Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-bake and easy to assemble – Perfect for when you need a quick dessert without turning on the oven.
Delicious layers of flavor – The combination of pudding, apples, and caramel creates a rich and indulgent bite.
Great for make-ahead desserts – It tastes even better after chilling, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Perfect for fall and beyond – The spiced apple filling makes it an excellent choice for autumn gatherings, but it’s delicious year-round.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham crackers
Vanilla pudding mix
Milk
Whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
Brown sugar
Butter
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Caramel sauce

Directions

Prepare the pudding – In a mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Then, fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
Cook the apples – In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook until the apples are tender and caramelized. Let them cool slightly.
Assemble the layers – In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a layer of graham crackers on the bottom. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the crackers, followed by half of the cooked apples. Repeat with another layer of graham crackers, pudding, and apples.
Top with graham crackers – Finish with a final layer of graham crackers on top.
Drizzle with caramel – Pour caramel sauce evenly over the top layer of graham crackers.
Chill – Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Serve – Slice and enjoy chilled, with an extra drizzle of caramel if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Use different pudding flavors – Try butterscotch or cheesecake pudding for a fun twist.
Add nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delicious crunch.
Swap the fruit – Instead of apples, use pears or even sautéed bananas.
Make it extra indulgent – Add a layer of cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar for a richer texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This cake can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating is necessary.

FAQs

How long does Caramel Apple Éclair Cake need to chill?

For the best texture, it should chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! This cake is even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead dessert.

Do I have to cook the apples?

Cooking the apples enhances their sweetness and texture, but you can use raw apples for a fresher bite.

Can I use homemade caramel sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel will elevate the flavor even more.

What can I use instead of graham crackers?

You can use vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or ladyfingers.

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes! Just whip 1 ½ cups of heavy cream with a little powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

How can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Use gluten-free graham crackers and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I add more layers?

Of course! Just make sure your dish is deep enough to hold additional layers.

Is this dessert overly sweet?

The sweetness is balanced by the spiced apples, but you can reduce the sugar in the apples if desired.

Can I add a chocolate drizzle?

Yes! A little melted chocolate on top would be delicious with the caramel.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Éclair Cake is a dreamy, no-bake dessert that brings together the flavors of caramel apples and classic éclair cake in one easy-to-make treat. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday, potluck, or just because, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every creamy, caramel-drizzled bite!

Caramel Apple Éclair Cake

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Caramel Apple Éclair Cake is a no-bake dessert featuring layers of graham crackers, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, vanilla pudding, and whipped topping, all drizzled with rich caramel. Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday desserts!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip)
1 (14.4 oz) box graham crackers
2 cups apple pie filling (chopped into small pieces)
½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and cinnamon until thickened. Let sit for 5 minutes, then fold in the whipped topping.
Spread a thin layer of pudding mixture on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place a layer of graham crackers over the pudding.
Spread half of the remaining pudding mixture over the graham crackers, followed by half of the chopped apple pie filling. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
Add another layer of graham crackers, then repeat with the remaining pudding, apples, and caramel drizzle.
Finish with a final layer of graham crackers and spread any remaining pudding mixture on top.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the graham crackers to soften.
Before serving, drizzle with additional caramel sauce.

Notes

For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
Use homemade or store-bought apple pie filling.
Can be made up to 24 hours in advance for the best flavor.