Apple Pie Dream Dessert Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Pie Dream Dessert is a delightful layered treat combining creamy cheesecake, caramel whipped topping, and spiced apple pie filling. With a crunchy graham cracker crust and zesty lime-flavored crumble on top, it’s a refreshing twist on classic apple pie flavors. Perfect for gatherings or a special dessert craving.

A square dessert bar is shown with four clear layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly, brown nutty crust; above it is a thick, smooth white cream layer; next is a thinner, glossy light yellow layer of jelly-like fruit filling; and the top layer is a coarse green crumb topping with a few crumbs scattered around. It sits on a white plate set on a white marbled surface, with blurred apples and cinnamon sticks in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 ounces lime-flavored Jell-O (or pistachio Jell-O)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (divided)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and divided)
  • 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup pecans (finely chopped, or extra graham crackers if allergic)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 2 1/3 cups powdered sugar
  • 8 oz container frozen whipped topping (thawed)
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 can apple pie filling
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Step 2: Prepare the crumble by mixing Jell-O, 1/2 cup flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and 1/2 cup cold butter in a medium bowl. Use a fork to blend into fine crumbs.
  3. Step 3: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over it.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 7-8 minutes without stirring. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. Stir before using. This yields about 3 cups of crumble.
  5. Step 5: Make the crust by combining graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, melted butter, 1/2 cup flour, sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. Mix until well combined.
  6. Step 6: Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 9 inch square baking dish. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
  7. Step 7: For the filling, beat cream cheese and softened butter together until creamy using a stand mixer or electric mixer.
  8. Step 8: Gradually add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Beat on low-medium speed until smooth, scraping the bowl as needed.
  9. Step 9: Stir in vanilla extract until combined, then spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
  10. Step 10: In a separate bowl, mix thawed whipped topping with caramel sauce until fully blended. Spread this caramel whipped topping evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  11. Step 11: Evenly spread the apple pie filling over the caramel layer.
  12. Step 12: Sprinkle the prepared lime crumble on top of the apple pie layer.
  13. Step 13: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
  14. Step 14: Slice and serve chilled for a delicious layered dessert experience.

Tips & Variations

  • Swap lime-flavored Jell-O with pistachio for a different but equally tasty crumble topping.
  • If allergic to nuts, replace pecans with extra graham cracker crumbs for the crust.
  • For added texture, try toasting the pecans lightly before chopping.
  • Use homemade apple pie filling or fresh sautéed apples for a fresher taste.

Storage

Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the creamy layers and crumble texture. When ready to serve again, slice and enjoy cold. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture of the whipped topping and crumble.

How to Serve

A square dessert bar with four distinct layers sits at the center of a white plate on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is crumbly and brown with visible bits, slightly rough in texture. Above it is a thick, smooth, creamy white layer with a soft look. The third layer is a thin, translucent orange jelly, glossy and smooth. The top layer is bright green, crumbly, and coarse, unevenly spread with small bits falling around the base. In the background, there are blurred apples adding warm tones and a hint of cinnamon sticks near the plate's edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of Jell-O for the crumble?

Yes, pistachio or lime-flavored Jell-O works best to complement the apple flavors, but you can experiment with other flavors if desired.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, chilling it overnight enhances the layers and flavors. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.

Print

Apple Pie Dream Dessert Recipe

Apple Pie Dream Dessert is a luscious, no-bake layered treat featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cinnamon-spiced cream cheese filling, topped with caramel whipped topping, sweet apple pie filling, and finished with a special lime-flavored crumble. Perfectly chilled, this dessert offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors reminiscent of classic apple pie with a dreamy creamy twist.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 23 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Crumbles

  • 3 ounces lime flavored Jell-o (or pistachio Jell-o)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold)
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup pecans (finely chopped) or additional crackers if allergic
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Crust

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 cup pecans (finely chopped) or more crackers if allergic
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
  • 2 1/3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

  • 8 oz container frozen whipped topping (thawed)
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 can apple pie filling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crumble: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, stir the lime Jell-O with 1/2 cup flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cold butter using a fork until it forms a fine crumble.
  2. Bake the crumble: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly. Bake for 7-8 minutes without stirring to crisp up the crumbles.
  3. Cool and store crumbles: Remove from oven and let cool completely. Once cooled, store the crumbles in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.
  4. Make the crust: In a large bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour, graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans (or extra crackers), melted butter, sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9 inch square baking dish.
  5. Chill the crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set while preparing the filling.
  6. Prepare the cream cheese filling: Using a stand mixer or electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and softened butter together until creamy and smooth.
  7. Add sugars and spices: Gradually add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture. Beat on low to medium speed until fully combined and smooth, scraping bowl sides as needed. Stir in vanilla extract.
  8. Assemble the filling layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust using a spatula or back of a spoon.
  9. Prepare caramel whipped topping: In a separate bowl, combine the thawed frozen whipped topping with caramel sauce and stir well until fully blended.
  10. Spread the caramel topping: Spread the caramel whipped topping mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer, smoothing the surface carefully.
  11. Add apple pie filling: Evenly spread the canned apple pie filling over the caramel whipped topping layer.
  12. Top with crumble: Gently sprinkle the prepared lime-flavored crumbles over the apple pie layer for added texture and flavor.
  13. Chill the assembled dessert: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and dessert to set properly.
  14. Serve: Slice into 9 servings and enjoy your Apple Pie Dream Dessert chilled for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use pistachio Jell-o as an alternative to lime for a different but complementary flavor.
  • If allergic to nuts, substitute pecans in the crust and crumble with extra graham cracker crumbs.
  • The crumble can be baked ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • This dessert requires chilling time, so prepare it a few hours in advance or overnight for optimal texture.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese and butter for a smoother filling.

Keywords: apple pie dessert, no bake apple dessert, cream cheese dessert, caramel dessert, layered dessert, easy apple pie recipe, holiday dessert

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