Go Back

Caramel Apple Dessert Cups

Caramel apple dessert cups with a graham cracker crust, cinnamon cream cheese filling, and piled-high caramelized apples. No-bake individual dessert cups finished with a dramatic caramel drizzle for an easy fall dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
chilling 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

graham cracker base
  • 1.5 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 5 tbsp butter melted
  • 3 tbsp sugar
cinnamon cream cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 cup whipped topping folded in
caramel apple topping
  • 3 apples peeled and diced small
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 caramel sauce for drizzling

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet

Method
 

Make the graham cracker base
  1. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly combined, then press firmly into the bottom of 12 individual cups or glasses.
  2. Chill the pressed crusts while you prepare the filling.
Assemble the cinnamon cream cheese layer
  1. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth, then fold in whipped topping until no streaks remain.
  2. Pipe or spoon the cinnamon cream cheese filling over the crusts to form an even layer.
Cook the caramelized apples
  1. Cook diced apples with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring until caramelized and tender.
  2. Cool the caramel apple mixture completely before topping the cups.
Finish and chill
  1. Spoon the caramel apple mixture over the cream cheese layer in each cup, piling it high.
  2. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce so it runs down the sides for a dramatic look.
  3. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving, until the layers are set.

Notes

Pro tip: cool the apple topping completely before assembling so the cream cheese layer stays thick and doesn’t soften. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; freezing is not recommended because the cream cheese and apples can change texture. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping.