Caramel Apple Dessert Cups (Printer-Friendly)
Warm spiced apples combined with cinnamon pudding, graham crumbs, caramel, and fluffy whipped topping in layered cups.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Apple Layer
01 -
2 large apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
02 -
1 tablespoon butter
03 -
2 tablespoons brown sugar
04 -
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
05 -
1 teaspoon lemon juice
→ Creamy Pudding Layer
06 -
1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
07 -
2 cups cold milk (dairy or non-dairy)
08 -
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
09 -
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
→ Layering and Topping
10 -
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
11 -
1 tablespoon melted butter
12 -
1/2 cup caramel sauce
13 -
1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream
14 -
Optional: chopped pecans, sprinkles, or additional cinnamon
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until apples soften and become syrupy. Allow to cool completely.
02 -
Whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Continue whisking for 2 to 3 minutes until mixture thickens. Chill the pudding for 10 minutes.
03 -
Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
04 -
In each cup, layer graham cracker mixture, cinnamon pudding, cooked apples, caramel sauce, and whipped topping. Repeat layers as desired for fuller cups.
05 -
Top cups with additional caramel, cinnamon, or chopped nuts as preferred. Chill cups for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance sweetness and allow apple layer to cool completely before layering to prevent melting the pudding or topping.
02 -
Layer dessert with a spoon or piping bag for clean edges; avoid overfilling to leave space for toppings or lids.
03 -
This dessert can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance for convenience.