Caramel Apple Pudding Cups Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Pudding Cups are a delightful combination of creamy vanilla pudding, sweet caramel, and crisp apples layered with a hint of cinnamon and crunchy peanuts. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for a quick treat or a fun gathering with friends and family.

A clear plastic cup shows a three-layer dessert. The bottom layer is creamy and pale yellow. The middle layer is a thick, glossy caramel-colored sauce. The top layer is a crumbly mixture of light beige crumbs and small nut pieces. A cinnamon stick is stuck into the top right of the cup. The cup is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 package Vanilla Pudding (Instant – 3.4 oz)
  • 2 cups Milk (Cold)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup Applesauce
  • 1 1/2 cups Peanuts (Chopped)
  • 12.25 oz. Caramel Topping (Jar)
  • 1 Apple
  • Cinnamon Sticks (Optional for Garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding and cold milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in the cinnamon and applesauce, then refrigerate the pudding mixture for 5 minutes to set.
  3. Step 3: Core the apple and cut it into small bite-sized chunks.
  4. Step 4: Prepare your layers by setting out the pudding, apple chunks, caramel topping, and chopped peanuts.
  5. Step 5: Using 4 or 5 clear plastic cups, spoon 3-4 tablespoons of pudding into the bottom of each cup to create the first layer.
  6. Step 6: Add a layer of apple chunks over the pudding, followed by a drizzle of caramel topping.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for crunch, then repeat the layering process if your cups allow.
  8. Step 8: Optionally, garnish with a cinnamon stick in each cup for a festive touch.
  9. Step 9: Chill the cups for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

  • Try substituting chopped walnuts or pecans for a different nutty flavor.
  • Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast or Fuji apples for extra sweetness.
  • Add a sprinkle of nutmeg along with cinnamon for a warm spice blend.
  • For a richer pudding, use half-and-half instead of milk.
  • Serve the pudding cups with whipped cream for an indulgent finish.

Storage

Store leftover pudding cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the texture of the nuts and apples, add them fresh just before serving if possible. These cups are best enjoyed chilled and do not require reheating.

How to Serve

A small clear glass jar filled with multiple layers of dessert, starting with a creamy off-white base, followed by a golden-brown crumbly layer, then a light caramel colored smooth layer, topped again with cream, and finished with a thick crumble of golden brown streusel. A woman's hand is holding a silver spoon above the jar, lifting a scoop showing cream and crumble. The jar sits on a white marbled surface, with two more similar jars blurred in the background and vintage silver spoons to the right, along with a cloth napkin with red stripes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these pudding cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pudding and caramel layers in advance and refrigerate them. Add the apple chunks and nuts just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.

What can I use if I don’t have instant vanilla pudding?

You can make homemade vanilla pudding using cornstarch, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, or use a pre-made pudding from the store in place of the instant mix.

Print

Caramel Apple Pudding Cups Recipe

Delight in these easy-to-make Caramel Apple Pudding Cups, layered with creamy vanilla pudding, spiced applesauce, juicy apple chunks, rich caramel topping, and crunchy chopped peanuts for a perfect blend of textures and flavors in a single-serving dessert.

  • Author: rami
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 5 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pudding

  • 1 package Vanilla Pudding (Instant – 3.4 oz)
  • 2 cups Milk (Cold)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup Applesauce

For the Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups Peanuts (Chopped)
  • 12.25 oz. Caramel Topping (Jar)
  • 1 Apple
  • Cinnamon Sticks (Optional for Garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pudding: In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and well combined.
  2. Add flavor and chill: Stir in the cinnamon and applesauce, then refrigerate the pudding for 5 minutes to allow it to thicken properly.
  3. Prep the apple: Cut the apple into small bite-sized chunks, discarding the core to ensure no seeds remain.
  4. Set up layers: Arrange your four key ingredients for layering – the pudding, chopped apple chunks, caramel topping, and chopped peanuts – in separate bowls or containers for ease of assembly.
  5. Assemble pudding cups: Using 4 or 5 clear plastic cups, spoon 3-4 tablespoons of the pudding mixture into the bottom of each cup as the first layer.
  6. Layer apples: Add a generous spoonful of apple chunks over the pudding layer in each cup.
  7. Add caramel topping: Drizzle a spoonful of caramel topping over the apple layer in each cup to add a luscious sweet layer.
  8. Sprinkle nuts: Finish each cup by sprinkling chopped peanuts on top for a crunchy texture contrast and nutty flavor.
  9. Garnish and serve: Optionally, insert a cinnamon stick in each cup for garnish and extra aroma before serving. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.

Notes

  • Use cold milk to help the instant pudding mix set perfectly without lumps.
  • Applesauce adds moisture and enhances the apple flavor but can be adjusted for sweetness or omitted if preferred.
  • For a nut-free version, substitute peanuts with toasted coconut flakes or granola.
  • Prepare the pudding cups shortly before serving for best texture, or store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.
  • Cinnamon sticks are optional and purely for garnish and aroma; remove before eating if desired.

Keywords: Caramel Apple Pudding, Instant Pudding Cups, No Bake Dessert, Easy Apple Dessert, Vanilla Pudding Recipe

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