Caramel Apple Eclair Cake
User Reviews
4.9
Caramel Apple Eclair Cake
Description
Caramel Apple Eclair Cake combines spiced apple pie filling with cinnamon graham crackers and a luscious mix of instant vanilla pudding and whipped cream. The layered construction starts with graham crackers, followed by apple filling, pudding mixture, and repeats before finishing with crackers and a caramel drizzle. This assembly is refrigerated to soften the crackers and let the flavors meld. The gentle spice from cinnamon and nutmeg in the apples complements the creamy pudding and caramel, adding warmth and sweetness. The cake’s texture is creamy and tender with slight chewiness from softened graham crackers. The caramel topping adds a smooth, rich finish that ties the dessert elements together.
This dessert works well served chilled as a refreshing yet comforting treat, suitable for gatherings or as a make-ahead sweet option. It pairs nicely with a simple beverage like coffee or tea.
To keep the cake fresh, store it covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to a month when made with full-fat dairy; thaw in the fridge before serving. Cinnamon graham crackers are preferred, but regular honey graham crackers with cinnamon sugar sprinkled on can be used as an alternative.
Ingredients
- 1½ (20-ounce) cans apple pie filling (30 ounces in total)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 box cinnamon graham crackers
- 2 (3.4-ounce) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk cold
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- caramel sauce caramel dip, or a store bought caramel topping, homemade
Instructions
- Place the apple pie filling into a bowl. Use scissors to cut the pieces of apple into smaller pieces.
- Add the cinnamon and nutmeg to the apple pie filling and set aside.
- In a separate large bowl mix the instant vanilla pudding, milk, and powdered sugar.
- Add in the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to beat together until creamy and thick, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish place a single layer of cinnamon graham crackers.
- Spoon half of the apple pie filling over the graham crackers.
- Spoon half the vanilla pudding mixture over the apple pie filling.
- Repeat with another layer of graham crackers, apple pie filling, vanilla pudding, and another layer of graham crackers.
- Lastly, heat the hot caramel topping up in the microwave so you can pour it over the top.
- Carefully pour the caramel topping over the top layer of graham crackers and smooth it out.
- Place the cake into the fridge to chill for at least 4-6 hours. Overnight is best.
Notes
- Store the cake well wrapped or in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for 3-4 days.
- Freeze the cake for up to one month if made with full-fat dairy; thaw in the fridge before serving.
- If using regular honey graham crackers, sprinkle cinnamon sugar on them to mimic the flavor of cinnamon graham crackers.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 325 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 325kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 34g | 11% |
| Protein | 5g | 10% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 50mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 251mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 160mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 16g | 32% |
| Vitamin A | 650IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 105mg | 11% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.