Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Cream Filling

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

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

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

---

Step 3: Prepare the Crust Base

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

2. Mix until the texture resembles damp sand.

3. Set aside for layering.

Step 4: Assemble the Dessert Cups

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

2. Add a layer of cheesecake filling.

3. Spoon a layer of caramelized apples on top.

4. Drizzle with caramel sauce.

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

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

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

2. Sprinkle with extra graham crumbs or cookie crumbles.

3. Garnish with a small slice of apple or caramel candy.

4. 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

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

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

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

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

5. 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.

  CONTINUE READING IN THE NEXT PAGE