Description
This Caramel Apple Éclair Cake is a delicious no-bake layered dessert featuring creamy vanilla pudding, whipped topping, warm cinnamon-spiced apples, and luscious caramel sauce atop crispy graham crackers. It’s an easy-to-prepare treat perfect for gatherings or as a sweet indulgence any time of year.
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
Apple Layer
- 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 the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Fold in whipped topping and spices: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg into the pudding mixture until fully combined.
- Toss the apples: In a small bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a fresh citrus note.
- Layer the graham crackers: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham crackers, breaking them as needed to fit the dish.
- Add the first pudding and apple layers: Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham crackers, then sprinkle half of the diced apples on top of the pudding.
- Add another graham cracker layer: Place another layer of graham crackers over the pudding and apples, creating a solid base for the next layers.
- Add the remaining pudding and apples: Spread the remaining pudding mixture evenly, followed by the rest of the diced apples.
- Finish with graham crackers and caramel: Add a final layer of graham crackers and pour the caramel sauce evenly over the top, spreading it to cover all surfaces.
- Chill the cake: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Slice the cake into servings and serve chilled for a creamy, sweet, and crunchy dessert experience.
Notes
- For best texture, use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the pudding and caramel.
- Let the dessert chill overnight for a firmer, more sliceable cake.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute caramel sauce with dulce de leche for a richer flavor.
- If you prefer a healthier option, consider using reduced-fat whipped topping and sugar-free pudding mix.
