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.
If you’re looking for a no-bake, crowd-pleasing dessert that looks as good as it tastes, these Caramel Apple Dessert Cups deserve a spot in your recipe collection.
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