No-Bake Caramel Apple Cake is a delicious and easy dessert that combines the flavors of caramel and apples without needing to turn on the oven. Perfect for a quick treat or a refreshing dessert after a meal.
Ingredients:
For the Cake Base:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed vanilla wafers)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Layer:
- 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish:
- Additional caramel sauce
- Chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts)
- Extra apple slices
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cake Base:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or a similar-sized dish. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press it down evenly.
- Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the other layers.
2. Prepare the Apple Layer:
- In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Allow the apples to sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices and become slightly softened.
3. Prepare the Caramel Layer:
- In a small saucepan, heat the caramel sauce and heavy cream over medium heat, stirring until smooth and combined.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until it begins to thicken.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until stiff peaks form.
5. Assemble the Cake:
- Spread the caramel sauce evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Layer the caramel-coated apples over the caramel sauce.
- Gently spread the whipped cream over the apples, smoothing it out with a spatula.
6. Chill:
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to set properly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
- Before serving, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top of the whipped cream.
- Garnish with chopped nuts and extra apple slices if desired.
Tips:
- Caramel Sauce: For a homemade touch, you can make your own caramel sauce or use a high-quality store-bought version.
- Apple Variations: You can experiment with different types of apples or even mix in some dried fruit or raisins for added texture and flavor.
- Storage: Keep the cake refrigerated. It can be stored for up to 5 days.
This No-Bake Caramel Apple Cake is a delicious and simple dessert that brings together the flavors of caramel and apples in a cool, creamy treat. Enjoy!
4o mini
