The Best Caramel Apple Éclair Cake Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Sweet caramel apple éclairs dance between delicate pastry and rich autumn flavors, capturing the essence of seasonal indulgence.

Crisp bakery techniques merge with classic French pastry craftsmanship to create an irresistible dessert experience.

Each bite promises a delightful harmony of textures and subtle sweetness that reinvents ordinary moments into extraordinary culinary memories.

Delicate choux pastry provides the perfect canvas for luscious fillings and elegant presentation.

Sophisticated yet approachable, these éclairs represent a delectable intersection of traditional baking and innovative flavor combinations.

Elegant pastry skills reinvent simple ingredients into a stunning dessert that will impress family and friends alike.

Mastering this recipe requires patience, precision, and a passion for creating something truly remarkable.

Gather These Ingredients for Your Éclair Cake

• Graham Crackers Cinnamon: Classic base for layered desserts, provides sweet and spicy crunch.
• Caramel Dip: Rich, sweet topping that adds decadent flavor and smooth texture.

• Apples: Fresh, crisp fruit that brings natural sweetness and slight tartness to the dessert.
• Sugar: Enhances apple's natural sweetness and helps create a soft, syrupy texture.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements apple's flavor and adds aromatic depth.
• Flour: Light thickening agent to control apple mixture's consistency.

• Vanilla Pudding Mix: Creamy base that provides smooth, sweet filling.
• Milk: Helps activate pudding mix and creates silky texture.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and helps stabilize the filling.
• Cool Whip: Light, fluffy topping that creates airy, soft layer in the dessert.

Assembly Instructions for Caramel Apple Éclair Cake

Step 1: Prepare Delicious Apples

• Chop apples into small pieces
• Mix apples with sugar and cinnamon in a large saucepan
• Cook over medium-low heat until apples become soft
• If mixture looks watery, sprinkle flour to thicken
• Remove from heat and let cool completely

Step 2: Create Creamy Filling

• Grab a large mixing bowl
• Whisk vanilla pudding mix with milk until smooth
• Fold in sour cream
• Gently stir in Cool Whip
• Blend until ingredients are fully combined

Step 3: Build First Cake Layer

• Take a 9×13 inch baking dish
• Carefully arrange cinnamon graham crackers on bottom
• Create a single complete layer covering entire dish

Step 4: Add Apple and Pudding Layer

• Spread half of cooked apple mixture over graham crackers
• Spoon half of pudding mixture on top of apples
• Ensure even distribution across entire surface

Step 5: Create Second Layer

• Add another set of graham crackers
• Top with remaining apple mixture
• Cover with remaining pudding mixture
• Smooth out surface carefully

Step 6: Add Final Graham Cracker Layer

• Place last layer of graham crackers on top
• Press gently to ensure even coverage

Step 7: Drizzle Caramel Topping

• Warm caramel dip in microwave
• Heat in 30-second intervals
• Stir between each heating
• Spread softened caramel evenly across top layer

Step 8: Chill and Develop Flavors

• Cover dish with plastic wrap
• Refrigerate for minimum 8 hours
• Overnight chilling recommended for best taste
• Serve chilled and enjoy delightful dessert

Tips for Layering and Setting the Cake Right

• Slice Apples Precisely: Cut apples into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dessert.
• Control Apple Moisture: Monitor cooking apples closely, adding flour if too juicy to prevent a watery filling that could make graham crackers soggy.
• Layer Carefully: Spread each layer gently and evenly to create a stable, well-structured cake with balanced flavors in every bite.
• Soften Caramel Strategically: Microwave caramel in short intervals, stirring between each to avoid burning and achieve perfect drizzling consistency.
• Patience Pays Off: Allow the cake to chill completely overnight, which helps graham crackers soften and flavors develop a rich, harmonious taste.

Storing and Reheating Your Apple Éclair Cake

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover cake to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Protect Texture: Avoid leaving the cake at room temperature for extended periods to maintain the graham cracker's softness and prevent soggy layers.
• Reheat Gently: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Let the slice sit for a minute before serving to evenly distribute heat and preserve the cake's delicate texture.

