Easy Caramel Apple Trifle Desserts Recipe

Introduction

These Easy Caramel Apple Trifle Desserts combine the warm flavors of apple pie with creamy whipped topping and soft cake for a delightful treat. Perfect for a quick fall dessert, they require no baking and come together in just 15 minutes. Serve them in individual cups for a charming presentation that’s great for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 3 Granny Smith Apples (or Honey Crisp, Fuji, Pink Lady, or a mix)
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1½ tsp cinnamon
• 4 tbsp brown sugar
• 12 oz pound cake (white, angel food, or similar)
• 8 oz Cool Whip
• 6 tbsp caramel sauce (such as Ghirardelli or Torani)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel and dice the apples into small cubes. Place them in a medium saucepan with lemon juice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the apples are tender and the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Step 2: Cut the pound cake into bite-sized cubes. Transfer the Cool Whip to a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with a corner snipped for easy layering.
3. Step 3: Begin assembling the trifles by placing a layer of pound cake cubes in each jar or glass. Spoon a layer of the cooked apple mixture over the cake, then drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of caramel sauce on top. Pipe or spoon a layer of Cool Whip over the caramel.
4. Step 4: Repeat the layering—cake, apples, caramel, and Cool Whip—ending with a final drizzle of caramel sauce on top. Adjust the order as needed to finish with apples, whipped topping, and caramel for a lovely presentation.
5. Step 5: Cover the trifles and refrigerate for up to 2 days before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

• Double or triple the recipe for a crowd and serve in smaller cups or jars for easy portioning.
• Use real whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a richer, more decadent dessert.
• Try mixing different apple varieties to balance tartness and sweetness to your taste.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts between the layers.

Storage

Store the assembled trifles covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While they can be made ahead, for the best texture and freshness, prepare and assemble the trifles on the day you plan to serve them. Reheat is not recommended as this dessert is best enjoyed chilled.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake for this trifle?

Yes, pound cake works well for its texture, but white cake, angel food cake, or even sponge cake are great alternatives. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes for layering.

Is it possible to make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?

To make it vegan or dairy-free, choose a dairy-free whipped topping and cake made without eggs or dairy. Also, check that the caramel sauce is vegan-friendly, or make your own using coconut milk and brown sugar.

Easy Caramel Apple Trifle Desserts Recipe

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4.6 from 71 reviews

This Easy Caramel Apple Trifle recipe is a delightful no-bake dessert combining tender, spiced apples, moist pound cake, creamy Cool Whip, and a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for fall, it delivers the flavors of apple pie in a quick and charming layered treat that takes just 15 minutes to assemble. Ideal for holidays or any casual gathering, this dessert uses simple ingredients and requires no oven time, making it perfect for busy days.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Spiced Apples

• 3 Granny Smith Apples (or Honey Crisp, Fuji, Pink Lady, or a combination) peeled and diced
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• Pinch of nutmeg
• 1½ tsp cinnamon
• 4 tbsp brown sugar

For the Trifle Layers

• 12 oz pound cake (or white cake, angel food cake), cut into bite-sized cubes
• 8 oz Cool Whip
• 6 tbsp caramel sauce (such as Ghirardelli or Torani)

Instructions

1. Cook the apples: Peel and dice the apples into small cubes. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples with lemon juice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool completely.
2. Prepare the cake and Cool Whip: Cut the pound cake into bite-sized cubes. Transfer the Cool Whip to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with one corner snipped for easy layering.
3. Assemble the trifles: In your serving glasses or jars, start with a layer of pound cake cubes, followed by a spoonful of the cooked spiced apples. Drizzle 1–2 tablespoons of caramel sauce over the apple layer. Pipe or spoon a layer of Cool Whip on top. Repeat these layers once more: pound cake, apples, caramel sauce, and Cool Whip. Finish with a final drizzle of caramel sauce on top. Depending on your container size, adjust the order to ensure the top layer includes apples, whipped topping, and caramel drizzle.
4. Store the trifles: Cover the assembled trifles with lids or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For best texture and freshness, it is recommended to assemble and serve them on the same day.

Notes

• You can double or triple this recipe for larger crowds, using smaller glasses or jars for serving.
• For an even more indulgent dessert, substitute Cool Whip with freshly whipped cream.
• Try different apple varieties like Honey Crisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady for varying sweetness and texture.
• The trifles can be prepared a day ahead but are best enjoyed fresh to maintain the cake’s moistness and apple texture.
• Serve in small jars or dessert cups for a charming presentation perfect for holiday tables or casual gatherings.

Keywords: caramel apple trifle, easy trifle recipe, no bake dessert, fall dessert recipe, apple dessert, quick holiday dessert