Simple Caramel Apple Dessert Cups: Easy Fall Treat (Print Version)

Whip up Simple Caramel Apple Dessert Cups! Layers of crisp apples, creamy caramel, and crunchy cookies make this an easy fall treat you'll adore.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Crisp Apple Base

01 - 2-3 medium apples (Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and finely diced

→ Creamy Caramel Layer

02 - 1 cup store-bought caramel sauce (good quality, pourable)
03 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or cool whip)

→ Crunchy Cookie Crumble

04 - 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full sheets)
05 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

→ Finishing Touches

06 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
07 - Pinch of sea salt flakes, for garnish (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Peel, core, and dice your apples into small, bite-sized pieces. I usually aim for about 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes. This is where I always get a little messy, honestly, apple peels everywhere! Make sure they're uniform so each bite is a perfect mix of textures and you get that lovely apple crunch in every spoonful. Don't stress too much about perfection, though!
02 - Crush your graham crackers until they're fine crumbs. You can use a food processor (so fast!) or just put them in a zip-top bag and smash them with a rolling pin (therapeutic, I swear). Melt the butter, then mix it into the crumbs with a pinch of cinnamon. It should smell like a bakery in your kitchen already, a warm, buttery, cinnamon-y dream! This is where the magic starts.
03 - Now, grab some small cups or ramekins. I love using clear glass ones so you can see all those pretty layers, it just makes them look extra special! Spoon about a tablespoon or two of the cookie crumble into the bottom of each cup and gently press it down. Don't press too hard, though; you want it to still be a little loose and crumbly for that perfect texture.
04 - Next up, spoon a generous layer of your diced apples over the cookie base. I usually pile them up a bit, maybe two tablespoons per cup. This is where the freshness really comes through, hon. The crisp apple against the sweet crumble is just lovely and provides such a delightful contrast. Don't be afraid to pile them high!
05 - This is the fun part! Drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over the apples. Don't be shy with the caramel! Then, top that with a dollop of whipped cream. I always get a little caramel on the sides of the cup here, but hey, that's just extra flavor to lick off later, right? It's all part of the charm.
06 - Repeat the layers: more cookie crumble, more apples, more caramel, and another dollop of whipped cream. Finish with a final drizzle of caramel and a tiny sprinkle of sea salt flakes. Pop these **Caramel Apple Dessert Cups** into the fridge for at least 15-20 minutes to let them chill and set a bit. Honestly, they taste even better when slightly cool and everything has had a chance to meld!

# Notes:

01 - For extra crunch, toast your graham cracker crumbs lightly in a pan with the butter before assembling. It adds another layer of flavor, I swear!
02 - These cups are best enjoyed within a few hours of making them, as the cookies can get a bit soft overnight. If you're prepping ahead, keep the crumble and apples separate until just before serving.
03 - No graham crackers? Shortbread cookies or even crushed vanilla wafers work wonderfully too! I once used some leftover biscotti, and it gave it a lovely, unexpected crunch.
04 - A tiny splash of bourbon in the caramel sauce takes these to a whole new adult-dessert level. Just a whisper, though!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Small serving cups/ramekins
02 - mixing bowls
03 - sharp knife
04 - cutting board
05 - food processor (optional)
06 - rolling pin (optional)

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 350-450
Total Fat: 20-30g
Total Carbohydrate: 40-50g
Protein: 2-5g

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