What Complements a Slice of This Éclair Cake

• Pair with Warm Spiced Cider: A steaming mug of apple cider with cinnamon sticks and a touch of nutmeg complements the caramel apple flavors perfectly, enhancing the cake's sweet and spicy notes.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream provides a cool, smooth contrast to the rich caramel and graham cracker layers, creating a delightful temperature and texture balance.
• Serve alongside Chai Tea Latte: The warm, aromatic spices in a chai tea latte mirror the cinnamon in the cake, while its creamy texture echoes the pudding filling, making it an ideal accompaniment.
• Enjoy with Salted Caramel Espresso: A small shot of salted caramel espresso intensifies the caramel undertones of the dessert, offering a sophisticated and indulgent pairing that elevates the entire dessert experience.

Add-Ons and Changes for Caramel Apple Éclair Cake

• Autumn Spice Éclair Fusion: Replace cinnamon graham crackers with ginger snaps and add a pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture for a warm, seasonal flavor profile.
• Nutty Caramel Apple Adventure: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts between layers and on top of the caramel for added crunch and depth of texture.
• Berry Caramel Crossover: Mix in some dried cranberries or blueberries with the apple mixture to introduce a tangy complement to the sweet caramel and creamy pudding layers.
• Chocolate Drizzle Dream: After chilling, melt dark chocolate and drizzle over the caramel top for an extra decadent touch that enhances the dessert's richness.

Caramel Apple Éclair Cake to Wow Your Guests

• Savor Layered Decadence: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dessert with multiple delectable layers of cinnamon graham crackers, spiced apples, and creamy pudding.
• Quick No-Bake Magic: Enjoy a stunning dessert without turning on the oven, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Comfort Meets Elegance: The combination of warm cinnamon apples, smooth caramel, and rich pudding creates a dessert that feels both comforting and sophisticated, ideal for family gatherings or potluck events.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: With an overnight chilling requirement, this cake develops deeper flavors and allows stress-free preparation, letting you serve an impressive dessert without last-minute scrambling.

Caramel Apple clair Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Caramel apple éclair cake delivers a luxurious French-inspired dessert with crisp pastry layers and rich apple-caramel fusion. Creamy filling and golden caramel glaze invite you to savor this elegant, indulgent sweet treat that promises a delightful culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) pieces
• 21 whole cinnamon graham crackers
• 16 ounces (454 grams) caramel apple dip

Sugar and Spice:

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1–2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Creamy Filling:

• 2 small boxes vanilla instant pudding (3.4 ounces or 96 grams each)
• 3 ½ cups whole milk
• 0.5 cups sour cream
• 8 ounces (227 grams) Cool Whip, thawed

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Instructions

1. Gently sauté chopped apples with sugar and cinnamon in a saucepan over medium-low heat until they soften and release their natural juices.
2. If the apple mixture appears too liquid, dust with a light coating of flour to create a thicker consistency, stirring carefully to incorporate.
3. Remove apple mixture from heat and allow to cool completely at room temperature, ensuring no residual warmth remains.
4. Whisk vanilla pudding mix with milk until completely smooth, creating a silky base for the filling.
5. Fold sour cream and whipped topping into the pudding mixture, blending until uniform and creamy.
6. Create the first foundation layer by arranging cinnamon graham crackers across the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Distribute half of the caramelized apple mixture evenly across the graham cracker base.
8. Carefully spread half of the pudding mixture over the apple layer, maintaining a consistent thickness.
9. Position another complete layer of graham crackers atop the pudding, creating a stable middle section.
10. Repeat the layering process with remaining apples, followed by the remaining pudding mixture.
11. Crown the dessert with a final layer of graham crackers, creating a smooth top surface.
12. Warm caramel sauce in short microwave intervals until softened but not completely liquid.
13. Drizzle and spread the caramel evenly across the top layer, creating an attractive finishing glaze.
14. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.

Notes

• Prepare apples carefully to avoid excess liquid, using flour as a thickening agent if needed.
• Cooling apples completely prevents soggy layers and maintains the cake’s structural integrity.
• Whisking pudding mixture thoroughly ensures a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
• Layer graham crackers evenly to create a stable base for each delicious tier.
• Warm caramel just until softened for easy spreading without making the top layer too runny.
• Extended chilling time allows flavors to develop and graham crackers to soften into a cake-like texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg