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Caramel Apple Eclair Cake Recipe

4.9 from 91 reviews

This Caramel Apple Eclair Cake is a no-bake layered dessert featuring crisp graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding, luscious apple pie filling, and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. With hints of cinnamon and whipped cream folded into the pudding, this indulgent yet easy-to-make treat is perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a sweet, comforting dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Base

  • 1 box graham crackers (about 1214 full crackers)

Apple Layer

  • 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Pudding Layer

  • 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

Topping

  • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Mix the Pudding: In a medium bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of milk. Whisk briskly for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts to set.
  2. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, use a mixer to whip the heavy cream along with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, creating a fluffy whipped cream.
  3. Combine Pudding and Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the thickened pudding mixture until the mixture is smooth and well combined, giving it a light and airy texture.
  4. First Graham Cracker Layer: Arrange a single layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Break crackers as needed to fill the space evenly.
  5. Spread Pudding Mixture: Evenly spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even layer.
  6. Add Apple Filling: Spoon half of the apple pie filling over the pudding layer, distributing the apples uniformly. Optionally sprinkle ground cinnamon on top for added warmth.
  7. Repeat Layers: Repeat with another layer of graham crackers, then the remaining pudding mixture, and finally the rest of the apple pie filling.
  8. Top with Caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the last apple layer, adjusting amount to your preference for sweetness.
  9. Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the assembled cake for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the graham crackers to soften and all flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a firm yet creamy texture.

Notes

  • For best results, use a glass or ceramic 9×13-inch dish as it helps chill the cake evenly.
  • Store-bought caramel sauce works well, but homemade caramel can enhance the flavor.
  • You can add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the apple filling for extra spice.
  • This cake is best served chilled and should be kept refrigerated until ready to serve.
  • The dessert can be made a day ahead, making it perfect for parties and gatherings.
  • If you prefer a firmer texture, you can increase the chilling time beyond 8 hours.

Keywords: Caramel Apple Eclair Cake, no bake dessert, caramel apple cake, graham cracker dessert, instant pudding cake, easy fall dessert