What dessert can you make with eating apples?

Eating apples , like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and Pink Lady, are excellent for caramel apple desserts because they hold their shape and provide a sweet-tart balance. When used in apple dessert cups recipes , these varieties create a texture contrast that pairs beautifully with creamy caramel mousse and crunchy vanilla crust. Other easy caramel apple desserts you can make with eating apples include: Salted caramel apple dessert cups Caramel apple dessert dip for parties Mini caramel apple shooters layered in small plastic cups

How many apples do I need for 4 cups?

You’ll typically need 3 to 4 medium-sized apples to yield 4 cups once they are peeled, cored, and chopped. For best results in your caramel apple dessert cups , measure the apples after chopping to ensure accuracy. TIP: A digital kitchen scale can help if you want to go by weight—500 grams is just about right for this recipe.

What kind of apples does Chick-fil-A use in their fruit cup?

Chick-fil-A uses red and green apple varieties in their fruit cups, typically a mix of Gala and Granny Smith for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. You can recreate that harmony in your salted caramel apple dessert cups by mixing sweet apples like Fuji with a tart variety like Granny Smith. This combo ensures that each bite of your layered dessert is bursting with depth and contrast—exactly what makes caramel apple dessert shooters and cups so irresistible.

How to make an apple crumble?

Though not the same as this no-bake dessert, apple crumble involves baking chopped apples under a mixture of butter, flour, oats, and sugar until golden. If you love the texture of baked crumbles but want an easier prep, you can top your apple dessert cups with crumble topping instead of cooked apples for a creative twist. That gives your easy caramel apple dessert a cozy, rustic vibe without the oven.

Should you peel apples for apple crisp?

Yes, peeling apples is typically recommended for apple crisp and also for caramel apple dessert cups , especially since the skin can become chewy or tough when cooked. Peeled apples offer a smoother texture that blends seamlessly into the silky mousse and layered crust. That being said, if you're making caramel apple dessert dip or prefer a more rustic look, you can leave the skins on—just chop them finely for easier eating.

Can you freeze apples for later use?

Absolutely! Freezing apples is a great way to prep ahead for fall desserts. Here’s how to do it: Peel and chop apples. Toss with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Place in freezer bags or containers, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months . When you’re ready to make your salted caramel apple dessert cups , simply thaw the apples in the fridge and cook them into your cinnamon compote as normal.

Easy Caramel Apple Dessert Cups - No Bake Fall Treat

Description

These creamy, crunchy, no-bake caramel apple dessert cups are a dreamy fall treat layered with cinnamon apples, salted caramel mousse, and a vanilla wafer crust. Perfect for entertaining, holidays, or just a cozy indulgence, they’re easy to prep and always impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Cinnamon Apple Layer

4 cups (500 g) apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar
1 tsp (2 g) cinnamon

Vanilla Wafer Crust

2 cups (220 g) vanilla wafer crumbs
¼ cup (57 g) salted or unsalted butter, melted

Salted Caramel Mousse

1 package (96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
1 cup (244 g) milk
⅓ cup (75 g) salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1½ cups (357 g) heavy cream

Garnish (Optional)

Additional caramel sauce for drizzling
Crushed cookies or whipped topping

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Instructions

Cook Cinnamon Apples
In a medium saucepan, combine peeled, chopped apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir and cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until apples are softened and mixture thickens. Set aside to cool completely.
Make the Crust Layer
In a bowl, mix vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Divide evenly into 28 two-ounce plastic cups and press firmly to create a crust base.
Prepare Salted Caramel Mousse
In a large mixing bowl, whisk vanilla pudding mix with milk. Let sit for 5 minutes. Add salted caramel sauce and mix using an electric mixer until smooth. Pour in heavy cream and whip for 3–5 minutes until thick and fluffy.
Layer & Chill
Transfer mousse into a piping bag and pipe over each crust layer. Spoon cooled cinnamon apples on top of the mousse. Drizzle with extra caramel if desired. Seal with lids and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 3 days.

Notes

For an extra treat, stir chopped Snickers into the mousse or apple layer for a twist on caramel apple dessert with Snickers.
For shooters or party platters, use small plastic shot glasses to make caramel apple dessert shooters.
Make sure the apples cool fully before layering to avoid melting the mousse.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 143 kcal
Sugar: 13 g
Sodium: 84 mg
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 20 mg