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Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifle (No-Bake)

A tall, layered slice of caramel apple trifle featuring cream, graham cracker layers, apples, and heavy caramel sauce dripping down the sides.

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Assemble this showstopping Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifle in minutes. This no-bake dessert layers soft pound cake, creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apples, and rich caramel for a perfect fall or holiday treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • 1 box pound cake, cubed (about 10 cups)
  • 2 large apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the pudding layer: In a separate bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Gently fold in the remaining half of the whipped topping.
  3. Prepare the apples: In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice and cinnamon to prevent browning and add spice.
  4. Assemble the trifle: Use a large glass trifle bowl for best visual layers. Start with a layer of cubed pound cake covering the bottom.
  5. Add the first creamy layer: Spread half of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cake layer.
  6. Add the apple layer: Distribute half of the spiced apple mixture over the cheesecake. Drizzle with half of the caramel sauce.
  7. Add the pudding layer: Carefully spread half of the vanilla pudding mixture over the apples.
  8. Repeat the layers: Add another layer of pound cake, followed by the remaining cheesecake mixture, the remaining apples, and the remaining pudding mixture.
  9. Chill: Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set.
  10. Garnish before serving: Just before serving, drizzle the top generously with extra caramel sauce and sprinkle with crushed graham crackers for a crunchy texture.

Notes

  • You can make this make ahead fall dessert up to one day in advance; keep it covered in the refrigerator.
  • For distinct visual dessert layers, allow each creamy layer to set slightly before adding the next component.
  • If you prefer a softer cake texture, you can lightly brush the pound cake cubes with a tablespoon of apple juice or spiced rum before layering.

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