Go Back
- Fresh apples and their preparation Use 2 large apples. Peel and dice them into small pieces. This helps the apples cook evenly. Cook them with brown sugar and cinnamon until soft but not mushy. This step adds a warm flavor to the dish. - Cream cheese and sweeteners I use 8 ounces of cream cheese. Let it soften at room temperature for easy mixing. Mix it with 1/2 cup powdered sugar for sweetness. A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract adds a nice touch of flavor. - Additional flavorings and toppings Whip 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold this into the cream cheese mixture for fluffiness. For a deeper flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste. Layer in 1 cup of caramel sauce and 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs. Top with whipped cream and optional chopped nuts for crunch. Start by peeling and dicing the apples. Use two large apples for this recipe. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, two tablespoons of brown sugar, and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about five to seven minutes. Stir often until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Once done, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool completely. This step builds the warm, cozy flavor you’ll love. In a large mixing bowl, take eight ounces of softened cream cheese. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat it until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in half a cup of powdered sugar and one teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Blend everything well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creates a rich base for your trifle. Next, in a separate bowl, whip one cup of heavy cream. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. This means the cream will hold its shape well. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula. Make sure to do this gently to keep it light and fluffy. If you want extra flavor, add half a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste during this step. Now it's time to layer the trifles! Begin with individual serving cups or a large trifle bowl. Start by adding half of the graham cracker crumbs at the bottom. This will give your trifle a nice crunchy base. Spoon about a quarter cup of the cream cheese mixture over the crumbs. Next, add around a quarter cup of the sautéed apple mixture on top. Drizzle some caramel sauce over the apples for added sweetness. This layer brings all the flavors together. Continue layering: add another layer of graham cracker crumbs, then more cream cheese mixture, and another quarter cup of sautéed apples. Finish this layer with another drizzle of caramel sauce. Make sure your final layer is the cream cheese mixture. This gives your trifle a beautiful top. Cover the assembled trifles with plastic wrap or a lid. Place them in the refrigerator for at least two hours. Chilling helps the flavors meld and allows the dessert to set up nicely. Before serving, top each trifle with whipped cream. Drizzle more caramel sauce on top for that decadent touch. If you like, sprinkle chopped nuts on top for a crunchy finish. This adds texture and looks great on the plate. Pick apples that are crisp and sweet. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Granny Smith gives a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. Always use fresh apples for the best flavor. Look for apples with smooth skin and no bruises. This will ensure they taste great in your trifle. Start with cream cheese that is at room temperature. Cold cream cheese can be lumpy. Beat it well until it is smooth. This makes mixing easier and gives a creamy texture. Add powdered sugar slowly to avoid lumps. If you want a richer flavor, add a bit of vanilla bean paste. When you whip the cream, aim for stiff peaks. This means it should hold its shape well. Use a spatula to gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mix. Be careful not to stir too hard. You want to keep the air in the whipped cream for a light trifle. Use clear cups or a trifle bowl to show off the layers. Start with graham cracker crumbs at the bottom. Alternate layers of cream cheese, apples, and caramel sauce. Finish with whipped cream on top. Drizzle extra caramel over the whipped cream for flair. For a crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top before serving. {{image_4}} You can switch up the apples in this recipe. Try using pears for a softer bite. Berries like strawberries or blueberries add a fun twist. Cherries can give a sweet and tart flavor that pairs well with cream. Mango adds an exotic flair too. Mix and match your favorite fruits for new tastes! For cream, Greek yogurt can be a great choice. It adds a tangy taste and is lower in fat. If you want plant-based options, try coconut cream. For sweeteners, honey or maple syrup work well. You can also use agave nectar for a mild sweetness. Each option changes the flavor just a bit! To make this dessert gluten-free, swap graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free cookies. Almond flour or oat flour can work too. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free, especially the caramel sauce. This way, everyone can enjoy the sweet treat without worry! To keep your caramel apple cheesecake trifles fresh, use an airtight container. This will help prevent any unwanted odors from the fridge. If you use individual cups, cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Make sure to avoid crushing the whipped cream on top. You can store the trifles in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the texture may change. The apples might get too soft, and the cream may lose its fluffiness. Always check for any signs of spoilage before serving. Freezing trifles is tricky but possible. To freeze, remove the whipped cream topping first. Place the trifle layers in a freezer-safe container. They can stay frozen for up to a month. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, add fresh whipped cream before serving. This keeps your dessert looking and tasting great! Yes, you can make these trifles ahead of time. I recommend preparing them a day in advance. This lets the flavors blend well. Just cover them and chill in the fridge. They will taste even better after a night of rest. You can get creative with toppings! Here are some ideas: - Whipped cream - Chopped nuts - Extra caramel sauce - Cinnamon dust - Crushed graham crackers These toppings add flavor and fun to your dessert. Making homemade caramel sauce is simple! You need: - 1 cup sugar - 6 tablespoons butter - 1/2 cup heavy cream 1. In a saucepan, melt the sugar over medium heat. 2. Stir until it turns golden brown. 3. Add the butter and stir until melted. 4. Slowly pour in the cream while stirring. 5. Let it cool before using. This sauce will make your trifles even more special. No, it is not necessary. Vanilla bean paste adds a nice flavor and some tiny flecks. If you don’t have it, pure vanilla extract works well too. Use it for a tasty treat, but don’t stress if it’s not on hand. If you need a substitute, try these options: - Crushed cookies (like digestive biscuits) - Oatmeal cookies - Crushed pretzels for a saltier taste - Almond flour for a gluten-free option These will give your trifles a different but tasty texture. You can now create a delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifle using fresh apples, cream cheese, and fun toppings. We covered how to prepare the apples and mix the cream cheese. Plus, I shared tips for choosing apples and keeping your trifle fresh. Try the variations for a unique twist, like gluten-free options. Remember, enjoy it with friends and family for a sweet treat. Happy cooking!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifles

Indulge in the deliciousness of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifles with this easy recipe! Layer creamy cheesecake, warm spiced apples, and rich caramel for a dessert that's both stunning and scrumptious. Perfect for gatherings or special occasions, these trifles are sure to impress your guests. Follow our step-by-step guide and treat yourself to this delightful treat. Click through to discover how to make your very own Caramel Apple Cheesecake Trifles!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 large apples, peeled and diced

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (optional, for an extra flavor boost)

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

Whipped cream, for topping

Chopped nuts, optional (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Apples: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir the mixture well, then cook for approximately 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender yet retain their shape. Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and set it aside to cool completely.

    Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and pure vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until well combined and creamy in texture.

      Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream using a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula, ensuring the mixture is light and fluffy. If you're choosing to use the vanilla bean paste, gently fold it in at this stage for added depth of flavor.

        Layering the Trifles: Begin assembling your trifles in individual serving cups or a large trifle bowl. Start by layering half of the graham cracker crumbs at the bottom of the container.

          Add the Cream Cheese and Apples: Next, spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crumbs. Follow this layer with around 1/4 cup of the sautéed apple mixture, then drizzle some caramel sauce over the apples to enhance their sweetness.

            Repeat the Layers: Continue layering by repeating the process with the remaining ingredients - add another layer of graham cracker crumbs, followed by the cream cheese mixture, the sautéed apples, and another drizzle of caramel sauce. Ensure that the final layer is composed of the cream cheese mixture on top for a beautiful finish.

              Chill to Set: Cover the assembled trifles with plastic wrap or a lid and place them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This time allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set beautifully.

                Serve with Style: Just before serving, top each trifle with a generous dollop of whipped cream and drizzle with additional caramel sauce for a decadent touch. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts on top for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy textures.

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes | Servings: 6