No-Bake Caramel Apple Eclair Cake
No-bake caramel apple eclair cake is a decadent dessert that brings together the flavors of warm cinnamon-spiced apples and rich vanilla pudding in a simple, no-bake form.
This cake is perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
The layers of graham crackers, pudding, and apple filling are topped with a creamy whipped topping that is both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients
1½ cans of apple pie filling (20 ounces total)
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
1 box of cinnamon graham crackers
2 boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces each)
2 cups of cold milk
2 cups of heavy cream
1/4 cup of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Optional: homemade caramel sauce, caramel dip, or an already-made caramel topping
Instructions
Start by preparing the apple filling. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the apple pie filling with ground cinnamon and nutmeg.
Stir well to ensure the apples are evenly coated with the spices. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Next, in a separate bowl, prepare the vanilla pudding mix according to the package instructions.
Add the two boxes of instant vanilla pudding to 2 cups of cold milk and whisk until it thickens. Once thickened, set the pudding aside.
Now, in a large mixing bowl, whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it forms stiff peaks. This will be the topping for the cake, so be sure it is thick and smooth.
To assemble the cake, start by placing a layer of graham crackers at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will serve as the base of the cake.
Spread half of the vanilla pudding mixture over the graham crackers, followed by half of the spiced apple pie filling.
Repeat the layers, beginning with another layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining pudding mixture and apples.
Top the cake with the whipped cream mixture, spreading it evenly over the top. If you’re using caramel sauce or caramel dip, drizzle it over the whipped cream layer for added sweetness and richness.
Place the cake in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the graham crackers to soften and the layers to set together.
Once the cake has chilled and the flavors have had time to blend, slice and serve. The result is a creamy, sweet, and spiced dessert that’s sure to please everyone.
How to Make
Making this no-bake caramel apple eclair cake is incredibly simple. Begin by preparing the apple filling with cinnamon and nutmeg, as the spices are key to giving the apples that warm.
cozy flavor that complements the rest of the ingredients. You don’t have to cook the apples; just combine them with the spices and set them aside.
Next, prepare the vanilla pudding. Be sure to follow the instructions closely, as the instant pudding needs to thicken in the fridge before you layer it.
Whipping the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla creates a luscious, airy topping that adds an indulgent finish to each slice of the cake.
Layering is a key part of the process. It’s important to make sure the graham crackers are evenly covered with the pudding and apples.
This ensures that every bite has the perfect balance of creamy filling, sweet apples, and crunchy graham crackers.
If you prefer a firmer texture, you can leave the cake in the fridge overnight, which helps the layers set and results in a more cohesive dessert.
A few hours in the fridge will suffice, but the longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together.
If you’re making this for a party or special event, feel free to add extra layers of graham crackers or even sprinkle.
some crushed nuts on top of the whipped cream to give it an extra crunch and flavor boost.
For added visual appeal, you can decorate the top of the cake with thin apple slices or sprinkle with extra cinnamon and sugar just before serving.
Lastly, while this cake is already indulgent on its own, adding a drizzle of caramel sauce on top adds another layer of sweetness and richness that perfectly complements the cinnamon apples.
Variations
For those who prefer a different fruit flavor, you can easily swap the apple pie filling for other types of pie filling, such as cherry.
blueberry, or peach. The same spices of cinnamon and nutmeg will work with these fruits, offering a slightly different but equally delicious variation of the dessert.
If you’d like to add a bit of crunch to your cake, you can sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the whipped cream layer.
The nuts provide a delightful texture contrast to the creamy pudding and apples.
For a more indulgent version of this cake, try adding a layer of chocolate pudding in place of the vanilla pudding.
The richness of chocolate pairs wonderfully with the sweet apples and caramel, creating a decadent twist on the classic eclair cake.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with whipped topping or use a lighter version of pudding.
This will reduce the richness, making the dessert a bit more calorie-friendly without compromising too much on flavor.
To make this cake even more festive, you can use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought caramel dip.
A rich, homemade sauce adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile, making the dessert even more luxurious.
For those who enjoy a tangy flavor, consider adding a layer of lemon curd or even fresh lemon zest to the whipped cream topping.
The citrus flavor adds brightness that contrasts nicely with the spiced apples and vanilla.
If you want to make a smaller batch, simply cut the ingredients in half and use an 8×8-inch baking dish.
This version is perfect for smaller gatherings or for those who want to try the dessert without making too much.
Tips
When layering the graham crackers, make sure they fit snugly together in the dish. Overlapping the crackers slightly will help create a more uniform texture throughout the cake.
For the whipped cream, make sure the heavy cream is well chilled before whipping. Cold cream whips up better, giving you that airy, light texture that’s ideal for this dessert.
If you don’t have instant vanilla pudding, you can use cooked pudding, but you’ll need to let it cool completely before using it in the layers.
Instant pudding is faster and works perfectly for no-bake cakes like this one.
To prevent the graham crackers from becoming too soggy, be sure to let the cake chill for the full recommended time.
The longer it sits in the fridge, the better the layers will set, and the crackers will absorb just the right amount of moisture.
For added flavor, you can brush the graham crackers with a small amount of milk or even apple juice before layering them.
This will help enhance the apple flavor and create a richer, more flavorful base.
If you prefer a lighter topping, you can substitute half of the whipped cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy alternative.
This will add a unique twist and a slight tanginess that complements the sweet apples.
Be creative with your caramel topping. Whether you use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own.
you can drizzle it artistically over the top of the whipped cream, or even serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
Conclusion
No-bake caramel apple eclair cake is an easy, delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of cinnamon-spiced apples, creamy pudding, and a smooth whipped topping, it’s a treat everyone will enjoy.
Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the many variations, this cake is sure to become a favorite.
Its simplicity and incredible flavor make it an ideal dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy family dessert.
The best part is that it requires no baking, leaving you with more time to enjoy your meal and impress your guests with a delightful treat.