Description

This Caramel Apple Éclair Cake is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring layers of creamy vanilla pudding, whipped topping, cinnamon-spiced apples, graham crackers, and a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfectly chilled to soften the graham crackers, this easy-to-make cake offers a comforting blend of sweet and tart flavors with a hint of warm spices, making it an ideal treat for fall or any occasion.

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 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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare pudding mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 minutes to ensure the pudding sets properly.
Fold in whipped topping and spices: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until fully combined, creating a creamy and spiced pudding layer.
Toss apples with lemon juice: In a small bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a fresh, tangy note.
First graham cracker layer: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham crackers, breaking pieces as needed to cover the bottom evenly.
Layer pudding and apples: Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham crackers, then sprinkle half of the diced apples across the pudding layer.
Second graham cracker layer and filling: Add another layer of graham crackers on top, then spread the remaining pudding mixture over it, followed by the remaining diced apples.
Final graham cracker layer and caramel topping: Place a final layer of graham crackers on top, then pour the caramel sauce over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, allowing the graham crackers to soften and flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve: Slice the cake into pieces and serve chilled for a refreshing and indulgent dessert experience.

Notes

For best results, use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
The cake improves in flavor after a full night in the refrigerator.
You can substitute caramel sauce with homemade caramel for a richer taste.
This dessert is best served chilled and eaten within 2 days for optimal freshness.
To speed up softening, allow it at least 4 hours but overnight chilling is preferable.