Description
Caramel Apple Éclair Cake is a no-bake dessert layered with graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding, spiced apples, and rich caramel sauce. It’s cool, comforting, and perfect for fall—but honestly, it’s delicious any time of year. With no oven needed and only simple ingredients, this chilled cake is great for holidays, parties, or as an easy family treat.
Ingredients
Apple Filling:
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2–3 apples (Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced
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2 tbsp butter
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¼ cup brown sugar
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1 tsp cinnamon
OR -
1 can (20 oz) apple pie filling + extra cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)
Pudding Layer:
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2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla or French vanilla pudding mix
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2 ½ cups cold milk
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½ cup sour cream
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1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Other Layers:
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1 box graham crackers (plain or cinnamon)
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½ to ¾ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Toppings:
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Chopped pecans or walnuts
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Extra whipped topping
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Cinnamon sugar dusting
Instructions
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Prepare Apple Filling:
If using fresh apples: Cook sliced apples with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a pan over low heat for 10–12 minutes. Stir often. Let cool.
If using canned filling: Add cinnamon or nutmeg to taste. Warm slightly, then cool. -
Make Pudding Mixture:
In a bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
Add sour cream and whipped topping. Gently fold until smooth. -
Layer the Cake:
In a 9×13-inch pan, add a single layer of graham crackers. Break pieces to cover the whole bottom.
Spread half the apple mixture over crackers.
Spoon half the pudding mixture on top. Smooth evenly.
Repeat with another layer of crackers, apples, and pudding.
Add one final layer of graham crackers on top. -
Top with Caramel:
Warm caramel sauce slightly. Drizzle over the top layer. Spread to cover completely. -
Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is best). -
Serve:
Cut into squares with a sharp knife. Wipe the blade between slices for clean cuts.
Garnish with whipped topping, nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Notes
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Let the cake chill overnight for the best texture and flavor.
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For a softer texture, warm slices slightly before serving.
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Substitute graham crackers with vanilla wafers or biscoff cookies for fun flavor twists.
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Add berries, pears, or even peaches for a fresh fruit variation.
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Freeze the dough before baking if prepping far ahead, but expect a slightly different texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American