Description

A cozy, no-bake fall dessert made with layers of buttery vanilla wafer crust, caramel mousse, and cinnamon-spiced apples. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a nostalgic sweet treat.

Ingredients

4 cups apples, peeled & chopped (e.g., Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

½ cup light brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs

¼ cup melted butter (salted or unsalted)

1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix

1 cup cold milk

⅓ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1½ cups heavy cream

Additional caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)

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Instructions

In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the chopped apples with brown sugar and cinnamon for 8–10 minutes until tender and coated in a syrupy glaze. Set aside to cool.
Mix vanilla wafer crumbs with melted butter until combined. Divide evenly among 8 individual serving cups and press gently to form crust. Refrigerate while preparing filling.
In a bowl, whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk until slightly thickened. Stir in caramel sauce.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold it into the pudding-caramel mixture to create mousse.
Spoon or pipe the mousse over the chilled crust, filling each cup about two-thirds full.
Top each cup with a generous spoonful of the cooled spiced apples. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Can be made up to 2 days in advance. Serve chilled.

Notes

Use butterscotch or caramel pudding for a flavor twist.

Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture.

Substitute gluten-free cookies for a gluten-free version.

Layer in a trifle dish instead of individual cups for a larger dessert option.

Best served chilled and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 dessert cup
Calories: 270 kcal
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg