Description
This Caramel Apple Éclair Cake is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring layers of graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding infused with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, fresh diced apples, and a luscious caramel sauce topping. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet, chilly treat that combines the flavors of apple pie and caramel in an easy-to-assemble cake.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 2 packets (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Fruit
- 3-4 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Other Ingredients
- 2 sleeves graham crackers
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened, which takes about 2 minutes.
- Combine pudding with whipped topping and spices: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg into the pudding mixture until fully combined for a creamy, spiced filling.
- Prepare apples: In a small bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
- Form the first crust layer: Arrange a single layer of graham crackers in a 9×13-inch baking dish, breaking them as necessary to fit evenly.
- Add first pudding and apples layer: Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker layer, then sprinkle half of the diced apples on top.
- Create the second graham cracker layer: Place another full layer of graham crackers over the pudding and apples.
- Add second pudding and apples layer: Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the graham crackers and evenly distribute the remaining diced apples.
- Top with graham crackers and caramel sauce: Add a final layer of graham crackers on top, then pour the caramel sauce evenly over this top layer, spreading it to cover completely.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the graham crackers to soften and layers to meld together.
- Serve: Slice the cake into portions and serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweet pudding and caramel.
- If you prefer a thicker caramel layer, gently warm the caramel sauce before pouring to make spreading easier.
- This dessert can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Use gluten-free graham crackers to make this dessert gluten-free.
- To add a crunchy texture, sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the caramel before chilling if desired.
