October 24, 2023
Review RecipeApple Delight
Your taste buds will come alive when you taste the delicious layers of this creamy apple delight dessert.
Jump to Recipe
Table of Contents
This apple delight is all things fall wrapped up in creamy layers of heaven. No one will be able to resist the sweet and buttery crunch of the graham cracker crust, soft apple pie filling, velvety cream cheese, and whipped cream.
Apple Delight Ingredients
Every delicious layer of this sweet dessert adds to the overall charm and warmth of the apple delight.
The graham cracker crust adds the perfect amount of crunch and the base for a tangy layer of cream cheese.
Soft spiced apples are layered on top under a layer of fluffy whipped cream to complete the delightful combination of flavors.
You’ll need:
- 1 package of graham crackers (9 crackers)
- ½ cup of pecans, chopped
- ½ cup of butter, melted
- ¼ cup of sugar
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 16 ounces of Cool Whip, divided in half
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 2 (21-ounce) cans of apple pie filling
- ¼ cup of chopped pecans, optional topping
Substitutions And Additions
COOL WHIP: If Cool Whip isn’t available where you live, you could make your own stabilized whipped cream. Check out our recipe for homemade whipped cream.
GRAHAM CRACKER CRUMBS: You can use store-bought crumbs or crush up your own with a rolling pin or food processor for this easy graham cracker crust.
If graham crackers aren’t available in your country, the nearest thing to use would be digestive biscuits.
CRUST ALTERNATIVES: If you’re looking to switch things up from the traditional graham cracker crust, popular alternatives include vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, Oreos, or even chocolate chip cookies.
However, keep in mind that substituting cookies for graham crackers may affect the texture and sweetness of the crust.
Also, depending on the type of cookie used, additional butter or sugar may be required to achieve the desired consistency.
ADDITIONS TO CRUST: You can add spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, to the crust for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
Crushed pretzels could also be added to the crust for added crunch or a salty flavor.
APPLE PIE FILLING: You can use homemade apple pie filling in this apple delight recipe, but it needs to be thick enough to set properly in the dessert.
If your homemade filling is too watery, it may impact the texture of the final dish.
We recommend a canned filling for this recipe because it is already thickened and will ensure a consistent texture throughout the dessert.
We have a homemade apple pie filling recipe here. To thicken it, you can add a thickener like cornstarch or flour.
OTHER PIE FILLINGS: You can use a different type of canned fruit filling instead of apple in this recipe.
Popular variations include cherry and blueberry. However, the texture of the dessert may vary depending on the type of fruit filling used.
PRO TIP:
Keep in mind that the type of filling used may impact the overall sweetness and flavor of the dessert.
How To Make This Apple Delight Recipe
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
It’s highly recommended to make this delicious dessert a day ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. This will allow it to thicken and make it easier to cut into slices.
To make this irresistible dessert, you’ll first create the buttery crust, which needs a quick bake in the oven.
Once cool, you’ll work in layers to create the rest of the dessert, starting with mixing the cream cheese with whipped topping. This is then topped with apple pie filling, followed by even more whipped topping.
Make sure you give the dessert plenty of time to chill in the fridge to allow the layers to firm up and flavors to blend together before serving.
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
STEP TWO: In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers and pecans until finely chopped.
STEP THREE: Add the melted butter and a quarter cup of sugar to the graham cracker mixture and pulse a few times to combine.
STEP FOUR: Press the mixture into a 9×13-inch pan, creating an even layer on the bottom.
STEP FIVE: Bake for eight minutes and allow it to cool completely before starting the second layer.
PRO TIP:
The graham cracker/pecan crust will be very soft when it comes out of the oven. It will harden once it cools completely.
STEP SIX: Mix the cream cheese, vanilla, half of the Cool Whip (8 ounces), and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Spread over the crust.
PRO TIP:
Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature, so you don’t have lumps in your cream cheese filling.
STEP SEVEN: Spread the apple filling on top of the cream cheese layer.
STEP EIGHT: Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top of the apple pie filling.
