Apple Delight Recipe is your go-to no-bake dessert for when you’re craving something creamy, crunchy, fruity, and utterly satisfying. With layers of buttery graham cracker crust, a whipped cream cheese filling, apple pie topping, and a fluffy whipped cream crown, it’s a chilled dessert perfect for any season. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself, this Apple Delight is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely fall in love with this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Delight Recipe
This Apple Delight recipe celebrates the perfect balance of textures and layers of complementary flavors. The graham cracker crust offers a sweet crunch, the whipped cream cheese layer brings a creamy tang, and the apple pie filling adds fruity richness. It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert that gets better as it chills. With optional toppings like pecans and English toffee, every bite is customizable and indulgent. Best of all, it’s no-bake and easy enough for beginners!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs or about 12 whole graham cracker sheets
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, divided
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream
- 1 (21 oz) can apple pie filling
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 (1.4 oz) chocolate-covered English toffee bar, such as Heath (optional)
- 2 tbsp caramel sauce
Step-by-Step: How to Make Apple Delight
- Prepare Cream Cheese: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 45 minutes.
- Line Baking Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper to create a sling.
- Make Crust: Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with granulated sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, and melted butter until combined. Press evenly into the lined pan. Refrigerate.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese with 1/4 cup powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1/4 tsp salt until light and fluffy.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream and remaining powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold Together: Gently fold 1 cup of whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Spread over the chilled crust.
- Add Apple Layer: Chop apple pie filling and spread evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with Cream: Spread the remaining whipped cream on top.
- Chill: Cover the dessert and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour or let it rest overnight.
- Serve: Before serving, sprinkle chopped pecans and/or crushed toffee bar, and drizzle with caramel sauce. Slice into 9 squares and serve chilled.
Helpful Tips
- For the best texture, let the cream cheese fully soften before mixing.
- Use kitchen shears to quickly chop the apples in the filling.
- Chill overnight for a firmer, more flavorful dessert.
- Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat servings.
Substitutions And Variations
- Whipped Topping Substitute: Use 1 (8 oz) tub of thawed whipped topping instead of whipped cream.
- Crust Options: Vanilla wafers or buttery shortbread cookies make great alternatives to graham crackers.
- Topping Twists: Use crushed cinnamon cookies, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for extra flavor.
- Fruit Swap: Substitute with cherry or blueberry pie filling for a different twist.
Storage Instructions
Keep any leftovers fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Best enjoyed within 4 days.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving (1 of 9 squares):
- Calories: 390
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 24g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific brands and toppings used.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Apple Delight cold as a refreshing treat on a sunny afternoon or as a festive addition to your dessert table. It’s delicious paired with coffee, a spiced chai latte, or a glass of chilled milk. For more formal occasions, add a touch of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for elegant flair.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Delight Recipe
Can I make Apple Delight ahead of time? Yes! It’s actually best when made the night before, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling? Absolutely! Just be sure to cook the apples with sugar and spices until soft to achieve a texture similar to canned filling.
What if I don’t have a food processor? Crush graham crackers in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin or heavy bottle.
Can this recipe be doubled? Absolutely! Use a 9×13-inch pan for double the batch.
Is Apple Delight freezer-friendly? Freezing isn’t recommended due to texture changes, especially in the whipped layers.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for stopping by and trying this Apple Delight Recipe! It’s a dessert that I love for its simplicity, comforting flavors, and the joy it brings to any table. Whether it’s a holiday gathering, potluck, or just a sweet treat after dinner, this layered delight is sure to impress. I hope you enjoy every creamy, apple-filled bite. Happy cooking, and thanks for being part of our food-loving community!
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Apple Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
Description
Apple Delight Recipe is a no-bake layered dessert made with graham cracker crust, whipped cream cheese, sweet apple pie filling, and fluffy whipped topping. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for holidays or everyday treats.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened
8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or 12 graham cracker sheets)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
1/2 cup powdered sugar, divided
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream
1 (21 oz) can apple pie filling
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 (1.4 oz) chocolate-covered English toffee bar, chopped (optional)
2 tbsp caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 45 minutes.
- Line Baking Pan: Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper to create a sling.
- Make Crust: Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with granulated sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, and melted butter until combined. Press evenly into the lined pan. Refrigerate.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: Beat cream cheese with 1/4 cup powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1/4 tsp salt until light and fluffy.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream and remaining powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold Together: Gently fold 1 cup of whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Spread over the chilled crust.
- Add Apple Layer: Chop apple pie filling and spread evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with Cream: Spread the remaining whipped cream on top.
- Chill: Cover the dessert and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour or let it rest overnight.
- Serve: Before serving, sprinkle chopped pecans and/or crushed toffee bar, and drizzle with caramel sauce. Slice into 9 squares and serve chilled.
Notes
Substitute whipped topping for homemade whipped cream if preferred.
For neat cuts, wipe knife clean between slices.
Best made ahead and chilled overnight for flavor to develop.
Customize toppings with crushed cookies or different pie fillings.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 3g