Caramel Apple Éclair Cake

Caramel Apple Éclair Cake: A Decadent Twist on a Classic Dessert

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s as indulgent as it is easy to make, look no further than Caramel Apple Éclair Cake. This dessert is a delightful twist on the traditional éclair cake, incorporating the rich, gooey flavor of caramel and the fresh sweetness of apples, making it the perfect fall treat or any time you want to impress your guests. With layers of creamy filling, tender pastry, and a luscious caramel topping, this dessert will quickly become a favorite at any gathering.

What is Caramel Apple Éclair Cake?

Caramel Apple Éclair Cake is a no-bake, chilled dessert that combines the classic éclair flavors of pastry and creamy filling with the irresistible taste of caramel and fresh apples. Unlike traditional éclairs, which are made with choux pastry, this version uses graham crackers as a base to create a quick, easy, and equally delicious version of the classic dessert.

The result? Layers of soft graham crackers, a rich vanilla cream filling, sweet caramel sauce, and tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, all coming together in a decadent, layered cake that’s cool, creamy, and bursting with flavor.

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Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Éclair Cake

No-Bake Simplicity: You don’t need to bake anything, making this dessert perfect for busy days when you want a sweet treat without turning on the oven.
Sweet & Savory Balance: The tartness of the apples balances the sweetness of the caramel and creamy filling, creating a dessert that’s rich but not overwhelming.
Perfect for Fall: With its apple and caramel flavors, this cake makes a perfect addition to your fall dessert spread or holiday table.
Make-Ahead Convenience: The dessert needs to chill for a few hours (or overnight), making it the perfect dessert to prepare in advance for a party, gathering, or family dinner.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Éclair Cake

To make this mouthwatering dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Caramel Sauce:

1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

For the Cake Layers:

1 package graham crackers (about 14 crackers, broken into pieces)
2 cups heavy whipping cream (for whipped cream)
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk

For the Apple Layer:

2-3 apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar

How to Make Caramel Apple Éclair Cake

Making this dessert is simple and straightforward. You’ll create layers of graham crackers, creamy filling, spiced apples, and rich caramel sauce. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this indulgent dessert.

Step 1: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Stir the ingredients over medium heat until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let the caramel cool slightly before using. You can make this ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the cake.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Layer

In a small bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and sugar. This will help keep the apples from browning and infuse them with a warm, spiced flavor.
Set the apple mixture aside while you prepare the rest of the cake.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, creating whipped cream.
In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth and creamy.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined. This will give your filling a light and airy texture that complements the graham crackers.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

In the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, place a layer of graham crackers, covering the entire bottom of the dish.
Spread half of the creamy filling over the graham crackers, smoothing it into an even layer.
Add a second layer of graham crackers over the cream filling.
Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly on top of the second graham cracker layer.
Drizzle a generous amount of the caramel sauce over the apples.
Add a final layer of graham crackers and spread the remaining creamy filling over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top layer of the filling. Be generous with the caramel!

Step 5: Chill the Cake

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the graham crackers to soften and absorb the cream filling, making the layers meld together.
Before serving, you can drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top for added flavor, or even top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon if you like.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the Caramel Apple Éclair Cake into squares and serve chilled.
Enjoy the layers of creamy filling, tender apples, rich caramel, and soft graham crackers that make this dessert an irresistible treat!

Why This Dessert Is So Irresistible

Creamy and Crunchy: The graham cracker layers soften as they absorb the creamy filling, while the caramel sauce adds a rich, sticky sweetness. The spiced apples provide a juicy contrast, making each bite a delicious balance of textures.
Apple and Caramel Heaven: The combination of caramel and apple is a fall classic, and the addition of cream cheese and whipped cream takes it to a whole new level.
No-Bake Convenience: With minimal prep and no baking required, you can easily whip up this dessert for any occasion without worrying about oven space or complicated techniques.

Tips for Making Caramel Apple Éclair Cake

Apple Choice: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala for the best texture and flavor. These apples will hold up well in the cake and give a nice balance between sweet and tart.
Caramel Consistency: If your caramel sauce gets too thick as it cools, you can reheat it gently on the stovetop with a little extra cream to loosen it up.
Make Ahead: This cake actually tastes better when it sits in the fridge for several hours or overnight, so it’s perfect for preparing in advance for parties or gatherings.

Conclusion

The Caramel Apple Éclair Cake is a show-stopping dessert that combines the best of fall flavors with the irresistible charm of an éclair cake. With layers of creamy filling, caramel-drizzled apples, and soft graham crackers, this dessert is sure to be a crowd favorite at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner, a family event, or just as a special treat, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try, and watch your guests fall in love with this sweet and indulgent twist on a classic dessert!