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To make this tasty treat, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 package (14 oz) graham crackers - 2 cups heavy cream - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix - 2 cups milk - 2 medium apples, peeled and diced - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional) You can switch things up with these fun extras: - Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist. - Use different nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. - Swap apples for pears for a new flavor. If you have dietary needs, here are some easy swaps: - Use dairy-free cream for a vegan option. - Replace milk with almond or oat milk. - Choose gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version. This recipe remains flexible and delicious, allowing you to enjoy it your way! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Pour in two cups of heavy cream. Use a hand mixer to whip the cream until you see soft peaks. Now, add one cup of powdered sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Keep mixing until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, combine one package of instant vanilla pudding mix with two cups of milk. Whisk this mixture until it is smooth and slightly thick. Next, gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture. Make sure it blends well without losing volume. This cream will be the star of your cake! Now, take a 9x13 inch baking dish. Start with a layer of graham crackers at the bottom. Cover them well, so they form a solid base. On top of the graham crackers, spread half of your cream mixture evenly. Then, sprinkle half of the diced apples across the cream. Drizzle some caramel sauce over the apples. Don't forget a dash of cinnamon for extra flavor! Next, add another layer of graham crackers. Repeat the process with the remaining cream mixture, the rest of the apples, and more caramel sauce. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers on top. Cover your dish tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least four hours. For the best taste, let it chill overnight. This time helps the flavors blend and the graham crackers soften. When you're ready to serve, drizzle more caramel sauce on top. You can also sprinkle with chopped nuts if you like. This dessert tastes even better when it's cold and the flavors are fully developed! Whipping cream is simple but needs some care. Start with cold heavy cream. Cold cream whips better and faster. Use a large bowl to avoid splatters. Beat the cream with a mixer on medium speed. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Stop when you see stiff peaks. This means your cream is ready. Don’t overwhip it; it can turn into butter. Choosing apples is key for this dessert. Look for firm apples that are crisp. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness. Honeycrisp offers sweetness, which balances well. Always peel and dice your apples before adding them. This helps them mix well with the other flavors. Fresh apples give the best taste, so pick ones that are in season. Some things can go wrong when making this cake. If your whipped cream is too runny, it may need more whipping. Check if you added enough sugar. If the layers slide apart, let the cake chill longer. This helps it set up better. If you don’t have enough caramel, add more when serving. A drizzle on top always makes it look great. Pro Tips Use Cold Ingredients: Make sure your heavy cream and milk are cold for better whipping and a creamier texture. Chill Overnight: For the best flavor and texture, allow the cake to chill overnight. This lets the graham crackers soften perfectly. Customize Your Apples: Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for sweetness to suit your taste. Add a Crunch: For added texture, consider mixing in some crushed nuts into the cream layers or sprinkling them on top before serving. {{image_2}} To make a chocolate version, swap some ingredients. Use chocolate graham crackers instead of regular ones. You can also add chocolate pudding mix in place of vanilla. This gives the dessert a rich, chocolatey twist. Drizzle chocolate sauce along with the caramel. It will be a chocolate lover's dream! For a gluten-free dessert, choose gluten-free graham crackers. Check the label to ensure they fit your needs. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour for a different flavor. This way, everyone can enjoy the cake without worry. The taste remains just as delightful! If you want a vegan option, use plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk. Instead of heavy cream, whip coconut cream for the filling. Replace eggs with a vegan pudding mix. You can also find vegan caramel sauce at stores. These changes keep the dessert creamy and tasty! To keep your Caramel Apple Éclair Cake fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This helps prevent air from drying it out. Store it in the fridge for up to five days. If you notice any change in texture or smell, it’s best to toss it. You can freeze this cake if you want to prepare it early. Make the cake but skip the final layer of graham crackers and toppings. Wrap the cake well in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Add the last layer and toppings just before serving. The cake stays fresh in the fridge for about five days. If you freeze it, it keeps for three months. For the best taste, I recommend eating it fresh. Always check for any signs of spoilage before serving. Enjoy your dessert while it’s at its best! Yes, you can make Caramel Apple Éclair Cake a day ahead. In fact, it tastes even better after resting. This allows the flavors to mix well. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits. Both options work well and provide a nice texture. You can even try shortbread cookies for a richer flavor. Just remember to adjust the sweetness based on your choice. Making homemade caramel sauce is simple and fun! Here’s how: 1. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water. 2. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. 3. Let it boil without stirring until it turns a golden color. 4. Remove it from heat and carefully add 1/2 cup of heavy cream. 5. Stir until smooth. Let it cool before using. This sauce adds a delicious touch to your dessert! You’ve learned how to make a delicious caramel apple éclair cake. We covered ingredients, steps, and various tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly. You can mix it up with different flavors or dietary options. Remember to store leftovers well to keep them fresh. I hope you feel ready to try this fun recipe. Enjoy baking and sharing this tasty treat!

Caramel Apple Éclair Cake

A delicious layered dessert featuring graham crackers, creamy filling, apples, and caramel.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package 14 oz graham crackers
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 package 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
  • In another bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
  • Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully combined.
  • On the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham crackers.
  • Spread half of the cream mixture over the graham crackers, smoothing it evenly.
  • Sprinkle half of the diced apples over the cream, followed by a drizzle of caramel sauce and a dash of cinnamon.
  • Add another layer of graham crackers on top, followed by the remaining cream mixture, the rest of the apples, more caramel sauce, and another sprinkle of cinnamon.
  • Top off with a final layer of graham crackers.
  • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the graham crackers to soften.
  • Before serving, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.

Notes

For best results, refrigerate overnight.
Keyword apple, cake, caramel, dessert, no-bake