STEP NINE: Refrigerate for three to four hours, or overnight if possible.
STEP TEN: Top with chopped pecans before serving.
How To Serve
Serve this creamy apple delight dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side and a drizzle of gooey caramel sauce.
This delightful and creamy confection would be the ideal addition to any of your fall celebrations.
Add it to your festive Thanksgiving dessert menu along with our crustless pumpkin pie or pumpkin roll.
Celebrate apple season with our classic apple crisp, and our caramel apple pie bombs are impossible to resist.
MORE DESSERT RECIPES
Storage
If you find yourself with leftovers of this creamy dessert, here’s how to store it to enjoy later.
MAKE AHEAD: This apple delight recipe is absolutely perfect to make ahead, especially if you’re preparing for an event or simply want to have something sweet ready for those spontaneous cravings.
You can prepare the entire recipe a day in advance and let it sit in the fridge overnight.
The flavors will blend beautifully while in the fridge, and the texture will hold up nicely.
IN THE FRIDGE: Leftover apple delight should always be stored in the refrigerator.
It’s also best to place it in the fridge in between servings as the ingredients can melt very quickly.
If you plan to make it ahead of time, it should also be refrigerated until served.
IN THE FREEZER: Apple delight is very simple to freeze. Just make sure to cover the top with an airtight lid and pop it in the freezer.
When ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge.
Why We Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to adore this delightful layered dessert, including:
EFFORTLESS PREPARATION: This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and ingredients. Even novice bakers can successfully whip up this delightful dessert.
MOUTHWATERING AROMAS: While baking, the scent of cinnamon and apples fills your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s as inviting as the dessert itself.
FAMILY FAVORITE: Apple delight has a universal appeal that makes it a family favorite. Its combination of tender apples, buttery crust, and sweet caramel sauce is a crowd-pleaser that brings loved ones together.
This decadent layered apple delight dish is light, refreshing, and delicious. The flavors of cheesecake, autumn apples, and pecans transform into a perfect dessert that you can enjoy any time of year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of crust for this apple delight dessert recipe?
You could use Nilla wafers or digestive biscuits in place of the graham cracker crust for this recipe.
Can you freeze apple delight?
You can freeze this fluffy no-bake dessert for up to a month. Cover in plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Is this recipe the same as apple lush or apple lasagna?
Yes! This great recipe goes by many names, including apple lush, apple dream, and apple lasagna.
Can I use store-bought graham cracker crumbs for the crust, or do I need to make my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought graham cracker crumbs for the crust in this no-bake recipe instead of making your own. Using store-bought crumbs can be a convenient option, as they are already crushed and ready to use.
However, if you prefer to make your own, you can do so by crushing graham crackers in a food processor or by placing them in a plastic bag and using a rolling pin to crush them. Whether to use store-bought or homemade crumbs will ultimately depend on personal preference.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- No Bake Blackberry Cheesecake
- Butterscotch Delight
- Vanilla Trifle
- Blueberry Delight
- Cranberry Salad
- Apple Bread Pudding
- 7Up Biscuits
- Campfire Apple Crisp in Foil Packets
- Apple Dapple Cake
- Key Lime Pie
- Birthday Cake Delight
- Blueberry Butter
- Apple Donuts
- Cherry Kiss Cookies
- Apple Betty
- Chocolate Delight
- Banana Delight
- Apple Fritter Bread
- Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
- Lemon Cool Whip Cookies
- Cherry Chip Cake
- Apple Dump Cake (Without Caramel)
- Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls
- Air Fried Oreos
- Applesauce Cake
- Apple Fritter Recipe
- Blueberry Cheesecake
- Apple Pie Recipe
- Crockpot Applesauce
- How to Make Buttermilk Pie
- Blueberry Lemon Blondies
Apple Delight
Your taste buds will come alive when you taste the delicious layers of this creamy apple delight dessert.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 23 minutes
Servings 16
Ingredients
- 1 package graham crackers, 9 crackers
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- ½ cup butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 16 ounces Cool Whip, divided in half
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 42 ounces apple pie filling
- ¼ cup chopped pecans, optional topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers and pecans until finely chopped.
