This caramel apple trifle is the perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy, with layers of tender cake, smooth vanilla pudding, spiced apple pie filling, and a decadent caramel drizzle. Topped with whipped cream and pecans, each bite offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
Apple Caramel Trifle Ingredients
Get ready to create a delicious caramel apple trifle that will be the highlight of any gathering. This recipe is all about layering simple ingredients to create a dessert that’s both beautiful and scrumptious.
Here’s what you need:
- 1 (15.25 ounce) boxed yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 cups cold whole milk
- 2 (3.4-ounce) boxes of instant french vanilla pudding mix (I used the Jello brand)
- 2 (21-ounce) cans of apple pie filling
- 1 (8-ounce) container of thawed whipped topping
- 1 (14 ounce) jar of caramel sundae topping (Divide out 3 tablespoons for drizzling over topping)
- 1 ½ cups + 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (Divide ¾ cup and ¾ cup for filling and 2 tablespoons for optional topping)
Caramel Apple Trifle Substitutions and Additions
Customizing your caramel apple trifle is easy with a few simple substitutions and additions.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: If you prefer a different flavor, try butterscotch or caramel pudding mixes. This will add a new dimension to the trifle’s taste.
Apple Pie Filling: You can substitute with any fruit pie filling, such as cherry or blueberry, to give the trifle a different flavor.
Whipped Topping: Homemade whipped cream can be used instead of thawed whipped topping for a fresher taste.
Caramel Sundae Topping: For a different flavor, you can use chocolate or butterscotch sauce. You could also use a homemade caramel sauce.
Chopped Pecans: If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or almonds can be used. For those with nut allergies, consider using granola or crushed Biscoff cookies for a crunchy texture.
How To Make This Caramel Apple Trifle Recipe
STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
STEP TWO: Prepare and bake the cake as directed on the box. Allow the cake to cool completely, and then slice into bite size pieces.
STEP THREE: Add the cold milk to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Sprinkle both packages of instant pudding mix over the milk. Use a handheld mixer on medium-low speed or a whisk, and mix just until the pudding begins to thicken up.
STEP FOUR: Line the bottom of a trifle bowl with about ½ of the bite sized pieces of yellow cake. (You can slightly press the cake pieces to form a firm cake base)
STEP FIVE: Drizzle about ½ of the caramel sundae topping over the cake layer.
STEP SIX: Sprinkle ¾ cup of chopped pecans over the caramel layer.
STEP SEVEN: Spread ½ of the pudding mix over the pecan layer.
STEP EIGHT: Spoon 1 can of apple pie filling over the pudding layer.
STEP NINE: Spread ½ of the container of whipped topping over the pie filling layer.
STEP TEN: Repeat the layers in the same order: cake, caramel, pecans, pudding and pie filling. Do not use the remaining container of thaw whipped topping just yet. Cover the trifle and chill for 3 hours.
STEP ELEVEN: Just before you are ready to serve, spread the remaining thawed whipped topping in the center of the apple pie filling. Drizzle with the 3 tablespoons of reserved caramel topping and sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons chopped pecans. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
How To Serve Caramel Apple Trifle
Serving your caramel apple trifle is almost as enjoyable as making it. With its beautiful layers and delightful combination of flavors, this dessert is perfect for any occasion.
Here are some creative and delicious ways to present and enjoy your trifle.
Classic Presentation: Serve the trifle in a clear glass bowl to showcase its stunning layers for a pretty presentation. Garnish with extra caramel drizzle, apple slices, and a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top.
Breakfast Treat: Transform the trifle into a breakfast parfait by layering it with Greek yogurt and granola. The creamy yogurt and crunchy granola add a nutritious twist, making it a delightful and indulgent morning treat.
Holiday Parties: This trifle makes an excellent centerpiece for your holiday table. Its festive flavors of caramel and apple fit perfectly with Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday feast.
