Caramel Apple Trifles are one of my favorite treats to whip up for family and friends, especially when I want something sweet and easy. Each spoonful has layers of tart apples, fluffy cake, cool whip, and rich caramel, making every bite taste like fall. This simple dessert is easy to make and is also a great no bake dessert idea for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Why You Want to Try Caramel Apple Trifles
- Quick to assemble: You can layer these trifles in minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute desserts.
- Kid-friendly and fun: My kids love helping out, and everyone gets their own little cup—no messy slicing needed.
- Great make-ahead option: You can prep these ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve them.
- Simple ingredients: Everything you need is easy to find at the store or might already be in your kitchen.
Ingredients & Equipment
Apple pie trifle has a very easy ingredient list. You can easily find everything you need on your next trip to the grocery store.
- Granny smith apples
- Lemon juice
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
- Brown sugar
- Pound cake (you could also use any cake that you like)
- Frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- Caramel sauce
Full measurements for each ingredient can be found in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also need a few things from the kitchen:
- Vegetable peeler
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Medium saucepan
- Piping bag (or zipper storage bag)
- Measuring spoons
- Serving jars or dishes
Step By Step Instructions
This recipe makes 2-3 servings. It takes 15 minutes of prep time.
Step 1. Peel and chop the apples into small cubes.
Step 2. Put the apples into a medium saucepan. Add the lemon juice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
Step 3. Cook for about 10 minutes, to dissolve the sugar and soften the apples. Allow the apples to cool most of the way before putting the apple trifles together.
Step 4. While the apple mixture cools, cut the pound cake into cubes.
Step 5. Put the Cool Whip into piping bag or a zipper storage bag.
Step 6. To assemble the caramel apple parfait, put a layer of pound cake cubes in the bottom of your serving dish. Add a layer of the apples over the cake. Then add 1 to 2 tablespoons fo caramel sauce followed by a layer of Cool Whip.
Step 7. Repeat each layer once more and then top with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Variations
- Make larger version: You can also make a large version of this in a bigger serving dish.
- Use different apples: Try Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter twist, or mix apple varieties for more flavor.
- Switch up the cake: Use angel food, spice cake, gingerbread, vanilla or white cake.
- Add nuts: Layer in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Add a touch of salt: Sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the caramel for salted caramel flavor.
- Spice it up: Add ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- Extra fruit: Layer in pears, berries, or raisins for variety.
Crumble Topping
You can also make an easy crumble topping by mixing together crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and a little brown sugar. Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is crumbly and holds together when pressed. Sprinkle on top of your trifles for a sweet, buttery crunch. You can also use crushed shortbread cookies, oats, or chopped nuts for more texture.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover caramel apple cake trifles in the fridge. Cover each cup or bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. For the best texture, serve enjoy them within the first day, as the cake may get softer over time.
Tips & Tricks
- Chop up the apples evenly. Smaller apple pieces that are similar in size cook and layer better.
- You can prep ingredients ahead of time. Chop apples and cut up the cake earlier to save time.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce on top just before serving.
- Layer in clear cups to show off all of the layers and the fall colors.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make caramel apple trifles ahead of time?
Yes, you can! I like to assemble them a few hours before serving and keep them in the fridge. They’re best when you eat them within a day so the cake doesn’t get too soft.
What kind of cake works best?
I’ve used pound cake, white cake, even leftover angel food cake. You can pick your favorite or whatever you have on hand. For even more fall flavor and color, you can try spice cake.
Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip. You can use store bought whipped cream or make your own. To make your own, I recommend whipping heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla until it’s fluffy. It gives a fresh, homemade taste to your trifles and works just as well in the layers.
Are there nut-free options?
This recipe is nut-free unless you add nuts as a topping so you can skip those without changing anything else.
More Apple Desserts
- Apple Pie Bars
- Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Apple Dump Cake
- Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake
- Baked Apple Pie Dip
- Toffee Apple Dip
- Apple Crescent Rolls
- Air Fryer Apple Crisp
- Air Fryer Apple Fritters
- Crockpot Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 granny smith apples
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- pinch of nutmeg
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- 4 tbsp brown sugar
- 12 ounces pound cake
- 8 ounces cool whip
- 6 tbsp caramel sauce
Instructions
- Peel and chop the apples into small cubes.
- Put the apples into a medium saucepan. Add the lemon juice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
- Cook for about 10 minutes, to dissolve the sugar and soften the apples. Allow the apples to cool most of the way before putting the apple trifles together.
- While the apple mixture cools, cut the pound cake into cubes.
- Put the Cool Whip into piping bag or a zipper storage bag.
- To assemble the caramel apple parfait, put a layer of pound cake cubes in the bottom of your serving dish. Add a layer of the apples over the cake. Then add 1 to 2 tablespoons fo caramel sauce followed by a layer of Cool Whip.
- Repeat each layer once more and then top with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
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