Before we dive into buttery graham cracker crumbs and luscious layers of caramel apple goodness, let me say a warm thank you for stopping by. If you’re here for a dessert that’s easy to make, impossible to resist, and perfect for fall (or any time you’re craving caramel and apples!), you’re in for a real treat.
These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are cute, customizable, and packed with flavor. We’re talking about a crumbly graham cracker base, a light cream cheese filling, caramel sauce, and a sweet, spiced apple topping that tastes just like apple pie filling—all layered in individual cups for the perfect serving every time.
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🍎 What Are Caramel Apple Dessert Cups?
These are no-bake, layered dessert parfaits that bring together the best of cheesecake, apple pie, and caramel sauce—without any baking involved. They’re ideal for fall parties, Thanksgiving, potlucks, or casual weeknight desserts when you want something indulgent but not complicated.
Served in clear cups or jars, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
🍂 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🍏 All the flavor of caramel apples & cheesecake, no oven needed
- 🥣 Easy to assemble and perfect for making ahead
- 🍰 Creamy, crunchy, buttery, and spiced—all in one bite
- 👩🍳 Great for kids and adults, and customizable too
- 🎉 Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for a snack
📝 Ingredients
Crust Layer:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping (optional, for folding in)
Apple Layer:
- 2–3 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Caramel Sauce (store-bought or homemade):
- ½ cup caramel sauce
(plus extra for drizzling)
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Saucepan (for apples)
- Rubber spatula
- Clear cups, jars, or dessert glasses
- Spoon or piping bag for layering
🥄 How to Make Caramel Apple Dessert Cups
Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Set aside for layering.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- (Optional) Fold in whipped cream for a lighter, mousse-like texture.
- Refrigerate while prepping the apples.
Step 3: Make the Apple Pie Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and nutmeg.
- Cook for 5–8 minutes until apples are soft but not mushy, and the mixture is syrupy.
- Let cool to room temperature before assembling.
Step 4: Assemble the Dessert Cups
In each cup:
- Spoon a layer of graham cracker crust into the bottom and press gently.
- Add a dollop or swirl of cream cheese filling.
- Spoon in a layer of apple pie filling.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Repeat the layers if your cups are tall enough, or top with more cream, caramel, or a sprinkle of graham crumbs.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
- Chill cups in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set and let the flavors meld.
- Serve chilled with a spoon and enjoy every creamy, crunchy, caramel-y bite!
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Top with a spray of whipped cream and a light caramel drizzle for an extra-decadent finish
- Garnish with a thin apple slice or mini graham cracker for a cute touch
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and a nutty twist
💡 Tips & Variations
- 🍏 Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness
- 🍫 Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a caramel apple-chocolate mashup
- 🧁 Use biscoff cookies or ginger snaps instead of graham crackers for a spiced crust
- 🎃 Fold pumpkin puree into the cream cheese for a fall fusion twist
🧊 Storage Instructions
- Store assembled cups covered in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Best enjoyed within 24–48 hours for freshest flavor and texture
- Do not freeze—the cream cheese and apple layers won’t thaw well
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them a day in advance and store chilled until ready to serve.
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes, for a shortcut, canned filling works—but homemade gives the best flavor.
Can I make a large trifle version?
You bet! Layer all the components in a large trifle bowl or dish instead of cups.
Final Thoughts: The Perfect Bite of Fall 🍂🍎
These Caramel Apple Dessert Cups are proof that you don’t need an oven—or a lot of time—to create something truly special. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, each bite is a perfect blend of creaminess, crunch, and warm apple pie flavor.
Make them once, and they’ll become your go-to fall dessert.
More No-Bake Desserts to Try:
- 🍓 Strawberry Oreo Cheesecake Cups
- 🥧 Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse Cups
- 🍫 S’mores Pudding Parfaits
- 🥥 Coconut Cream Pie Jars
Let’s Get Layering! 💬
Made these dessert cups? I want to see them!
Tag your creations on Pinterest or Instagram with #MmmrecipesKitchen and share the sweetness!
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – makes 6 cups)
- Calories: ~370
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 38g
- Sugar: 26g
- Protein: 4g
Nutrition is estimated and varies by ingredients used.
Until the next no-bake delight,
–Mmmrecipes 🍎🍯❤️
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