Description
Caramel Apple Eclair Cake is a delicious no-bake dessert combining layers of crisp apples, rich caramel sauce, creamy vanilla pudding and whipped topping, all built on a base of graham crackers or ladyfingers. This easy-to-make cake captures the nostalgic flavors of fall with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes ideal for family gatherings or simple treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Layer
- 3 to 4 crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup good-quality caramel sauce
Pudding Layer
- 1 package (3.4 oz) vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk (as per pudding mix instructions)
- 1 cup whipped topping (e.g. Cool Whip), thawed
Base Layer
- About 2 packages graham crackers or ladyfingers (enough to form 2 layers in a 9x13 inch dish)
Optional Spices & Garnish
- Additional cinnamon for sprinkling
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish (optional)
- Additional caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Peel and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with cinnamon and nutmeg to evenly coat and infuse warm spices into the fruit.
- Mix the pudding and whipped topping: Combine the vanilla pudding mix with cold milk according to the package directions. Once the pudding thickens, gently fold in the whipped topping to keep the mixture light and creamy.
- Assemble the layers: In a 9×13 inch serving dish, spread a layer of graham crackers or ladyfingers evenly. Top with half of the spiced apple mixture, then drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apples. Spread half of the pudding mixture on top. Repeat these layers (graham crackers/ladyfingers, apples, caramel, pudding) to build the cake.
- Chill and set: Cover the assembled cake tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This allows the layers to meld and the crackers to soften to a cake-like texture.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and optionally sprinkle with chopped nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon for extra flavor and decoration. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Use firm, crisp apples to maintain a pleasant texture in the cake.
- Layer ingredients evenly to ensure balanced flavors in each slice.
- Refrigerate long enough for the crackers or ladyfingers to soften properly for the best texture.
- Homemade caramel sauce can enhance the flavor and reduce preservatives.
- This dessert is best served chilled to enjoy the creamy and fresh qualities.
- Can be made ahead up to two days before serving for convenient planning.
- Use gluten-free graham crackers or ladyfingers to make it gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg