Description
Creamy caramel apple eclair cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its luscious layers of graham crackers, rich pudding, and sweet apple chunks. Cool summer gatherings sparkle when you serve this simple, irresistible treat that promises pure indulgence in every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, thinly sliced)
- 3 packages (14.4 ounces / 408 grams each) graham crackers
- 2 packages (3.4 ounces / 96 grams each) instant vanilla pudding mix
Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 ounces / 226 grams whipped topping, thawed)
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Spices and Optional Garnish:
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts for garnish (pecans or walnuts)
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend instant vanilla pudding with milk according to package recommendations, gently incorporating whipped topping until uniformly mixed.
- Create a foundational layer of graham crackers across the entire base of a 9×13 inch rectangular dish, ensuring complete coverage.
- Delicately distribute approximately one-third of the creamy pudding mixture over the graham cracker foundation, smoothing to achieve an even surface.
- Arrange thinly sliced apples atop the pudding layer, creating a delicate fruit mosaic, then generously cascade caramel sauce across the surface, sprinkling a subtle dusting of ground cinnamon.
- Systematically replicate layering process – graham crackers, pudding mixture, apple slices, and caramel sauce – continuing until all ingredients are utilized, aiming for a minimum of three distinct stratifications.
- Securely encase the assembled dessert with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing ingredients to harmonize and graham crackers to absorb moisture and soften.
- Prior to serving, remove from refrigerator and allow to rest at room temperature for approximately 10-15 minutes to enhance flavor profile and textural experience.
Notes
- Chill thoroughly to ensure graham crackers absorb moisture and become cake-like, creating a smooth, creamy texture without baking.
- Use crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for optimal crunch and tartness that balances the sweet caramel and pudding.
- For gluten-free version, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free vanilla wafers or almond flour-based cookies to maintain similar structure and taste.
- Make ahead and refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor development, allowing ingredients to blend and create a more harmonious dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg