Apples are one of my favorite Fall dessert ingredients, and these caramel apple trifle cups are exactly the kind of easy dessert recipe I love to make.
If you love mini trifle desserts as much as I do, you’re going to want to bookmark this one – it’s basically all the best parts of a fall trifle recipe, layered up in individual cups so everyone gets their own perfect serving.
These easy apple desserts have got that cozy cinnamon-spiced flavor, plenty of caramel, and layers of cake and cream that make them feel a little bit fancy without the fuss.
The seasonal combo of apple and caramel makes them a great pick for Thanksgiving or any party where you want something a little different than traditional pie.
Whether you’re making these desserts for a crowd or just because it’s finally sweater weather, caramel apple trifle cups are the kind of mini dessert that disappears fast – so you might want to make extra.
If you love individual desserts in cups, also try these pistachio tiramisu cups, creamy coffee mousse cups, or these key lime cheesecake cups.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Trifle Cups Recipe
Convenient individual servings: Since they’re layered in cups instead of one big dish, everyone gets their own perfectly portioned trifle with no cutting or serving mess.
Big fall flavors: With warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel-spiced apples, they have all the flavors of the season but only take about 15 minutes of prep.
Make-ahead party dessert: They come together in simple layers, making them an easy dessert to prep in advance for Thanksgiving or any fall party celebration.
Ingredients
To make these Fall trifle desserts you will need the following ingredients. I cover a few of the key ingredients here, you can find the specific quantities and steps in the recipe card below.
- Pound cake: You want a dense cake for trifle, so it doesn’t fall apart, or go soggy. Store bought pound cake is perfect for trifle – other options include angel food cake, or even a box mix cake.
- Apples: Use your favorite in season apples. For a tart flavor, Granny Smith apples are great. For a sweeter option, Honeycrisp apples are a good choice.
- Cool whip: To make this dessert super simple, I use cool whip for the creamy layers. You can also use heaving whipping cream whipped to soft peaks if you prefer a more traditional trifle recipe.
- Caramel sauce: Again, for simplicity, I recommend using your favorite store-bought caramel sauce. Both Torani and Ghirardelli have excellent options to choose from!
How To Make Caramel Apple Trifles In Cups
Here’s a quick overview of how to make caramel apple trifles at home. For the full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements needed, scroll down to the printable recipe card below.
You will need a saucepan, and serving glasses to get started.
Prepare the apples: Peel and chop the apples into small cubes and place them in a medium saucepan with the spices, sugar, and lemon juice.
Cook until just soft, then set aside to cool.
Prepare the layers: Chop the pound cake into 1 inch cubes. Add the thawed cool whip to a piping bag with a large round tip.
If you don’t have a piping bag, you can also spoon the cool whip into the serving glasses.
Layer the trifles: Start with a layer of pound cake in the bottom of each glass. Follow with a layer of the cooled apple, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a layer of cool whip.
Repeat with another layer of cake, apple, caramel sauce, and cool whip.
Add a final drizzle of caramel sauce over the top. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips For Success
- Let the apple mixture cool before assembling: Adding warm apples to the cool whip layers can cause it to melt, so give the apple mixture time to cool.
- Cut ingredients into small, even pieces: Small apple and cake cubes make layering easier and give you cleaner, more even trifle layers in each cup.
- Use a piping bag for the cool whip: Piping the cool whip gives you neater layers and more control than spooning it in, especially in smaller cups.
- Don’t skimp on the caramel drizzle: A generous topping of caramel sauce through each layer and on top adds sweet, delicious flavor!
What To Serve With Caramel Apple Trifles
Apple or caramel coffee: My apple crisp macchiato or this easy caramel iced coffee makes for a nice pairing if you’re serving these trifle cups as an after-dinner treat.
As part of a party dessert table: Serve these individual desserts alongside my mini pecan pies, some espresso cheesecake bars, and these frosted pumpkin cookies for a tasty Fall dessert menu.
How To Store Trifle Cups
If you are making these trifle dessert cups ahead of time, finish all steps except the final top layer of cool whip and caramel sauce.
Cover each glass tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge overnight. When ready to serve add the final layer of cool whip and caramel sauce drizzle.
For any leftovers, cover and store in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The cake will soften over time, but the flavors will also continue to meld for a sweet, fall treat.
More Fall Dessert Ideas
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Caramel Apple Trifle Cups
Ingredients
- 3 large apples
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Pinch ground nutmeg
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 12 ounces pound cake
- 8 ounces cool whip thawed
- 6 tablespoons caramel sauce
Instructions
- Peel and chop the apples into small cubes. Add to a medium saucepan along with the lemon juice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
- Cook the apples for about 10 minutes over medium heat until soft. Set aside to cool.
- Cut the pound cake into 1-inch cubes, and add the cool whip to a piping bag.
- To assemble the trifle cups, add a layer of cake cubes to the bottom of each glass. On top add a layer of apple pieces, a drizzle of caramel sauce, then a layer of cool whip.
- Repeat these layers once more, ending with a layer of cool whip and a final drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
