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No-Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifle

A decadent slice of caramel apple trifle layered with cake, cream, and apples, generously topped with caramel sauce.

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Assemble this impressive, layered Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifle in minutes. It features creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apples, and rich caramel, making it a show-stopping, make-ahead dessert perfect for fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (14.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 package (10.5 ounces) pound cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pudding: Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk together in a large bowl until thickened, about 2 minutes. Set aside.
  2. Make the cheesecake layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in half of the thawed whipped topping until just combined.
  3. Prepare the apples: In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. Assemble the trifle: In a large glass trifle bowl, begin layering the components. Start with one-third of the pound cake cubes on the bottom.
  5. Add the first creamy layer: Spread half of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cake layer.
  6. Add the apple layer: Spoon half of the spiced apples over the cheesecake layer. Drizzle with half of the 1/2 cup caramel sauce.
  7. Repeat layers: Add another layer of pound cake cubes, the remaining cheesecake mixture, and the remaining spiced apples. Drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce.
  8. Top with whipped topping: Gently spread the remaining whipped topping over the top layer.
  9. Chill: Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set and the cake to soften slightly.
  10. Garnish before serving: Just before serving, sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the top and drizzle with extra caramel sauce for presentation.

Notes

  • For make-ahead ease, assemble the entire trifle up to the final garnish step one day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator.
  • To prevent the cake from becoming too soggy, place a thin layer of whipped topping or cream cheese mixture directly on top of the cake cubes before adding the apples.
  • Use firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture after chilling.

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