Caramel Apple Eclair Cake (No-Bake) – Indulge, in a world of flavors with this delightful Caramel Apple Eclair Cake (No Bake). This dessert combines the timeless essence of caramel apples with the softness of an éclair making it an ideal treat for any occasion.
When I first whipped up this Caramel Apple Eclair Cake it was on a whim. I wanted to create something that didn’t require any oven time. To my surprise, it was a hit among my family! My husband couldn’t resist the layers of caramel and my little one was absolutely enchanted by the apple-infused deliciousness. It has now become a tradition in our household.
What makes this Caramel Apple Eclair Cake (No-Bake) truly special?
This no-bake wonder, the Caramel Apple Eclair Cake is a lifesaver during those summer months or when using the oven is just not an option. Its versatility shines through as you can choose between store-bought caramel sauce without compromising on its taste. What truly steals the show here? The perfect blend of apple, caramel, and éclair flavors. It’s a combination that sets this dessert apart from others and guarantees an experience, with every bite.
What You Need To Make This Caramel Apple Eclair Cake (No-Bake) Recipe?
Apple Pie Filling: Whether you decide to use store-bought or homemade it forms the heart of our dessert. It brings a fruity texture and flavor to the cake. If you’re feeling adventurous you can try making your own apple pie filling from scratch for a fresher taste.
Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices add a rich dimension, to the apple filling. Feel free to adjust the amounts according to your preference. Keep in mind that nutmeg is quite strong so a little goes a long way!
Cinnamon Graham Crackers: These spiced graham crackers not only provide structure to our no-bake cake. Also, introduce a subtle hint of cinnamon that pairs wonderfully with the apple filling. You can use regular crackers as a substitute but you’ll miss out on that extra touch of cinnamon.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This contributes to the cake’s texture. Adds a sweet vanilla flavor. It’s crucial for achieving that consistency of éclairs. Make sure you choose the instant variety for the best results.
Cold Milk: Works as a binding agent, for the pudding mix and helps achieve the desired consistency. For a richer taste, it is recommended to use whole milk.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives our cake its creamy texture. For best results make sure you use full-fat heavy cream.
Powdered Sugar: It adds a touch of sweetness, to the mixture complementing the ingredients perfectly. If you prefer your desserts to be less sweet feel free to adjust the amount.
Vanilla Extract: Adding a hint of vanilla enhances the flavors and brings out the richness of the ingredients. To achieve an authentic taste opt, for pure vanilla extract.
Caramel Sauce/Topping: This is what makes our cake truly special. Whether you choose to use caramel sauce, caramel dip, or even a store-bought caramel topping it adds a deliciously gooey sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the apples.
Steps To Make Caramel Apple Eclair Cake (No-Bake):
Step 1: Let’s begin by pouring the apple pie filling into a bowl. If you feel that the apple pieces are too big you can trim them with scissors to make them bite-sized.
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Step 2: Add a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the apple pie filling gently stir it and set it aside.
Step 3: Now take another bowl, a big one. Combine the vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and powdered sugar in it. Give everything a stir.
Step 4: Next, add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. This is where things get fun! Use a hand mixer to whip everything until it becomes creamy and thick. It should take 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 5: Now it’s time, for assembly! In a baking dish measuring 9×13 inches create a layer using cinnamon graham crackers.
Step 6: Spoon half of the apple-infused mixture over the graham crackers layer, followed by half of the delicious vanilla pudding mixture.
Step 7: Repeat this process one more; another layer of graham crackers followed by the remaining apple pie filling and then finish with the rest of the vanilla pudding. Top it all off with one layer of graham crackers.
Step 8: Gently warm up your caramel topping in the microwave for pouring purposes. Carefully distribute it evenly on top of the layer of graham crackers to ensure coverage.
Step 9: Now comes the challenging part; patience. Put your creation in the refrigerator. Allow it to cool for 4 to 6 hours. For best outcomes, it is recommended to leave it overnight.
Tip:
To enhance the caramel flavor further you can try adding a touch of caramel sauce, between the cake layers and on top. This will not only spread the deliciousness of caramel throughout the cake. Also, provide a delightful and gooey surprise in every bite. Moreover, the combination of caramel and spiced apple creates harmony elevating the taste sensation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use other types of graham crackers?
Of course! While the cinnamon-flavored graham crackers provide a taste you can certainly use regular ones if that’s what you have available.
How long can this cake be stored?
For flavor and texture, it’s best to consume the cake within 2 to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it and keep it refrigerated.
Can I add any nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! If you want an added crunch or touch of sweetness feel free to sprinkle your nuts or chocolate chips, over the caramel topping before placing it in the refrigerator.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Caramel Apple Eclair Cake (No-Bake)
Ingredients
- 1½ 20-oz cans apple pie filling (30 oz in total)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 box cinnamon graham crackers
- 2 3.4-oz boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 c cold milk
- 2 c heavy cream
- ½ c powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Homemade Caramel Sauce caramel dip, or a store bought caramel topping
Instructions
- Start by cutting the apple pie filling into pieces and combining it with cinnamon and nutmeg.
- In a bowl whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, milk and powdered sugar until well blended.
- Next add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, to the mixture. Beat it until it thickens.
- Take a 9x13 inch dish. Layer it with cinnamon graham crackers.
- Spread half of the apple filling over the layer of crackers followed by half of the pudding mixture.
- Repeat these layers; another layer of crackers, apple filling and pudding.
- Gently warm up the caramel topping before pouring it over the layer of the cake.
- Place the cake in the refrigerator, for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight to allow it to chill thoroughly.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
