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If you’re craving the flavors of a freshly baked apple pie but don’t feel like fussing with the oven, these Caramel Apple Pie Parfaits are your perfect solution. Layers of tender cinnamon-spiced apples, creamy vanilla filling, buttery cookie crumbs, and gooey caramel sauce come together for a blissful dessert that’s as comforting as a warm hug. Plus, you won’t have to wait long—this treat is delightfully no-bake!
Ingredients
- 3 cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples), peeled if desired
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups cold heavy cream, divided
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies
- ½ cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
Instructions
Begin by preparing the apples. In a small saucepan, warm the butter over medium heat until melted. Stir in the diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon, then cook for about 5 minutes or until the apples soften slightly and take on a lovely caramel hue. Remove from the heat and let them cool.
Meanwhile, whip up your cream filling. In a chilled mixing bowl, combine 1½ cups of the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until the cream holds soft peaks—fluffy but not stiff. Gently fold in the caramel sauce to create more flavor depth, reserving a bit of caramel for drizzling on top later.
To assemble, begin with a spoonful of crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs at the bottom of individual serving glasses or small jars. Add a layer of the caramel whipped cream, followed by a spoonful of cinnamon apples. Repeat these layers once more, finishing with a final swirl of whipped cream. For an extra hit of sweetness, drizzle on more caramel sauce. If you’d like, top the parfaits off with a dusting of graham crumbs for a bit of crunch.
Before serving, chill the parfaits for at least 30 minutes. If you’re prepping in advance, loosely cover them with plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator until it’s time to enjoy.
Dessert should bring joy, and these no-bake Caramel Apple Pie Parfaits certainly do. They’re ideal for anyone who wants something sweet without spending hours in the kitchen or turning on the oven. Feel free to experiment with alternative cookie bases—like gingersnaps for a spicy kick—or lighten things up by using reduced-fat cream or yogurt. You can also swap out the caramel for butterscotch or salted caramel to add a twist to the standard flavors. This recipe effortlessly combines classic fall ingredients with a fuss-free approach, making it a delicious treat that you can whip up any time the craving strikes.
