Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe

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)

For the Creamy Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese (softened)

1 cup heavy whipping cream

½ cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Base Layer:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, Biscoff cookies, or vanilla wafers)

4 tablespoons melted butter

1 tablespoon sugar (optional, if you like it sweeter)

For Garnish & Drizzle:

½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Whipped cream (optional)

Extra crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs

Small apple slices or caramel candies for decoration

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter.

Once melted, add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.

Stir and cook for about 5–7 minutes, until apples soften slightly and develop a caramelized glaze.

Remove from heat and let cool.

Tip: You don’t want the apples too mushy—aim for tender but still holding their shape.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Cream Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and fluffy.

Step 3: Prepare the Crust Base

In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter (and sugar, if using).

Mix until the texture resembles damp sand.

Set aside for layering.

Step 4: Assemble the Dessert Cups

Start with a spoonful (about 2 tablespoons) of the crumb mixture at the bottom of each dessert cup. Press down slightly.

Add a layer of cheesecake filling.

Spoon a layer of caramelized apples on top.

Drizzle with caramel sauce.

Repeat the layers if your cups are large enough, finishing with apples and caramel on top.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Add a swirl of whipped cream on top (optional).

Sprinkle with extra graham crumbs or cookie crumbles.

Garnish with a small slice of apple or caramel candy.

Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for best texture.

Preparation Time

Apple cooking time: 7 minutes

Cheesecake filling prep: 10 minutes

Crust prep: 5 minutes

Assembly: 10 minutes

Chill time: 1 hour

Total active prep and cooking time: ~30 minutes

Total time (including chilling): ~1 hour 30 minutes

Calorie Information (per serving, approx. 1 of 8 cups)

Graham cracker base: 150 calories

Cheesecake filling: 220 calories

Apple layer: 90 calories

Caramel drizzle: 80 calories

Garnish/whipped cream: 60 calories

Estimated total per serving: ~600 calories

(This will vary depending on serving size and specific brands used.)

Tips for the Perfect Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Choose the right apples: Granny Smith offers tartness to balance caramel’s sweetness, while Honeycrisp or Gala gives a milder sweetness.

Don’t skip chilling: Allowing the dessert to chill firms up the layers and makes the flavor more cohesive.

Use homemade caramel if possible: It elevates the flavor significantly. A quick caramel can be made by melting sugar with butter and cream.

Serve in clear cups or glasses: The layered look is part of the presentation. Mason jars, parfait glasses, or plastic dessert cups work beautifully.

Make ahead: You can prepare these cups 24 hours in advance, just hold off on garnishing with whipped cream until serving.

Variations

Salted Caramel Apple Cups: Add a sprinkle of sea salt to the caramel layer.

Apple Pie Dessert Cups: Mix in some crushed pie crust instead of graham crackers.

Healthier version: Swap cream cheese filling for vanilla Greek yogurt.

Cookie twist: Use Oreos, Biscoff, or ginger snaps instead of graham crackers for a different base flavor.

Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between the layers for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled as a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal.

Make it part of a fall dessert table alongside pumpkin pie and cinnamon rolls.

Prepare mini 2–3 bite versions for party trays.

Pair with coffee, hot chocolate, or spiced cider for a cozy treat.

Storing Leftovers

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Not freezer-friendly (the cream filling and apples lose texture after thawing).

Best eaten fresh within 24 hours for optimal crunch and presentation.

Final Thoughts

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are a delightful way to enjoy all the comforting flavors of caramel apples without the mess of biting into a traditional caramel-coated apple. These layered treats combine creamy cheesecake filling, buttery crumbs, spiced apples, and luscious caramel in a format that’s elegant, easy to serve, and impossible to resist.

Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday party, these dessert cups will always impress. The best part is how customizable they are—you can easily adjust sweetness, flavors, and garnishes to suit your preference.