Potluck Events: Bring this caramel apple trifle to a potluck or gathering. It’s easy to transport and serves a crowd, making it a convenient and impressive dessert to share.
Casual Get-Togethers: Whether it’s a barbecue, picnic, fall celebration, or casual brunch, the trifle is a refreshing dessert that complements a variety of casual settings, providing a sweet finish to any laid-back meal.
How To Store Caramel Apple Trifle
Proper storage of your caramel apple trifle ensures it stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to store it effectively, whether you’re making it ahead or dealing with leftovers.
MAKE AHEAD: This caramel apple trifle can be made a day in advance. Prepare the trifle as directed, but wait to add the whipped topping, caramel drizzle, and pecans until just before serving. This helps maintain the freshness and texture of the topping.
IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to four days.
Make sure the whipped topping, caramel, and pecans are added just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Why This Easy Caramel Apple Trifle Is The Best
This trifle has quickly become a favorite, not just for its amazing taste of caramel apples, but because it is such an easy recipe to make. Here are the reasons why this no bake dessert is loved by all:
Easy to Assemble: Simple layers make this dessert a breeze to put together.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this perfect fall dessert never fails to impress.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and have it ready to go for any event.
Great for All Ages: Kids and adults alike enjoy its delicious combination of flavors and textures. The ease of this recipe makes it a great way to get young chefs involved in putting it together.
No-Bake: A great option when you want a fantastic dessert without turning on the oven.
Visually Stunning: The clear layers create a beautiful presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
Comforting Flavors: Combines the beloved tastes of apple pie and caramel in one delightful treat.
Caramel Apple Trifle Frequently Asked Questions
You can prepare the trifle a day ahead. Just add the whipped topping, caramel drizzle, and pecans right before serving.
Absolutely, homemade apple filling works great and can add a personal touch to the trifle.
If covered properly, the trifle will stay fresh for up to four days in the refrigerator.
Walnuts, almonds, or even granola can be great alternatives to pecans.
Caramel apple trifle is an impressive and simple dessert perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious treat packed with tender cake, layers of apple pie, and creamy caramel sauce.
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Caramel Apple Trifle
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces boxed yellow cake mix
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 4 cups whole milk, cold
- 6.8 ounces instant french vanilla pudding mix, I used the Jello brand (two 3.4-ounce boxes)
- 42 ounces apple pie filling (two 21-ounce cans)
- 8 ounces thawed whipped topping
- 14 ounces caramel sundae topping (Divide out 3 tablespoons for drizzling over topping)
- 1 ½ cups pecans, chopped (divide ¾ cup and ¾ cup for filling)
- 2 tablespoons pecans, chopped (for optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Prepare and bake the cake as directed on the box. Allow the cake to cool completely, and then slice into bite size pieces.
- Add the cold milk to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Sprinkle both packages of instant pudding mix over the milk. Use a handheld mixer on medium-low speed or a whisk, and mix just until the pudding begins to thicken up.
- Line the bottom of a trifle bowl with about ½ of the bite sized pieces of yellow cake. (You can slightly press the cake pieces to form a firm cake base)
- Drizzle about ½ of the caramel sundae topping over the cake layer.
- Sprinkle ¾ cup of chopped pecans over the caramel layer.
- Spread ½ of the pudding mix over the pecan layer.
- Spoon 1 can of apple pie filling over the pudding layer.
- Spread ½ of the container of whipped topping over the pie filling layer.
- Repeat the layers in the same order: cake, caramel, pecans, pudding and pie filling. Do not use the remaining container of thaw whipped topping just yet. Cover the trifle and chill for 3 hours.
- Just before you are ready to serve, spread the remaining thawed whipped topping in the center of the apple pie filling. Drizzle with the 3 tablespoons of reserved caramel topping and sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons chopped pecans. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- Vanilla, cheesecake or white chocolate instant pudding mixes can be substituted for the french vanilla pudding mix.
- Chopped walnuts can be used in place of chopped pecans.
Nutrition
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