Description
Caramel Apple Trifle is a decadent dessert that combines the warm flavors of spiced apples, creamy custard, and rich caramel sauce in a layered, show-stopping trifle. It’s the perfect dessert for fall, holiday gatherings, or any occasion that calls for something sweet, indulgent, and comforting.
Ingredients
1 box of vanilla cake mix (or 1 homemade vanilla cake)
4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great options), peeled and diced
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups vanilla pudding (instant or homemade)
1/2 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip
1/2 cup toffee bits or chopped nuts (optional for extra crunch)
Extra caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Bake the vanilla cake according to the instructions on the box or your homemade recipe. Once baked, let the cake cool completely. Once cooled, cut the cake into cubes.
- Cook the Apples: In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, cinnamon, sugar, and water. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the vanilla pudding and half of the caramel sauce to create a creamy mixture.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle dish or individual dessert cups, layer the ingredients. Start with a layer of cake cubes at the bottom, followed by a layer of the creamy caramel pudding mixture. Add a layer of spiced apples on top of the pudding, followed by a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- Repeat the Layers: Continue layering with cake, pudding, apples, and caramel until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of the caramel pudding mixture on top.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Finish with a generous layer of whipped cream on top, and sprinkle with toffee bits or chopped nuts for added texture and crunch. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Serve: Serve chilled and enjoy the layers of caramel apple goodness!
Notes
- For an even richer dessert, you can use homemade caramel sauce, vanilla custard, or add a layer of cream cheese frosting between the layers.
- For a more indulgent twist, you could make a caramel pudding from scratch.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, skip the rum or alcohol-based ingredients and add more apple cider or juice for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg