Go Back
- 2 large apples, peeled and diced - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (optional) - 1 cup caramel sauce - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs - Whipped cream (for topping) - Chopped nuts (optional) For the apples, choose your favorite type. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness. For a sweeter trifle, use Fuji or Gala apples. If you do not have brown sugar, white sugar works too. You can add a pinch of molasses to mimic the flavor. If you want a lighter version, consider using Neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese. For the heavy cream, you can use whipped topping if you need a dairy-free option. Lastly, you can skip the vanilla bean paste if you cannot find it. - Medium saucepan - Mixing bowls - Electric mixer - Whisk or spatula - Individual serving cups or a large trifle bowl - Measuring cups and spoons - Refrigerator for chilling Using these ingredients and tools, you will create a delicious treat that is easy to make. Enjoy the layers of creaminess, sweetness, and crunch in every bite! Start by peeling and dicing the two large apples. Place them in a medium saucepan. Add two tablespoons of brown sugar and one teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir everything together well. Turn the heat to medium and cook for about five to seven minutes. You want the apples soft but still firm. When they are ready, take the pan off the heat and let the apples cool. In a mixing bowl, take eight ounces of softened cream cheese. Use an electric mixer to beat it until smooth. Gradually add in half a cup of powdered sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the cream cheese is creamy and well combined. In another bowl, whip one cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. If you want extra flavor, fold in half a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste. Grab your serving cups or a large trifle bowl. Start by layering half of the graham cracker crumbs at the bottom. Next, add about a quarter cup of the cream cheese mixture. Follow this with a layer of the sautéed apple mixture, also about a quarter cup. Drizzle some caramel sauce over the apples. Repeat the layers: more graham cracker crumbs, cream cheese, apples, and caramel sauce. Make sure to finish with a layer of cream cheese on top. Chill the trifles in the fridge for at least two hours before serving. When ready, add a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and optional chopped nuts for crunch! When making caramel apple cheesecake trifles, avoid overcooking the apples. Cook them just until tender. If they get mushy, they won't hold their shape in the layers. Another mistake is not chilling the trifles long enough. This step lets the flavors blend well. Make sure to chill for at least two hours. Lastly, don’t skip the whipped cream folding step. This gives the cream cheese mixture a light and fluffy texture. To boost the flavor, try using different types of apples. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith both work well. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg with the cinnamon for warmth. For a richer taste, consider using a high-quality caramel sauce. If you want a deeper flavor, add vanilla bean paste to the cream cheese mix. This small touch makes a big difference. These trifles look lovely in clear cups or jars. This way, guests can see the pretty layers. Top each trifle with a swirl of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel. Chopped nuts add a nice crunch, too. For a fun twist, serve them with extra caramel sauce on the side. This way, everyone can add more if they want. {{image_2}} You can use many kinds of apples in this recipe. Each type brings its own flavor. I love using Granny Smith apples. They add a nice tartness that balances the sweetness. Honeycrisp apples also work well for a sweeter taste. For a softer bite, go for Fuji or Gala apples. Just pick your favorite or mix them! Toppings can change the look and taste of your trifles. Whipped cream is a classic choice. You can also try crushed toffee or chocolate shavings for added crunch. Want something fresh? Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top. You can even use toasted coconut for a tropical twist. The options are endless! Making gluten-free trifles is easy! Just swap graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free ones. You can also use nuts or oats for a different base. For a vegan version, use coconut cream instead of cream cheese. Maple syrup works well in place of powdered sugar. Use a dairy-free caramel sauce for the topping. These swaps make the trifles tasty for everyone! To keep your caramel apple cheesecake trifles fresh, cover them with plastic wrap. This helps keep air out and moisture in. You can also use an airtight container for best results. If you have made several servings, layer them in a container, but avoid mixing the layers to keep them pretty. You don’t need to reheat these trifles. They taste best when served cold. If you want to enjoy them warm, you can microwave them for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat them. Warm cream cheese can change the texture. These trifles last up to three days in the fridge. After that, the apples may lose their crispness, and the layers may not hold as well. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you see any discoloration or off-smells, toss them out. Enjoy your treats while they are fresh for the best flavor! Yes, you can make these trifles ahead of time. They taste better when chilled. Prepare them a day in advance. This way, the flavors blend well. Just keep them in the fridge until you're ready to serve. If you want a substitute for cream cheese, try Greek yogurt. It gives a nice creaminess. You can also use mascarpone cheese. Both options work well and keep the texture smooth. To make homemade caramel sauce, you need sugar and water. Start by heating one cup of sugar with 1/4 cup of water in a pan. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Then, stop stirring and let it boil. Cook until it turns a golden brown color. Remove from heat and add 1/2 cup of heavy cream slowly. Stir until smooth. Be careful, as the caramel is very hot! You learned how to make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifles. We covered key ingredients, tools, and steps. I shared tips to avoid mistakes and enhance flavor. You can try different apple types and toppings. Plus, I gave you storage tips to keep them fresh. Remember, making these trifles is fun and rewarding. Enjoy sharing these tasty treats with others!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifles

Indulge in the deliciousness of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifles! This easy recipe combines tender cinnamon apples, creamy cheesecake, and sweet caramel for a truly irresistible dessert. Layered to perfection and topped with whipped cream and nuts, these trifles are perfect for any occasion. Don't miss out on a treat that will impress your guests! Click to explore the full recipe and bring this delightful dessert to your table today.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 large apples, peeled and diced

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (optional, for extra flavor)

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

Whipped cream (for topping)

Chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir to combine, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and let cool.

    In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and creamy.

      In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy. If using, fold in the vanilla bean paste for added flavor.

        Start assembling the trifles: In individual serving cups or a large trifle bowl, layer half of the graham cracker crumbs at the bottom.

          Add a layer of the cream cheese mixture (about 1/4 cup), followed by a layer of the sautéed apple mixture (about 1/4 cup), and drizzle some caramel sauce over the apples.

            Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients: graham cracker crumbs, cream cheese mixture, apples, and caramel sauce. Make sure to finish with a layer of cream cheese mixture on top.

              Chill the trifles in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set and allow the flavors to meld.

                Before serving, top each trifle with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped nuts for a crunchy texture.

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 6