No-bake vegan Caramel Apple Éclair Cake is a creamy, fruity, and very simple dessert. The layers comprise graham crackers, a smooth pudding mix, whipped topping, and apples. Flavor is added by drizzling caramel sauce in between each layer. After chilling, the layers soften and take on a cake-like texture. Vegan no-bake Caramel Apple Éclair Cake tastes decadent, yet the apples retain a fresh, lively burst of flavor. Once chilled, the cake can be cut into clean, neat pieces and looks beautiful topped with caramel.
STATS
- Diet: Vegetarian, Family-friendly
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American-inspired
- Time for prep: 20 minutes
- Working time (total): 20 minutes plus chilling
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
- Size/serving: 1 square slice
- Level of difficulty: Easy
- Mode of cooking: No-bake, chilled
- Total yield: 12 servings
EQUIPMENT
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups & spoons
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Spatula
- Knife for slicing
- Plastic wrap/foil
INGREDIENTS
- Two packets of instant vanilla pudding mix
- Three cups of cold milk
- One 8-ounce tub of whipped topping
- A single package of graham crackers
- One teaspoon of cinnamon
- Three medium apples, sliced thinly
- Half a cup of caramel sauce
- A tablespoon of vanilla essence
- A pinch of salt
INGREDIENT NOTES
Instant vanilla pudding mix:
- A must for the pudding’s creamy foundation. The sugar-free variety produces lighter results.
Milk:
- Needed to allow the pudding to set. Chill the milk beforehand so the pudding will thicken quickly.
Whipped topping:
- This yields an airy, smooth filling. Choosing a light or fat-free alternative keeps it lighter.
Graham crackers:
- Employed as the cake layers. Overnight, they soften to replicate the texture of cake.
Apples:
- Provide crisp freshness. Thin apple slices cascade the most neatly and, after chilling, mellow slightly.
Caramel sauce:
- Provides a luxuriously sweet flavor. A sugar-free caramel helps minimize calories.
Cinnamon:
- Brings a warm, spicy flavour. Complements the apple flavor very well.
Vanilla extract
- Enhances the pudding’s flavor. Gives it a homemade taste for the dessert.
Salt:
- A delicate pinch of salt intensifies the caramel flavor and keeps the filling in balance.
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a bowl, beat the pudding mix and milk until smooth.
- Give it two minutes to sit.
- To make the pudding creamy, fold in the whipped topping.
- Add salt and vanilla.
- Lay a single layer of graham crackers across the baking dish’s bottom.
- Pour another third of the custard mixture over the crackers.
- Top with a layer of apple slices.
- Add a small pinch of cinnamon.
- Pour some caramel sauce over top.
- Layers should be repeated again, with pudding on top.
- Cover it with the plastic wrap & chill for at least four hours or for an entire night for best results.
- Before distributing it, pour more caramel over the top of the dish.
- Cut into slices and serve chilled.
TIPS
- Allow to sit for at least eight hours, or chill overnight, for a soft, cake-like texture.
- Cut the apples thinly so they intersect virtually invisibly.
- To produce a lighter dessert, substitute sugar-free pudding, whipped topping, and caramel.
- Line a dish with parchment for simple lifting and slicing.
STORAGE INFORMATION
Refrigerate
- Store covered in the freezer for no longer than three days. Apples get softer, but their flavor is richer.
Freezer
- It is not advised since the pudding and whipped topping could split when thawed.
FAQS
Can I use another fruit?
- Yes, pears or bananas will work just as well.
May I prepare it in advance?
- Yes, it tastes finest after spending a night in the fridge for the night.
Can I omit the caramel sauce?
- Yes, in place of the caramel sauce, opt for chocolate or maple syrup instead.
Will Graham crackers stay crispy?
- No, once chilled, they turn soft and flaky, a texture reminiscent of cake.
Is this kid-friendly?
- Yes, children adore the smooth layers and the caramel flavor.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Calories: 220
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 4 g
Total Fat: 8 g
Calcium: 8% DV
Iron: 1 mg
Vitamin A: 2% DV
Potassium: 150 mg
Sodium: 210 mg
Serving size: 1 slice
Servings: 12
