This Caramel Apple Lush Dessert is EVERYTHING! Layer upon layer of rich, creamy caramel apple goodness…this dessert is guaranteed to be a hit everywhere it goes!
I have to admit, you guys. I’m not entirely in the fall spirit. I mean…how could I be!? With temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s for the past two weeks, fall has felt like the last thing on my mind.
Other than a few leaves on the ground, we’ve literally had no signs of it. Until this morning. Fall is (finally) in the air! And suddenly, I have a taste for pumpkin spice and caramel apple EVERYTHING.
Until now, I’ve just been faking it. My Caramel Apple Coffee Cake and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread? I wasn’t really in the fall spirit when I shared them.
But this Caramel Apple Lush Dessert is a completely different story. Because suddenly I’m thinking about grabbing a sweater and pulling out my boots and maybe, finally, putting up some fall decor.
Yes, fall is finally here. And if you’re anything like me, caramel apple and fall are like two peas in a pod. You can’t have one without the other! And this Caramel Apple Lush is one of the BEST caramel apple desserts ever.
It’s loaded with rich, creamy pudding and cheesecake and apple pie filling and caramel…all on a crunchy graham cracker crust. And the end result is nothing short of dreamy.
I’m a HUGE fan of no bake desserts, like this Pumpkin S’mores Lush and this Chocolate Cherry Lush, and if you’ve ever tried one, you know why. I have to say, this Caramel Apple dessert rivals even my favorite Cherry Cheesecake Lush. And that’s saying a lot.
Whether you’re already in the fall spirit or looking for something to help you get there, this Caramel Apple Lush is the answer. And really? It couldn’t be easier to make. It’s almost no-bake and easy to make ahead and perfect for feeding a crowd. You’re welcome.
Caramel Apple Lush Dessert
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 c. graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 c. finely chopped peanuts
- 1/2 c. butter melted
Layer 1:
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened
- 1 1/2 c. whipped topping
- 1 c. powdered sugar
Layer 2:
- 2 small boxes cheesecake flavored pudding
- 2 1/2 c. milk
- 1/2 c. whipped topping
Layer 3:
- 1 can apple pie filling
- 1/4 c. caramel topping
Topping:
- remaining whipped topping I used a 12 oz. container for the whole recipe
- 1/3 c. chopped peanuts
- caramel topping
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped peanuts, and melted butter.
- Press into a 9x13 inch baking pan; bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 1/2 c. whipped topping.
- Mix until smooth; spread evenly over cooled crust. Refrigerate while you are preparing the next layer.
- Combine cheesecake pudding mix and milk. Whisk and let stand until pudding thickens. Stir in 1/2 c. whipped topping and mix until smooth.
- Spread evenly over cream cheese layer in pan.
- Top with 1 can apple pie filling and remaining whipped topping. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, sprinkle with chopped peanuts and drizzle with caramel topping.
Nutrition
Kaci says
This looks and sounds phenomenal! I WILL be trying it out very soon!
Sarah says
Has only tried this with fresh apples maybe just with a little sugar or caramel on them baked by themselves just a bit and then added to this .
Peggy says
I have a friend that does not eat gluten. I thought I would use crushed gluten free pretzels for the crust.
Cathy Trochelman says
That would be perfect!
Cathy Trochelman says
Great idea!
averie @ averie cooks says
Lush style desserts are my total weakness and I keep straightening the rows with a fork. This is my jam right here! And with the caramel….no stopping me!
Julia says
Now that is my kind of fall dessert!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
One of my mom’s favorite desserts to make was a lemon lush. I haven’t had a lush in a while. Can’t wait to try this!
Liz says
This Lush Dessert looks wonderful. My problem is that whipped toppings (Cool Whip etc.) make me very sick. Tears up my stomach. Wouldn’t whipped cream work as well? Adding some gelatin to stabilize the whipped cream? I really want to make this dessert!
Dianna says
Of course regular heavy whipping cream whipped with powdered sugar (1/3 cup to 1 cup cream plus 1 tsp. vanilla) works anywhere Cool Whip is used!
Cathy Trochelman says
Whipped cream would absolutely work!
Amanda | The Chunky Chef says
Lush desserts are always a hit… and I love this caramel apple version!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Lush is totally a word I’d use on this dessert! I’m loving the flavors, and all that caramel!
Jen says
I can’t wait to make this! It’s still hot here as well but I don’t care. If I make it, maybe fall will come, right?!?
Cathy Trochelman says
haha Maybe!!
Evelyn Karakitsios says
The caramel. In what form do you purchase this and and where can I purchase it? My first thought was to melt melt caramel candy which would be very expensive. I am I am anxious to make this but the caramel baffles me. Please advise me on this matter. Thank you .
Cathy Trochelman says
I used Smucker’s caramel sundae topping, refrigerated.
Cathy Trochelman says
Evelyn, use a caramel topping, usually found by the ice cream toppings, next to hot fudge or strawberry syrups. Hope this helps!
Krista says
That caramel drizzle has me wanting this so bad!
Peggy says
Looks wonderful! Would love to make for my Wild Wooly Women group, (we stitch with wool) but I can’t have peanuts. I have diverticulitis. Could I use cashews on top instead? They’re softer.
Cathy Trochelman says
Cashews would work great!
Cathy Trochelman says
yes, I bet would be delicious with cashews!
Animeyt says
This recipe looks fantastic. I really need to try it
Izzabella says
YUM YUM 🙂 Oo LALA
Theresa says
Have you ever made only half recipe? I see so many tasty recipes but my husband and I can not it a whole pan of this wonderful looking dessert. Thank you
Cathy Trochelman says
It would definitely work to cut the ingredients in half and use an 8×8 inch pan!
Lisa says
I make the cakes for the office birthdays and a few employees are allergic to peanuts. Can I add more graham crackers to the crust? Would it take away from the sweet and salty flavor?
Mark Ford says
Layer 3 consists of apple pie filling AND 1/4 c. caramel topping. However, instruction #7 does not mention the caramel topping . Is it blended with the apple pie filling? Layered under/over the pie filling?
Cathy Trochelman says
I have the caramel topping specified in step 8, to drizzle on right before serving, sorry for the confusion!
Bobbie says
Made this today. In frig now! Looks great. Can’t wait to try it!
Gina says
Hello! Could we use finely crushed pecans instead of peanuts? Thank you for this delightful recipe!
Cathy Trochelman says
Yes, absolutely!
Sissy says
Can you put the Carmel topping on overnight. I’m taking to party and would like to take it all done. Also can this be doubled.
Cathy Trochelman says
It can absolutely be doubled, yes. However, I would recommend drizzling the caramel topping on just before serving so it doesn’t sink into the whipped topping.