Here’s a No-Bake Caramel Apple Éclair Cake recipe that’s ridiculously easy, sweet, creamy, and packed with classic fall flavor. It layers graham crackers, spiced apples, whipped topping, and pudding for a dessert that tastes like caramel apple pie meets éclair cake — no oven required!
🍎 No-Bake Caramel Apple Éclair Cake
🍰 Layers of graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding, spiced apples, and caramel sauce.
Prep Time: 20 min | Chill Time: 4–6 hours (or overnight)
Servings: 12
🧾 Ingredients
For the Filling:
-
2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
-
2 ½ cups cold milk
-
1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip or 2 ½ cups sweetened whipped cream
-
2 cups apple pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
-
1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra spice)
-
1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
Layers & Topping:
-
1 box graham crackers
-
1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
-
Optional: crushed toffee bits, chopped pecans, or sea salt
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl:
-
Whisk together vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
-
Fold in Cool Whip until smooth and creamy.
In a separate bowl, stir cinnamon and nutmeg into the apple pie filling if desired.
2️⃣ Layer the Dessert:
In a 9×13-inch pan:
-
First Layer: Lay down a single layer of graham crackers (break to fit as needed).
-
Second Layer: Spread half the pudding mixture evenly over the crackers.
-
Third Layer: Spoon and spread half the apple pie filling over the pudding.
-
Drizzle lightly with caramel sauce.
-
Repeat: Another layer of graham crackers, pudding, apples, and caramel.
-
Final Layer: Top with one last layer of graham crackers and a thin layer of whipped topping (optional) or just drizzle generously with caramel.
3️⃣ Chill:
-
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
(This softens the graham crackers into a cake-like texture.)
4️⃣ Serve & Garnish:
-
Drizzle more caramel sauce on top before serving.
-
Optional: Sprinkle with crushed toffee bits, pecans, or a touch of sea salt for that salted caramel vibe.
✅ Tips & Variations
-
Homemade Apple Filling? Sauté 3–4 sliced apples in butter, sugar, and cinnamon until tender.
-
Make it spiced: Add a splash of apple cider or extra cinnamon to the pudding.
-
Switch it up: Try cinnamon graham crackers or apple-cinnamon instant pudding if available.
-
Make mini versions in cups or jars for parties.