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.

Ingredients

Scale

Pudding Mixture

2 (3.4-ounce) boxes instant French vanilla pudding
2 2/3 cups cold whole milk
1 1/4 cups cold heavy cream

Apple Filling

2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling
1 medium lemon (for 2 tablespoons juice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Assembly

1 (14.4-ounce) box graham crackers
1 (14-ounce) jar prepared caramel topping (or 1 1/4 cups homemade caramel)
Flaky salt (optional, for garnish)
Chopped toasted pecans (optional, for garnish)

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12 of recipe)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 35 g
Sodium: 230 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: Caramel Apple Éclair Cake, no-bake dessert, layered pudding cake, apple pie filling dessert, caramel topping, graham cracker cake