Description
Ingredients:
– 6 cups apples, peeled and chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 cups heavy whipping cream
– 1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
– 1 1/2 cups milk
– 1 cup caramel sauce
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, toss chopped apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and granulated sugar. Set aside.
2. In another bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form, then fold into the cream cheese mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until it begins to thicken.
5. Gently fold the whipped cream and cream cheese mixture into the pudding until fully combined.
6. Fold in the cinnamon-coated apples.
7. Spread half of the apple mixture into a 9×13 inch dish.
8. Drizzle half the caramel sauce over the apple layer.
9. Layer the remaining apple mixture on top and finish with the rest of the caramel sauce.
10. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top.
11. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving for the flavors to meld.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 370 kcal | Servings: 8 servings
Tips:
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of flavor and texture.
Allow the dessert to chill overnight for a creamier, more cohesive taste
Step-by-Step Guide
Begin by preparing your apples. Peel and chop 6 cups of tart apples, such as Granny Smith. Immediately toss them in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning. Add 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, mixing until the apples are evenly coated. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld slightly while you prepare the creamy layers.
For the cream cheese layer, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar in a medium bowl until completely smooth and free of lumps. In a separate, chilled bowl, whip 2 cups of heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. In another bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with 1 1/2 cups of milk until it thickens, about 2 minutes. Finally, fold the pudding into the cream cheese and whipped cream base until you have a uniform, fluffy mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is rich and decadent. Serve it in small bowls or clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers. For an elegant touch, garnish individual servings with an extra drizzle of warm caramel sauce, a sprinkle of sea salt, and a few whole pecans. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of dessert wine to cut through the sweetness.
How-to Summary
Create this no-bake dessert by coating chopped apples in cinnamon-sugar. Make a creamy base by combining sweetened cream cheese, whipped cream, and vanilla pudding. Layer the apple mixture with this cream and caramel sauce in a dish, top with pecans, and chill for at least 4 hours to set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Absolutely. This dessert benefits from being made a day in advance. The extended chilling time allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to become perfectly set.
What are the best apple substitutes? If you prefer a different fruit, firm pears are an excellent alternative. For a non-fruit version, try using crumbled snickerdoodle cookies or ginger snaps for a spiced crunch.
How should I store leftovers? Keep the dessert covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The apples may release a little juice over time, but it will still taste delicious.
Can I use homemade pudding? Yes, you can use a cooked vanilla pudding for a more custard-like flavor. Ensure it is completely cooled before folding it into the whipped cream mixture to prevent melting.
Is there a way to make this lighter? For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and a sugar-free pudding mix. You can also substitute the heavy cream with a lighter whipped topping, though the texture will be less rich.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Draining the Apples: If your apples are very juicy, drain any excess liquid after they macerate to prevent a watery dessert.
- Overmixing the Cream: Fold the whipped cream and pudding gently into the cream cheese. Overmixing can deflate the cream, resulting in a dense texture.
- Skipping the Chill Time: Serving too soon means the layers won’t have set properly. Patience is key for the perfect sliceable texture.
- Using Sweet Apples: Overly sweet apples can make the final dish cloying. Tart apples provide necessary balance.
Conclusion
This Apple Caramel Cream Cheese Dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that masterfully combines familiar, comforting flavors into an elegant no-bake treat. Its success lies in the contrast between the spiced, tender apples and the luxuriously smooth cream layers, all brought together by rich caramel. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common pitfalls, you can create a stunning dessert that is as simple to make as it is impressive to serve. Remember, the final, crucial step is allowing it ample time to chill, transforming the individual components into a harmonious and unforgettable dish.