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Caramel Apple Eclair Cake Recipe

Caramel Apple Eclair Cake Recipe

4.9 from 11 reviews

This Caramel Apple Eclair Cake is a delightful layered dessert featuring crisp graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding, tender apple pie filling, and a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for fall or anytime you crave a sweet and fruity treat, this no-bake cake combines classic flavors with an easy-to-make layered assembly.

Ingredients

Scale

Base and Layers

  • 1 box graham crackers (about 1214 full crackers)
  • 1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling

Pudding 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
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Topping

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pudding Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of milk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully combined, and add ground cinnamon if using.
  2. Layer Graham Crackers: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham crackers along the bottom. Break crackers as needed to fit the pan evenly.
  3. Spread Pudding Mixture: Evenly spread half of the prepared pudding mixture over the graham cracker layer, smoothing it out with a spatula to cover all edges.
  4. Add Apple Pie Filling: Spoon half of the apple pie filling over the pudding layer, distributing apples evenly for balanced flavor in each bite.
  5. Repeat Layers: Add a second layer of graham crackers on top of the apples, then spread the remaining pudding mixture over the crackers. Finally, layer the rest of the apple pie filling evenly on top.
  6. Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Generously drizzle the caramel sauce over the final apple layer to add rich sweetness and enhance the apple flavor.
  7. Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set, flavors to meld, and the cake to firm up for easier slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For best results, use full sheets of graham crackers and break as needed for minimal crumbs.
  • You can substitute the caramel sauce with homemade caramel for a personal touch.
  • The cake tastes best after chilling overnight, but a minimum of 4 hours works well.
  • Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon in the pudding mixture for a warm spice note.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caramel Apple Eclair Cake, no-bake cake, apple dessert, caramel dessert, layered pudding cake, graham cracker dessert