Serve
  1. Seal the cups and chill them in the fridge for 2-3 days before serving.
  2. Serve the cups chilled, optionally drizzling more caramel sauce on top.

Notes

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for flavor depth. Add chopped nuts or sea salt for texture. Enjoy variations with chocolate sauce or poached pears.