Caramel Apple Trifles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These trifles capture the essence of a caramel apple in every spoonful—warm spiced fruit, creamy layers, and sweet caramel sauce. They’re easy to assemble, require no baking if you use store-bought components, and are perfect for making ahead. Served in jars or glasses, they’re ideal for dinner parties, potlucks, or just enjoying fall flavors in a fun, elegant way.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Lemon juice
• Whipped cream or whipped topping
• Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Pound cake, spice cake, or graham crackers (crumbled or cubed)
• Optional toppings: chopped pecans, toffee bits, extra caramel drizzle

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
2. Cook the apples for 8–10 minutes until tender and caramelized, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Prepare your trifle glasses or jars. Add a layer of crumbled cake or crushed graham crackers to the bottom.
4. Spoon in a layer of cooked apples, followed by a drizzle of caramel sauce.
5. Add a layer of whipped cream.
6. Repeat the layers until the container is full, finishing with whipped cream and a final drizzle of caramel.
7. Top with chopped pecans or toffee bits if desired.
8. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4–6 trifles, depending on serving size.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

• Cheesecake Layer: Mix softened cream cheese into the whipped cream for a cheesecake-style trifle.
• Boozy Version: Add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon to the apple mixture for an adult twist.
• Salted Caramel: Use salted caramel for a sweet-salty contrast.
• Vegan/Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free whipped cream, vegan caramel, and plant-based cake or cookies.
• Apple Pie Crumble: Add crumbled pie crust or oatmeal cookie pieces for a pie-inspired texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store assembled trifles in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover each serving tightly with plastic wrap or use containers with lids. These trifles are best enjoyed cold and do not require reheating. For best texture, consume within 24–36 hours of assembly.

FAQs

Can I make these in advance?

Yes, you can assemble them a few hours ahead or the night before. Just keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.

What kind of apples should I use?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well for a balance of tartness and sweetness.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely. It saves time and still tastes delicious. You can also make your own for a richer flavor.

What kind of cake works best?

Pound cake, spice cake, or even angel food cake are great options. Graham crackers or gingersnaps work well too.

Can I serve these warm?

The apple mixture can be warm, but the whipped cream and caramel layers are best chilled. For a warm-cool combo, layer just before serving.

Can I make this in a large trifle dish?

Yes, you can scale the recipe and layer everything in a single large trifle bowl for a centerpiece dessert.

Are these freezer-friendly?

No, the whipped cream and apples don’t freeze well. It’s best to assemble fresh and refrigerate.

Can I use canned apple pie filling?

Yes, though cooking your own apples gives a fresher, less sweet flavor. Canned filling is a quick shortcut.

How can I make the whipped cream from scratch?

Whip cold heavy cream with a little powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Can I add nuts?

Yes, chopped pecans, walnuts, or toffee bits add great texture and crunch.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Trifles are the perfect fall dessert—layered, flavorful, and comforting. With tender apples, silky whipped cream, and golden caramel, these individual treats are as pretty as they are irresistible. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these trifles are sure to impress.

Caramel Apple Trifles

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Caramel Apple Trifles are layered fall desserts featuring tender cinnamon-spiced apples, rich caramel sauce, fluffy whipped cream, and crumbled cake or cookies, served in individual glasses or jars for a cozy, festive treat.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4–6 trifles
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake/Assembled
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 cup whipped cream or whipped topping
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup pound cake, spice cake, or graham crackers, crumbled or cubed
• Optional toppings: chopped pecans, toffee bits, extra caramel drizzle

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
2. Cook apples for 8–10 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized; let cool slightly.
3. Prepare trifle glasses or jars. Add a layer of crumbled cake or crushed graham crackers to the bottom.
4. Spoon a layer of cooked apples over the cake layer, then drizzle with caramel sauce.
5. Add a layer of whipped cream.
6. Repeat layers until the container is full, finishing with whipped cream and a final caramel drizzle.
7. Top with chopped pecans or toffee bits if desired.
8. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for best flavor balance.
• Assemble trifles a few hours ahead or the night before and refrigerate until serving.
• Optional cheesecake-style layer: fold cream cheese into whipped cream.
• For added texture, include crumbled pie crust or oatmeal cookies.
• Serve cold; reheating is not recommended.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 trifle
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 35mg