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Caramel Apple Dessert Cups (Easy No-Bake Fall Treat)


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

Scale

For the apple layer:

  • 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely diced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • 1 tsp butter (optional, for sautéing)

For the crust layer:

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free cookie crumbs)
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

For the cheesecake layer:

  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed

For assembly:

  • ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional toppings: chopped pecans, extra cinnamon, sea salt flakes

Instructions

  1. Prep apples:
    • No-cook option: Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let sit 10 minutes to soften slightly.
    • Sautéed option: Melt butter in a skillet. Add apples and spices; cook 4–5 minutes until tender. Cool completely.
  2. Make crust: Mix graham crumbs and melted butter. Set aside.
  3. Make filling: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
  4. Assemble cups: In glasses or jars (6–8 oz size), layer in this order:
    • Bottom: 1–2 tbsp graham crumb mixture
    • Middle: 2–3 tbsp cheesecake filling
    • Top: 2–3 tbsp spiced apples
  5. Drizzle with caramel sauce and optional toppings.
  6. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving (or up to 2 days).
💡 Pro Tips:
– Use mason jars or clear dessert cups for a beautiful presentation.
– For dairy-free: Use dairy-free cream cheese, whipped topping, and butter.
– Make ahead: Assemble without caramel; add just before serving to keep layers crisp.

Prep Time & Nutrition (per cup, makes 6):

Prep Time: 20 min (+ chilling) | Total Time: 50 min
Servings: 6 | Calories: 260 | Net Carbs: 24g | Fats: 18g | Protein: 4g