Caramel Apple Trifle Recipe

Oh wow, you’re in for a treat. This caramel apple trifle is one of those desserts that makes everyone stop and stare. It’s sweet, creamy, and just a little bit crunchy—like fall in a bowl.

I’ve made this so many times, and every single bite feels cozy and special. The layers of soft cake, smooth caramel, and juicy apples come together like magic. And the best part? It’s so easy, you can whip it up without breaking a sweat.

You’ll love how each spoonful has that perfect mix of flavors and textures. It’s like apple pie, caramel sauce, and whipped cream decided to throw a party. And trust me, you’ll want to be invited.

So, grab your apples, caramel, and a big bowl. Let’s build this beauty step by step. By the time we’re done, you’ll have a dessert that’s ready to steal the spotlight at any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Decadent: The combination of caramel, apples, and whipped topping creates a dreamy dessert with layers of flavors.
• Easy to Make: No baking required! This trifle uses simple ingredients like instant vanilla pudding and apple pie filling to create a show-stopping dessert with minimal effort.
• Perfect for Fall: Caramel and apples are a match made in fall heaven, and this recipe brings those flavors to life in a way that everyone will love.
• Customizable: Add extra toppings like crushed graham crackers, extra caramel drizzle, or even a dash of cinnamon to make it your own.
• Impressive Presentation: This dessert looks stunning when served in a glass trifle dish, making it perfect for dinner parties and holiday celebrations.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have everything you need to whip up this easy dessert.

• Trifle Dish or Glass Bowl: A clear glass trifle dish is ideal for showing off the layers of this dessert. However, any large glass bowl will work just as well.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of bowls for making the pudding and assembling the trifle.
• Hand Mixer (Optional): While a hand mixer isn’t necessary, it can help speed up the process when mixing the pudding.
• Spatula or Spoon: For stirring and layering the ingredients.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering caramel apple trifle:

• Frozen Classic Pound Cakes (2 boxes, 10.75 ounces each): I used the Sara Lee brand for convenience. These will be the base of your trifle layers, adding a soft and moist texture that complements the creamy filling.
• Cold Whole Milk (4 cups): Essential for making the instant vanilla pudding.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix (2 boxes, 3.4 ounces each): This will provide the creamy layer in the trifle. I recommend using the Jello brand for the best results.
• Apple Pie Filling (2 cans, 21 ounces each): I used Great Value apple pie filling, which is perfect for this dessert. The apples are tender and sweet, adding a fruity touch to balance the richness of the caramel.
• Thawed Whipped Topping (1 container, 8 ounces): This adds a light and airy texture to the trifle, creating a nice contrast to the other denser layers.
• Caramel Sundae Topping (1 jar, 12.25 ounces): I used Smucker’s caramel topping, which gives the trifle its signature rich and sweet caramel flavor.
• Chopped Pecans (1 cup, divided in half): The pecans bring in a bit of crunch and nuttiness, making the dessert even more delightful. You can use toasted pecans for added flavor.

Variations for Caramel Apple Trifle

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to make it your own with a few simple variations:

• Add Cinnamon: If you’re a fan of cinnamon, sprinkle some ground cinnamon into the apple pie filling for extra warmth and flavor.
• Use Other Nuts: If you prefer walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts, feel free to swap them in place of pecans.
• Caramel Apple Sauce: For an extra punch of caramel flavor, drizzle some caramel apple sauce over the layers before serving.
• Swap the Pound Cake: You can also use angel food cake or even sponge cake instead of pound cake for a lighter texture.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free whipped topping and almond milk to make this dessert suitable for dairy-sensitive guests.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pound Cake

Start by cutting the frozen pound cakes into 1-inch cubes. You can defrost them slightly to make the cutting process easier, but it’s not necessary. The cubes will form the bottom layer of the trifle, providing a sturdy base that will soak up the creamy pudding mixture.

2. Make the Pudding

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cold milk and the two boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend it until the pudding thickens, which should take around 2 minutes. Once thickened, set the pudding aside and let it rest while you prepare the other layers.

3. Prepare the Apple Filling

Open the cans of apple pie filling and pour them into a separate bowl. Gently break up the apple slices with a spoon or fork so that they’re not in large chunks. You want the apples to spread evenly throughout the trifle.

4. Assemble the Trifle

Now comes the fun part—layering everything together!

• Layer 1: Start by placing a layer of pound cake cubes at the bottom of your trifle dish. You can use a large glass bowl if you don’t have a trifle dish.
• Layer 2: Spread a layer of the vanilla pudding mixture over the pound cake, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
• Layer 3: Add a generous spoonful of the apple pie filling on top of the pudding layer, ensuring it covers the pudding well.
• Layer 4: Add a layer of whipped topping over the apple pie filling. You want it to be thick and creamy, covering the apples completely.
• Repeat Layers: Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, making sure to end with a layer of whipped topping at the top. The layers should be visible from the sides of the glass dish for a beautiful presentation.

5. Add the Caramel and Pecans

Once your trifle is assembled, drizzle caramel sundae topping generously over the top. Then sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel layer to add a lovely crunch.

6. Chill and Serve

Cover the trifle with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight if you have the time). The longer it sits, the better the flavors meld together.

Once ready to serve, scoop out portions with a large spoon or trifle ladle, making sure to get a bit of every layer in each scoop.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Trifle

This caramel apple trifle is a show-stopping dessert on its own, but here are some creative ways to serve it for different occasions:

• Holiday Gatherings: Serve this at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall-themed gathering. The warm flavors of caramel and apple make it the perfect dessert for these seasons.
• Potlucks and Parties: Make it ahead of time for a party or potluck. The dessert holds up well in the fridge and can feed a large group.
• Dinner Parties: If you’re hosting a dinner party, serve it in individual glasses or bowls for a more elegant presentation.
• Weeknight Treat: Don’t wait for a special occasion—this is a fantastic dessert to enjoy with your family after dinner. The recipe is so easy that you can whip it up on a whim.

Storing Caramel Apple Trifle

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store the trifle:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it fresh.
• Freezing: I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dessert, as the whipped topping and pudding may not hold up well after thawing.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories	Fat	Carbs	Protein
400-450	20-25g	50-60g	4-6g

Please note that the nutrition information is approximate and may vary depending on the exact ingredients you use.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Trifle is an easy-to-make, stunning dessert that will wow your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just craving a cozy dessert, this trifle has everything you need: rich caramel, tender apples, creamy pudding, and a crunchy topping. The best part? It’s simple to assemble and can be made ahead of time. Try it at your next gathering, and watch it disappear in no time!