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Ultimate Caramel Apple Trifle Recipe: Creamy, Spiced Layers That Wow

Close-up of a layered caramel apple trifle featuring cake, cream, and caramel sauce dripping down the glass bowl.
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Make this showstopping Caramel Apple Trifle for your next gathering. This no-bake dessert layers soft cake, creamy filling, cinnamon apples, and rich caramel for a crowd-pleasing fall treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (14.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 (21 ounce) can apple pie filling
  • 1 pound pound cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg for two minutes until slightly thickened. Gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping.
  2. Prepare the apples: In a separate bowl, mix the apple pie filling with the remaining half of the whipped topping. You want distinct layers, so do not overmix.
  3. Assemble the trifle: In a large glass trifle bowl, create the first layer using half of the pound cake cubes. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the cake.
  4. Add the next layer using half of the spiced apple mixture.
  5. Repeat the layers: Add the remaining pound cake cubes, followed by the remaining caramel sauce. Top with the remaining spiced apple mixture.
  6. Chill: Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cake to soften and the flavors to meld.
  7. Serve: Before serving this easy layered fall treat, drizzle the top generously with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle with toasted pecans, if using.

Notes

  • For a make-ahead trifle, assemble all layers except the final caramel drizzle and pecans. Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute the instant pudding with a homemade cinnamon custard or a cream cheese filling for an apple cheesecake trifle variation.
  • To keep your layers defined, press the cake cubes down gently before adding the next layer, but avoid compacting them too much.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/caramel-apple-trifle-recipe-easy-fall-dessert/