Caramel Apple Eclair Cake Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Eclair Cake is a delicious layered dessert that combines creamy vanilla pudding, sweet apple pie filling, and rich caramel sauce. This no-bake treat offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 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
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
3. Step 3: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until well combined.
4. Step 4: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham crackers, breaking them as needed to fit the pan.
5. Step 5: Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham crackers using a spatula.
6. Step 6: Spoon half of the apple pie filling on top of the pudding, distributing the apples evenly.
7. Step 7: Repeat the layers with the remaining graham crackers, pudding mixture, and apple pie filling.
8. Step 8: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top layer of apples as desired.
9. Step 9: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the cake to set.

Tips & Variations

• Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon to the apple pie filling for extra warmth and flavor.
• Use homemade caramel sauce for a richer, less sweet topping.
• For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts between the layers.
• Substitute the apple pie filling with pear or peach pie filling for a different fruity twist.

Storage

Store the caramel apple eclair cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors improve with time, making it even better after a day. To serve, slice and serve chilled; no reheating is necessary.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake actually tastes best when made a day in advance, allowing the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld perfectly.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding mix?

You can use homemade pudding, but it should be thick and fully chilled before folding in the whipped cream to maintain the right texture for the cake.

Caramel Apple Eclair Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 82 reviews

Delight in a no-bake Caramel Apple Eclair Cake that layers crunchy graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding, sweet apple pie filling, and rich caramel sauce. This easy-to-make dessert combines textures and flavors for a luscious, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Whipped Cream Mixture

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

Topping

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

Instructions

1. Mix the Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of milk for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens to a smooth consistency.
2. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the thickened pudding mixture until well combined and creamy.
3. Layer Graham Crackers: Place a single layer of graham crackers along the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, breaking crackers as needed to fit snugly.
4. Add Pudding Mixture: Spread half of the creamy pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker layer, smoothing with a spatula for an even surface.
5. Spoon Apple Pie Filling: Evenly distribute half of the apple pie filling on top of the pudding layer, ensuring apples are spread out nicely.
6. Repeat Layers: Add another graham cracker layer followed by the remaining pudding mixture and apple pie filling layers, replicating the previous steps.
7. Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Pour and spread the caramel sauce generously over the top layer of apple filling. Sprinkle optional ground cinnamon if desired.
8. Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the cake firm up for perfect slicing.

Notes

• For best results, chill the cake overnight to allow full flavor development and proper setting.
• You can use homemade caramel sauce or store-bought based on convenience and taste preference.
• Optionally, sprinkle ground cinnamon over the caramel sauce for a warm spice note.
• Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice clean pieces of the cake.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Caramel apple eclair cake, no-bake dessert, apple dessert, pudding cake, caramel sauce dessert, graham cracker cake