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Creamy Caramel Apple Pudding Trifle

creamy caramel apple pudding trifle - featured image
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This easy fall dessert layers tender cinnamon apples, creamy vanilla pudding, fluffy cake, and rich caramel sauce for a comforting treat perfect for gatherings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to assemble and bursting with cozy autumn flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced (about 600g/21 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • OR 1 cup store-bought caramel sauce
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 packet vanilla pudding mix (3.4 oz)
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pound cake or sponge cake (about 16 oz), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • OR angel food cake or gluten-free cake
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • OR 2 cups prepared whipped topping
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped (optional)
  • Extra caramel drizzle
  • Apple slices, thinly sliced, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Peel, core, and dice apples. Toss with cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add apples and cook, stirring often, for 6-8 minutes until tender but not mushy. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. For caramel sauce: In a clean, dry saucepan, heat sugar over medium, stirring constantly until melted and amber-colored. Add butter, whisk until melted. Slowly pour in cream (watch for bubbling!). Stir until smooth. Add salt. Let cool to room temperature. If using store-bought, warm gently.
  4. Prepare pudding: Combine cold milk and pudding mix in a bowl. Whisk for 2 minutes. Add vanilla extract. Let set for 5 minutes.
  5. Whip cream: In a cold bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Beat with mixer on medium-high until stiff peaks form (about 3-4 minutes).
  6. Assemble trifle: Layer 1/3 of cake cubes in the bottom of trifle bowl. Drizzle with 1/3 of caramel. Top with 1/3 of pudding, then 1/3 of sautéed apples. Repeat layers twice more, ending with whipped cream on top.
  7. Decorate with toasted pecans, apple slices, and a final caramel drizzle.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to overnight). Serve cold, scooping deep to get every layer.

Notes

For best results, use firm apples that hold their shape. You can substitute gluten-free cake or dairy-free alternatives as needed. Trifle is best served chilled and can be made ahead. For extra flavor, brush cake cubes with apple cider or rum. If caramel hardens, microwave for a few seconds. Trifle tastes even better on day two as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple trifle, fall dessert, pudding trifle, easy trifle, apple pudding, caramel dessert, Thanksgiving dessert, potluck dessert, layered trifle, autumn recipe

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/creamy-caramel-apple-pudding-trifle-easy-fall-dessert-for-gatherings/