Easy Caramel Apple Trifle Desserts Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