- Add the melted butter and ¼ cup sugar to the graham cracker mixture and pulse a few times to combine.
- Press the mixture into a 9×13-inch pan, creating an even layer on the bottom.
- Bake for 8 minutes and allow it to cool completely before starting the second layer.
- Mix the cream cheese, vanilla, half of the Cool Whip (8 ounces), and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Spread over the crust.
- Spread apple pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Spread remaining Cool Whip on top of the apple pie filling.
- Refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, or overnight if possible.
- Top with chopped pecans before serving.
Notes
- It’s highly recommended to make this delicious dessert a day ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. This will allow it to thicken and make it easier to cut into slices.
- The graham cracker/pecan crust will be very soft when it comes out of the oven. It will harden once it cools completely.
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature, so you don’t have lumps in your cream cheese filling.
Nutrition
Calories: 295kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 34mg | Sodium: 151mg | Potassium: 106mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 438IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
Comments
Karen Roberts says
Some caramels melted, maybe some walnuts in place of pecans. Serving this in the fall makes for a great dessert. Definitely will try this at church. Love all your recipes
Ann says
This looks delicious!
I think adding a drizzle of caramel over that apple filling layer would add an extra ‘wow’ of deliciousness,!
Nancy Williams says
I’d use walnuts in this recipe.
Kathy Greer says
Looks great and is going to be one of the go to recipe for church.
Shelby Burkhart says
I would DEFINITELY add caramel to this recipe
Kai Butler says
Yes I would add some caramel to this recipe
Shasta says
I would definitely add caramel to my apple delight.
If I was going to try a different flavor I would do a strawberry delight
And if I were going to try a different nut it would probably be walnut.
And lastly I would serve it a parties and in the spring and summer time!
Renee Russell says
Made it – love it!
I think next time I’ll use cherry pie filling!
Thanks for this lovely recipe!
Have a great day!
❤️
Tracy Goff says
I love using Carmel sauce and would use either pecans or walnuts
Gina Stein says
I think that carmel drizzled over it would be good.
Any fruit would work. I would use blueberries minus the Carmel.
I’m not a nut fan when it comes to desserts.
I would serve this dessert for Thanksgiving.
Dorianne Swift says
I do believe i would like to try this with canned peaches and crushed pineapple or with cherries…yum…
Barrie says
Hi, I would add craisins (sweetened cranberries) and walnuts on top of the whip cream! Yum
Teresa Young says
I would add some cinnamon to the apples. I would also try cherries instead of the apples. I would serve this on a hot summer day.
Pam Thompson says
Looks great. I think I would add caramel to it
Christine says
In answer to your questions I’d like to say I wouldn’t add caramel in the traditional sense .. instead I’d choose the caramel apple pie filling they sell , and use a toasted walnut for the topping and crust instead of pecans to give a deeper complex flavor to the crust and possibly coat the walnuts in a cinnamon glaze before adding them to the top an a bit of cinnamon to the cream cheese cool whip layer to bring it all together 🙂
Maureen says
This sounds terrific. I would definitely use caramel sauce on top. Keep the pecans since I like them better than walnuts. I would also make this with cherry pie filling. Blueberry would also be good. This would make a great dish for a barbecue. Also a potluck get together.
Would absolutely make this for a refreshing dessert at home. Recipe sounds delicious.
Krista says
I would try walnuts
Alison says
I love apple pie and love that this recipe uses apple pie filling instead of making it from scratch because that makes it something I actually have the time and energy to make! I wonder if this would taste as good as a cherry pie filling?
Hilroy Nelson says
Lovey dessert. Would serve it after Sunday dinner.
Laurie Waterman says
I would also try this with walnuts and add some caramel drizzle on the top
Sue says
I would DEFINITELY add caramel to this!
Lisa Lord-Edmiston says
You could serve this delicious apple delight any day of the year!
