No-Bake Caramel Apple Eclair Cake

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Caramel Apple Topping

The apple topping is what really makes this dessert special, so let’s start with it!

• Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices or small chunks.
• In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the apple slices and stir to coat them in the butter.
• Sprinkle the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together, allowing the apples to soften and caramelize.
• Cook the apples for about 5-7 minutes, until they are tender and lightly browned. Stir in vanilla extract for added flavor, then remove the skillet from the heat. Let the apples cool to room temperature.

2. Make the Creamy Filling

While the apples are cooling, you can prepare the filling for the cake.

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. You can use an electric mixer for this step.
• In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk to the cream cheese mixture, beating until fully combined and smooth.
• Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until it’s light and fluffy. This will create the rich, creamy filling for the cake.

3. Assemble the Cake

Now that the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the layers!

• In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom of the dish. You may need to break some crackers to fit them snugly.
• Spread half of the creamy filling over the graham crackers, smoothing it out evenly.
• Place another layer of graham crackers on top of the filling.
• Spread the remaining half of the creamy filling over the second layer of crackers.
• Top with the cooled caramelized apples, distributing them evenly over the cake.

4. Drizzle with Caramel

Once the apples are in place, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the apple layer. You can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, or make your own by melting butter, brown sugar, and cream together.

5. Chill and Set

Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the graham crackers to soften. For the best results, chill the cake overnight. This helps the layers set and gives the dessert a cake-like texture.

6. Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready to serve, slice the cake into squares, and enjoy the sweet, rich layers of caramel, apple, and creamy filling. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Tips for Perfecting Your No-Bake Caramel Apple Eclair Cake

• Use the Right Apples: Choose apples that will hold up well during cooking. Granny Smith apples are tart and firm, making them ideal for this dessert. Honeycrisp apples also work well for their balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Chill Time is Key: Be sure to refrigerate the cake for at least a few hours, but overnight is best. The graham crackers need time to soften and absorb the creamy filling, which creates the cake-like texture.
• Customize Your Toppings: If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) over the apples, or add a few more spices like nutmeg or allspice.
• Homemade Caramel Sauce: If you’re feeling ambitious, making homemade caramel sauce can elevate this dessert. Just melt butter and brown sugar, then stir in cream to create a rich sauce.

Why This No-Bake Caramel Apple Eclair Cake Is Perfect for Fall

This dessert is everything you want in a fall treat. It’s easy to make, full of fall flavors like caramel, apple, and cinnamon, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a Thanksgiving dinner, a fall picnic, or simply for dessert on a cool evening, this cake will hit all the right notes.

Plus, with no-bake preparation, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of your loved ones.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a show-stopping fall dessert that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, look no further than this No-Bake Caramel Apple Eclair Cake. With its creamy layers, sweet caramel apples, and simple ingredients, it’s a dessert everyone will love. Serve it at your next gathering, or treat yourself and your family to a slice of autumn indulgence tonight.

Get ready to enjoy the flavors of fall in the most delicious way possible—this cake will quickly become your new favorite seasonal dessert!