If you have a sweet tooth that loves the combo of tart apples, luscious caramel, and creamy layers, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Caramel Apple Éclair Cake. This dessert is like autumn magic captured in a dish, blending tender apples with the smoothness of French vanilla pudding, layers of crunchy graham crackers, and that irresistible drizzle of caramel that ties it all together. It’s a no-bake masterpiece that’s perfect when you want an impressive dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. Once you try this Caramel Apple Éclair Cake, I guarantee it will become your new favorite for every season.

Caramel Apple Éclair Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a handful of simple, yet vital ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, from the creamy richness of the pudding and whipped cream to the crisp, sweet apple pie filling, and finally, the buttery caramel that brings everything home.

Instant French vanilla pudding (2 boxes, 3.4-ounce each): Provides that silky, creamy base flavor essential to the dessert.
Cold whole milk (2 2/3 cups): Helps the pudding set perfectly and keeps the texture smooth.
Cold heavy cream (1 1/4 cups): Whipped to add lightness and fluffy texture to the pudding mixture.
Apple pie filling (2 cans, 21-ounce each): Delivers classic apple flavor and a subtle sweetness with chunks of tender fruit.
Medium lemon (1): The juice balances sweetness with a fresh citrus zing.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and warmth to the creamy layers.
Kosher salt (3/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Graham crackers (1 box, 14.4-ounce): Forms those crisp, buttery layers that soak up the pudding without sogginess.
Caramel topping (1 jar, 14-ounce): The star finishing touch that gives the cake its iconic sheen and flavor.
Optional flaky salt: Adds a delightful little crunch and cut through the richness when sprinkled on top.
Optional chopped toasted pecans: For a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the caramel and apples.

How to Make Caramel Apple Éclair Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pudding and Whipped Cream Layers

Start by whisking the instant French vanilla pudding with cold whole milk in a large bowl until it thickens slightly—about 2 minutes—creating a rich and velvety base. Meanwhile, whip the cold heavy cream until medium peaks form; this fluffy cream will lighten the pudding and give the dessert a pillowy texture when folded together gently.

Step 2: Combine the Pudding and Whipped Cream

Carefully fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture with a flexible spatula to keep the airiness intact. This blend of pudding and cream is what makes each bite decadently smooth and light, never dense or heavy.

Step 3: Mix the Apple Layer

Juice your lemon until you have about 2 tablespoons and pour it into a clean bowl. Add the apple pie filling, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Stir these vibrant flavors together to create that wonderful balance of tangy, sweet, and seasoned apple goodness that adds a burst of character to your cake.

Step 4: Layer Your Cake

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start by arranging a layer of graham crackers, breaking them gently to fill the corners. Spoon half of the pudding mixture evenly on top, followed by dollops of half the apple mixture. Smooth everything out, then repeat the layering for a second time with graham crackers, pudding, and apples. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers. This layering process creates the perfect harmony of textures: crisp, creamy, and fruity.

Step 5: Top with Caramel and Chill

Pour the entire jar of caramel topping neatly over the last graham cracker layer, smoothing it carefully so that every bite gets a silky caramel touch. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 8 hours or overnight—this resting time lets the flavors marry and those grahams soften just enough to become melt-in-your-mouth perfect.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Éclair Cake

Garnishes

Before serving, sprinkle flaky salt on top to cut through the sweetness with just the right hint of savory crunch. If you love a bit of texture, scatter some chopped toasted pecans across the caramel for that wonderful nutty depth and subtle crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth layers.

Side Dishes

This cake shines as a standalone dessert but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream for chilly evenings or a simple cup of hot spiced cider to carry the apple flavors through. For a fresh contrast, try serving alongside lightly sautéed greens or a crisp, tart salad.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to elevate your Caramel Apple Éclair Cake presentation, try layering it in individual clear parfait glasses for an elegant single serving. Or, cut into small squares and arrange on a platter with extra caramel drizzle for a bite-sized dessert spread—perfect for parties and sharing with friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your cake, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. This dessert holds up well for up to 3 days, allowing those luscious layers to continue soaking in flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze your Caramel Apple Éclair Cake if you want to extend its life. Freeze in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain that perfect soft texture without sacrificing the crispness of the graham crackers.

Reheating

This is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want a slightly softer texture after refrigeration, simply let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving for the caramel and cream to soften just right.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?

While fresh apples can be used, the pie filling is already perfectly spiced and sweetened, which saves time and provides a consistent flavor. If you prefer fresh, consider cooking them down with cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice before assembling.

Is there a way to make this Caramel Apple Éclair Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free ones, or even try thin slices of gluten-free pound cake. Just be sure the caramel and other mix-ins don’t contain gluten.

Can I make the caramel topping from scratch?

You definitely can! Homemade caramel made from butter, brown sugar, cream, and a pinch of salt tastes incredible and allows you to control sweetness, but the store-bought jar works wonderfully in a pinch.

How long should the cake chill before serving?

For best results, let the Caramel Apple Éclair Cake chill for at least 8 hours or overnight. This resting time lets the graham crackers soften properly, and flavors meld into every bite.

What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch dish?

You can use any similar-sized rectangular or square dish. Just adjust the layering slightly to make sure all the ingredients fit comfortably without overflowing.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Éclair Cake is a delightfully easy way to bring cozy fall flavors to your table without fuss, but with all the love and warmth of a homemade dessert. Its creamy layers, sweet apples, and luscious caramel make it an absolute crowd-pleaser, and I’m confident once you make it, you’ll be sharing this recipe with everyone you know. So grab those ingredients, assemble your layers, and get ready to fall in love bite by bite.

Caramel Apple Éclair Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 24 reviews

Author: Elara
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes (including refrigeration)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Caramel Apple Éclair Cake is a delightful layered dessert combining creamy French vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped cream, tender apple pie filling, and crunchy graham crackers, topped with luscious caramel and optional toasted pecans for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Instructions

Prepare the pudding mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 boxes of instant French vanilla pudding with 2 2/3 cups of cold whole milk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. In a separate bowl, beat 1 1/4 cups cold heavy cream until medium peaks form, approximately 1 1/2 minutes, then gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully combined.
Prepare the apple mixture: Juice 1 medium lemon to obtain 2 tablespoons of juice and place it in a clean bowl. Add 2 cans of apple pie filling, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir gently to combine the ingredients well.
First layer assembly: Arrange a single layer of graham crackers (about 1 sleeve) in a 9×13-inch baking dish, breaking the crackers as needed to fit. Evenly spread half of the pudding mixture (about 3 1/2 cups) over the graham crackers, then dollop and spread half of the apple pie filling (around 2 1/3 cups) on top.
Second layer assembly: Repeat the layering process with another layer of graham crackers, the remaining pudding mixture, and remaining apple pie filling, spreading each layer evenly.
Final layer and topping: Finish with a third layer of graham crackers, using as many as fit in the box. Pour the entire jar of caramel topping evenly over the top layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the graham crackers to soften. Before serving, optionally sprinkle flaky salt and chopped toasted pecans over the top for added texture and flavor.

Notes

For best results, use cold ingredients to help the pudding set properly.
The cake improves in flavor after resting overnight in the fridge.
You can substitute homemade caramel for the jarred caramel topping if preferred.
Optional garnishes like flaky salt and toasted pecans add a nice contrast but can be omitted for a simpler presentation.
This dessert can be prepared a day ahead, making it ideal for parties and gatherings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake, Layering
Cuisine: American