Prepare to fall head over heels for Apple Delight, a no-bake dessert that’s every bit as dreamy as its name suggests. Imagine buttery graham cracker crust, silky cream cheese, luscious cinnamon-kissed apple pie filling, and billows of whipped topping — all together in one beautiful layered treat. Whether it’s the holidays, a potluck, or just a regular Tuesday sweet tooth, this crowd-pleaser delivers nostalgia, comfort, and just the right amount of indulgence. In short, it’s the layered apple dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity never tasted this good! Every ingredient in Apple Delight has a starring role — from the crunch of the crust to the creamy layers and the sweet apple filling that pulls it all together. Here’s what you need and why you need it:
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 ½ cups): These provide the sturdy, flavorful base—think of them as the dessert’s delicious foundation.
- Unsalted butter, melted (½ cup): The butter melds with the crumbs, giving the crust richness and a melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces): This brings the creamy tang that pairs so well with apples and keeps the middle layer ultra-smooth.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): It sweetens the cream cheese layer to perfection, with enough subtlety to not overpower the apples.
- Whipped topping, thawed (1 container, 8 ounces): This makes the layers light and luscious, adding a cloud-like finish on top.
- Apple pie filling (2 cups): The heart of this dessert — apples in syrupy goodness, bringing all those classic pie vibes with minimal fuss.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Just a bit turns the apple filling wonderfully aromatic and cozy.
- Optional: Caramel sauce and chopped pecans for garnish: A simple drizzle and sprinkle introduce crunch and extra decadence, turning every bite into a true Apple Delight.
How to Make Apple Delight
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by mixing the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter together in a medium bowl. Stir until every crumb shines a little with butter and the texture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the base of a 9×9-inch dish using your fingertips or the back of a spoon. This step ensures you’ll have a sturdy, satisfying bottom layer that won’t fall apart when sliced.
Step 2: Mix Up the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Take a moment to blend until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Next, gently fold in half of the whipped topping. This makes the layer fluffy and easy to spread. Smooth this creamy concoction over the graham cracker crust, creating the perfect pillow for your apple layer.
Step 3: Flavor the Apple Filling
Take your apple pie filling and gently stir in the cinnamon. This quick touch adds warmth and takes the flavor up a notch, making your Apple Delight unmistakably cozy. Once thoroughly combined, spread the cinnamon-apple goodness over the cream cheese layer, making sure to cover the edges for full flavor in every bite.
Step 4: The Whipped Topping Finale
Spoon the remaining whipped topping over the apple layer and use a spatula to spread it gently and evenly, ensuring every inch is covered. This luxurious top layer helps seal in the flavors as your Apple Delight chills — plus, it looks irresistibly fluffy!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Let your masterpiece chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (longer if you can stand the wait!). This is the key to perfect, sliceable layers. Before serving, take it over the top with a generous drizzle of caramel sauce and a scatter of chopped pecans, if you like. Each square will look almost too good to eat — almost.
How to Serve Apple Delight
Garnishes
Want to make your Apple Delight shine? Drizzle over some silky caramel sauce and toss on chopped pecans to add crunch and elegance. Even a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a touch of powdered sugar just before serving makes the dish look bakery-worthy. These little touches welcome everyone to dig in and savor.
Side Dishes
Pair this dessert with fresh coffee, a cinnamon-spiced chai, or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a truly dreamy taste experience. If you prefer something lighter, serve alongside a platter of crisp grapes or sliced pears — their subtle flavors harmonize beautifully with the richness of Apple Delight.
Creative Ways to Present
Embrace the beauty of this dessert by cutting it into neat squares and serving on decorative plates, or layer it in individual mason jars for a fun, portable treat. For a festive touch, you can sprinkle edible gold dust on top or layer each component in parfait glasses, highlighting every stunning layer of the Apple Delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply cover the Apple Delight tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it refrigerated. Thanks to the sturdy crust and rich filling, it stays fresh and delicious for up to three days — perfect for sneaking an extra piece when the craving hits.
Freezing
Believe it or not, Apple Delight freezes quite well! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. The texture holds up nicely, especially if you skip the garnishes before freezing and add them fresh when serving.
Reheating
Since Apple Delight is a no-bake, chilled dessert, there’s no need to reheat! In fact, it’s at its best served cold from the fridge. If you prefer the crust extra firm, pop your slice in the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving — it gives a wonderful cool bite contrast to the creamy layers.
FAQs
Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Absolutely! Homemade apple pie filling brings a personal touch and lets you control the sweetness and spice levels. Just be sure it’s thick and fully cooled before layering.
Is it possible to make Apple Delight gluten free?
Definitely! Opt for gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust, and make sure your pie filling and other add-ins are gluten free as well.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
For picture-perfect squares, chill your Apple Delight thoroughly. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts — it’ll glide right through the creamy layers without sticking.
Can I substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream?
Yes! Freshly whipped cream (stabilized with a bit of powdered sugar) works beautifully and gives a homemade finish, but make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks so the layers hold together nicely.
What other toppings work well besides caramel and pecans?
Feel free to get creative: toasted walnuts, crushed shortbread cookies, white chocolate shavings, or even a handful of dried cranberries all add delicious texture and flavor to your Apple Delight.
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing what a few simple ingredients can do, and Apple Delight is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a truly memorable dessert. Layers of pure comfort will have everyone coming back for seconds. Give this recipe a try — you’ll see why it’s a favorite for every season and any occasion!
Print
Apple Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Apple Delight is a delicious layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, spiced apple pie filling, and fluffy whipped topping. This no-bake treat is perfect for fall or anytime you’re craving a sweet apple dessert.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
Apple Filling and Topping:
- 2 cups apple pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- Optional: caramel sauce and chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Graham Cracker Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press into a 9×9-inch dish to form a crust.
- Make Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping and spread over crust.
- Prepare Apple Filling: Combine cinnamon with apple pie filling. Spread over cream cheese layer.
- Add Whipped Topping: Top with remaining whipped topping, spreading it evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Chill for at least 2 hours. Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired.
Notes
- For a firmer base, bake the crust at 350°F for 8 minutes and cool completely before adding the filling.
- This dessert keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