Mary T Morris says
Omgoodness, I would never have thought to do an apple delight! I am definitely making this, especially for Thanksgiving! It looks absolutely yummy! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
S Davenport says
This looks super fun for our neighborhood get togethers!
jennifer cornman says
I would like to try with blueberries and lemon curd my favorite combination and pecans are my favorite nuts for any dessert. I would definitely make this sometime
Vicki Roberts says
Definitely will be serving this tonight! I would love to try this with cherries!
Nan Waites says
I had caramel & it was absolutely delicious.
Gary Stielow says
I would try this with peaches and change the nuts to walnuts.
Barbara Schnoor says
This looks yummy as is, but I would stay with pecans and I would try it with cherry, peach or blueberry pie filling.
Jennifer Alviti says
Sounds delish! I would definitely add some caramel drizzle too 😍
Michael-Ann Dissing says
I would try roasted almond slivers. Add some cinnamon as well
Wanda says
This sounds great and would work well with blueberries.
Linda says
I would add some cinnamon and nutmeg to the canned apples. Carmel would be great too
MB says
Yes, I would add caramel. Thanks for a great recipe.
Andrea Stoeckel says
This looks amazingly simple and really tasty. I’d try it with other fruits like blueberries maybe. I’ddefinatley add carmel either into the filling or drizzled on top. I’m not a huge fan of nuts in recipies but how about peanut butter?
Noreen Thompson says
This sounds amazing, bet it would also be great with cherry pie filling.
Mary Ann says
I would use cherry or blueberry pie filling as well. Also I would definitely serve this dessert to my family
Stella says
Would you add caramel to this apple delight? Tons of it!!
What other fruit flavors would you try? Raspberries
What nuts would you prefer with this recipe? Pistachios
When would you serve this recipe? Mostly with fall meals
Karen says
This would be great with caramel!
Vicki says
I would drizzle caramel across the top and serve it warm, yum!
Vicki says
I would drizzle caramel across the top, yum!
Roberta Weller says
I will certainly serve this dessert at our next dinner meeting.
Bethany Sandy says
This looks so yummy! I would add cinnamon and caramel!
Ed Ralls says
Looks delicious!!
Penny Bunch says
i would definitely put caramel sauce this recipe. It is calling for caramel. Yum Yum Yum!!!!
Nikki Biggers says
Yes!!! I would definitely add caramel!! I think strawberries would be divine!!!
Teresa Stopher says
I would prefer pecans in this recipe, but walnuts would be good too!
I would serve this at a church potluck or family gathering!
Michelle Thorne says
I would definitely try a peach filling, or raspberry. But….I’m definitely trying the apple filling first! I’m making it for a family gathering this weekend.
Connie says
I can see using strawberries, blueberry filling, I think this recipe could used in many different variations.
Denice says
I would add cinnamon to the pie filling on that layer I would add caramel. On the top, I would put whip cream sprinkled with pecans. Or I would leave it as is, sounds delicious. This is a dessert I would make year-round.
Shaunda Snider says
Yes I would add caramel to this recipe! Looks delicious!
Hanlie Sonnekus says
Hi da. Al jul resepte lyk rerig so so heerlik en maklik.
Baie Dankie vir die Resepte.
Ek wardeer dit rerig vreeslik baie.
My gesin geniet dit ook baie baie.
Groete Hanlie
Mary says
I would not put caramel on this dessert.
Marcia Turley says
Looks great! I think I’ll make this for the neighbors BBQ next weekend!
Hannah says
I would add caramel!
Bobbie says
I would definitely use pecans with this recipe! OMG it looks/sounds amazing! 🙂
Tracy McCaffrey says
I love caramel so I definitely add it to one and make one without it. Either way this looks and sounds delicious.
Gabriela B. says
I’d add salted caramel.
Anne Williams says
Sorry I misspelled my other comment. Can you make this in a graham cracker piecrust?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Anne – we haven’t tried that, I’m not sure if if a regular piecrust would be substantial enough for the filling, but it might work. You’d probably need two piecrusts. Let me know if you try it, enjoy!