Name: Caramel Apple Pie Lush Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 4 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 28 full graham crackers); 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¾ cup melted salted butter; 2 (8-ounce) packages softened cream cheese; ⅔ cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling; 1 (8-ounce) container thawed whipped topping; caramel sauce (for drizzling); graham cracker crumbs (for topping)

Introduction

This Caramel Apple Pie Lush is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring layers of spiced graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, sweet apple pie filling, and fluffy whipped topping. Finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce, it’s a perfect treat for fall or any time you crave a comforting, fruity dessert.

A close-up of a square dessert bar on a white plate, showing four clear layers: a bottom layer of crumbly brown crust, a thick white creamy layer above it, a middle layer of golden-orange fruit filling that looks juicy and glossy with pieces of fruit visible, and a top layer of fluffy white whipped cream covered with a shiny drizzle of caramel sauce. The dessert is set on a white marbled surface with two cinnamon sticks next to the plate and blurred red and green apples in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ¾ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 28 full graham crackers)

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¾ cup melted salted butter

2 (8-ounce) packages softened cream cheese

⅔ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 (21-ounce) cans apple pie filling

1 (8-ounce) container thawed whipped topping

Caramel sauce (for drizzling)

Graham cracker crumbs (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and melted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand.

Step 3: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a pan using a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup. Bake for 10–12 minutes until fragrant and edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Step 4: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ⅔ cup sugar, vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg with a mixer until smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed.

Step 5: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 10–20 minutes before adding the next layer.

Step 6: Chop the apples from the canned pie filling and spread evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer, making sure to transfer all the filling from your cutting board.

Step 7: Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the apple layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 8: Just before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with extra graham cracker crumbs.

Tips & Variations

For a crunchier crust, toast the graham cracker crumbs lightly before mixing with butter.

Use fresh apples sautéed with cinnamon and sugar if you prefer a fresher fruit layer instead of canned filling.

Swap the caramel drizzle for a homemade caramel sauce or butterscotch for a different flavor profile.

Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for extra texture and nuttiness.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert benefits from chilling for several hours or overnight, which allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set perfectly.

Can I use a different crust instead of graham cracker?

Absolutely. A digestive biscuit crust or even a shortbread crust can be used as a flavorful alternative, just adjust baking times as needed.

Dessert

Caramel Apple Pie Lush Recipe