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Apple Pie Dream Dessert Recipe

4.8 from 129 reviews

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.

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