October 24, 2023
Review RecipeApple Delight
Your taste buds will come alive when you taste the delicious layers of this creamy apple delight dessert.
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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.
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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
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Comments
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!