If you love caramel apples but not the sticky mess that comes with them, this Caramel Apple in a Cup is your new favorite fall treat!

This Caramel Apple in a Cup is a fun and easy twist on the classic fall treat—no sticks or mess required! (Can I get a “Hallelujah”!)

Fresh, crisp diced apples are layered with rich, buttery caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought—no judgment here!), then topped with your favorite caramel apple goodies, a generous swirl of whipped cream, and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.

It’s the perfect single-serve indulgence that captures all the cozy caramel apple flavors you love, with none of the sticky cleanup. It’s my “Fall” take on the viral summer favorite “strawberries with chocolate in a cup”!

Not only is it a fun family treat, but it is also a wonderful Fall party dessert bar idea! Let’s gather the ingredients and make this delicious apple treat!

Ingredients List

• 4–6 apples, washed and cut up into bite-sized pieces. I like to use a combination of Granny Smith and Honey Crisp.
• 1 cup Caramel Sauce. You can make my delicious homemade salted caramel sauce or use a top quality store-bought ice cream caramel topping.
• 1 cup chopped nuts — pecans, peanuts, walnuts, or almonds.
• 1–6.5 ounce can of Whip Cream topping — you can use homemade whipped cream. For ease, I use the canned…plus then you can squirt it in your mouth. Lol.
• 1 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice or nutmeg.
• Candy toppings for additional “add-ins”. Mini M&M’s, mini chocolate chips, crushed butterfingers, sprinkles, mini peanut-butter cups, etc.

How to Make Caramel Apple in a Cup

I like to set this up as a “dessert bar” treat. That way everyone can make their own.

Wash and dice the apples, making sure to remove the core. (Nobody wants apple trees growing in their bellies!) As mentioned above, I like to use a combination of apples. This allows you to combine sweet and tart together. However, you do what you like best!

I find the best combination is green apple and honey crisp. However, you can use golden delicious, Jazz, gala, and any other apple that maybe your favorite.

TIP: Place the diced apples in a bowl of ice-cold water, adding 2 Tablespoons of lemon to keep the apples from turning brown.

Before serving, or assembling apple cups, drain the apples. If you are preparing the apples ahead of time, keep them in the water in the refrigerator until ready to serve, and then drain them. Be sure they are “well drained” before serving. You don’t want watery caramel.

Place 3/4 to 1 cup of prepared diced apples in individual cups.

Caramel Topping

You have two choices when it comes to the Caramel Topping. Homemade or store-bought. Both work beautifully. I am partial to my Homemade Salted Caramel Topping. It is easy to make and so rich and creamy.

As mentioned, you can use a good quality store-bought caramel sauce as well. I’m a huge fan of doing what is easiest for your schedule and plans.

Serve the sauce warm or cold. If serving warm, place in a slow cooker next to your apples, or heat per package directions. If serving cold, place the sauce in a pretty bowl or mason jar. Drizzle the sauce over the top of the apples.

Adding Toppings

The fun begins with the toppings! I love to add chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips. However, you can go “hog-wild” and set out all kinds of caramel apple toppings for your guests and family to choose from.

Here are a few ideas…

• Crushed Butterfingers
• Mini-M&M’s
• Sprinkles
• Crushed Oreo’s or graham crackers
• Coconut Flakes

Finish with a spray whipped topping and a sprinkle of Pumpkin Pie Spice.

Recipe Wrap-Up

Simple, sweet, and irresistibly good, this Caramel Apple in a Cup is proof that fall desserts don’t have to be complicated to be delicious. I absolutely love this alternative to the traditional caramel apple.

My daughter and I could not stop eating our cozy cups full of apple happiness!

It’s perfect for family nights, harvest parties, Halloween or a quick treat to satisfy that caramel apple craving without the hassle.

Favorite Apple Recipes

• Double Caramel Apples
• Caramel Apple Ice Cream Floats
• Wonton Apple Pie Bites
• Easy Caramel Apple Crisp Recipe
• Fried Apple Cider Donuts

Grab a spoon, dig in, and savor the flavors of fall—one creamy, caramel-drizzled bite at a time! I hope you enjoy this recipe. Thanks for stopping by today.

Happy Nesting,

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