Caramel Apple Dessert Cups Recipe (Print version)

Individual no-bake dessert cups with a buttery graham cracker base, airy cream cheese filling, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a generous caramel drizzle.

# Ingredients:

Graham cracker base

01 - 1 cup (100g) graham cracker crumbs
02 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cinnamon apple filling

03 - 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced small
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cream cheese filling

08 - 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
09 - 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream

Assembly

12 - 3/4 cup (180ml) caramel sauce, warmed
13 - Whipped cream for topping (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Stir together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand. Press about 2 tablespoons firmly into the bottom of each serving cup. Refrigerate while you prepare the remaining components.
02 - Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are just tender and coated in a light glossy syrup. Spread on a plate and cool completely before layering.
03 - Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla with a hand mixer until completely smooth and lump-free, about 2 minutes. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two additions, working gently to keep the filling light and airy.
04 - Spoon or pipe cream cheese filling over each chilled graham base, filling cups about halfway. Add a generous spoonful of cooled apples and drizzle with warm caramel sauce.
05 - Add another spoonful of cream cheese filling over the apple layer, a few more apple pieces, and one more caramel drizzle.
06 - Cover the cups tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Before serving, top with fresh whipped cream and a final drizzle of caramel sauce.

# Good to know:

01 - Chill assembled cups for at least 1 hour before serving for best texture and layer stability.
02 - Cups can be made up to 24 hours ahead. Add whipped cream topping just before serving.

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