🍏 Caramel Apple Trifle – A Fall Dessert Dream Come True!
🍎Layers of tender spiced apples, buttery cake cubes, creamy pudding, and golden caramel — this Caramel Apple Trifle is the ultimate fall indulgence! Each spoonful captures the cozy warmth of apple pie with the creamy decadence of a trifle. It’s simple, stunning, and perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any crisp autumn evening. 🍂✨
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Trifle 🍯
- 🍎 Easy to assemble: No baking from scratch — use boxed cake mix or pre-made pound cake!
- 🍏 Full of fall flavor: Cinnamon-spiced apples, smooth pudding, and caramel drizzle.
- 🍮 Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after chilling overnight.
- 🍰 Beautiful presentation: Perfectly layered dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients 🍏
| Category | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Apples |
4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and chopped 2 tbsp butter 2 tbsp brown sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp lemon juice |
| Cake Layer | 1 prepared yellow or spice cake (or 1 pound cake), cubed |
| Cream Layer |
2 (3.4 oz) boxes vanilla pudding mix 3 cups cold milk 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip or whipped cream |
| Toppings |
1 cup caramel sauce Optional: chopped pecans, toffee bits, or extra apple slices |
How to Make Caramel Apple Trifle 🍯
- Cook the apples: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook until tender and caramelized (about 8 minutes). Cool completely.
- Make the cream layer: Whisk pudding mix with milk until thickened, then fold in whipped topping for a fluffy, mousse-like texture.
- Layer the trifle: In a glass trifle dish or large bowl, layer cubed cake, apples, pudding mixture, and drizzle with caramel. Repeat layers until filled.
- Top it off: Finish with whipped topping, caramel drizzle, and a sprinkle of nuts or toffee bits.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let flavors blend beautifully. 🍎
Storage Tips 🧊
- Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days.
- Make individual trifles in mason jars for easy grab-and-go treats!
- Don’t freeze — the cream layer won’t hold texture after thawing.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Sugar | 38 g |
Flavor Variations 🍰
- Salted Caramel Twist: Add a pinch of flaky sea salt to each caramel layer for a sweet-salty finish.
- Apple Pie Trifle: Add a layer of crushed graham crackers for that classic pie crust texture.
- Cheesecake Style: Mix cream cheese into the pudding layer for a tangy twist!
- Gingerbread Base: Swap the yellow cake for gingerbread cubes for extra holiday warmth.
FAQ — Caramel Apple Trifle 🍏
1. Can I make this trifle a day ahead?
Yes! In fact, it tastes better after chilling overnight — the flavors meld beautifully.
2. What apples are best for this recipe?
Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix of both for balance.
3. Can I use homemade pudding?
Absolutely — homemade vanilla or butterscotch pudding makes it even more luxurious.
4. Do I have to use Cool Whip?
No — fresh whipped cream works perfectly. Just make sure it’s stabilized if making ahead.
5. Can I serve this warm?
Trifles are best chilled, but the apples can be added warm if serving immediately for a cozy twist.
Serving Ideas 🍎
- Serve in clear glass bowls to show off those gorgeous layers!
- Top with a drizzle of caramel and crushed nuts right before serving.
- Perfect centerpiece dessert for Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving.
Make-Ahead & Party Tips 🎉
This Caramel Apple Trifle is a host’s best friend — easy to prep, easy to serve, and guaranteed to wow guests. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance, store it in the fridge, and simply garnish with caramel and nuts before serving. Each spoonful is creamy, cozy, and irresistibly autumnal. 🍁
Wrap-Up 🍯
Sweet, spiced, and impossibly comforting — Caramel Apple Trifle captures the heart of fall in every bite. It’s the dessert that blends nostalgia with indulgence, making every celebration a little warmer. So grab a spoon and dig into this dreamy, layered masterpiece — you’ll want to make it again and again! 🍎🍮✨
Explore more layered desserts on Cuisinere 🍰