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Caramel Apple Eclair Cake Recipe

Caramel Apple Eclair Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 15 reviews

This Caramel Apple Eclair Cake is a luscious no-bake dessert that layers crisp graham crackers with creamy vanilla pudding, sweet apple pie filling, and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. Perfectly spiced with a hint of cinnamon, it’s a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of apple pie and caramel in a simple, elegant cake that’s ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Base and Filling

  • 1 box graham crackers (about 12–14 full crackers)
  • 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
  • 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups milk

For the Whipped Cream Mixture

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping

  • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of milk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and sets slightly. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream along with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully combined and smooth, creating a creamy filling.
  2. Layer the Graham Crackers: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham crackers covering the bottom. Break crackers as necessary to fit the dish evenly, creating a solid base layer for the cake.
  3. Add the First Filling Layer: Evenly spread half of the prepared pudding and whipped cream mixture over the graham cracker layer, smoothing it out gently with a spatula to cover the crackers completely.
  4. Layer the Apples: Spoon half of the apple pie filling over the pudding layer, distributing the apples and syrup evenly for balanced flavor in every bite. Optionally, sprinkle with ground cinnamon for a warm spice note.
  5. Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of graham crackers over the apple filling, then spread the remaining pudding mixture over this second cracker layer. Top it with the remaining apple pie filling, again distributing evenly and optionally dusting with cinnamon.
  6. Top with Caramel Sauce: Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the topmost apple layer, ensuring the entire surface is covered with rich, sweet caramel that complements the apples and creamy layers below.
  7. Chill Until Set: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling step softens the graham crackers as they absorb moisture and melds all the flavors together, resulting in a cake that is both creamy and perfectly set.

Notes

  • For the best texture, make sure to chill the cake overnight; it allows the layers to meld and the graham crackers to soften.
  • Use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience or homemade caramel if you prefer a richer, fresher flavor.
  • If you want a bit of spice, add the optional ground cinnamon to the apple layers for depth of flavor.
  • This no-bake dessert can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple eclair cake, no-bake dessert, apple pie dessert, caramel dessert, graham cracker cake

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/caramel-apple-eclair-cake-recipe/