This Apple Pie Trifle is a tasty twist on a classic dessert. Layers of soft apples, creamy pudding, and crunchy graham crackers make it both sweet and fun to eat!
You won’t believe how simple it is to put together! Just layer everything in a glass and let the magic happen. It’s like a party in a bowl! 🎉
I love serving it at gatherings—everyone loves a good scoop! Plus, it looks so pretty all layered up. Perfect for impressing friends without any fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith are the best for this trifle as they provide a delightful contrast to the sweet layers. If you don’t have Granny Smith, Fuji or Honeycrisp can work well too!
Butter: Butter adds flavor to the cooked apples. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Brown Sugar: This adds a rich sweetness to the apples. If you don’t have brown sugar, you can use white sugar but consider adding a bit of molasses for that deep flavor.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: A key ingredient for creaminess! If you wish to make it from scratch, combine cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla extract with your cold milk.
Whipped Topping: For a lighter option, use homemade whipped cream. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form. You can also use a dairy-free whipped topping if needed.
How Do You Get the Apples Perfectly Tender and Flavored?
Cooking the apples right is crucial! Start by melting butter in your skillet over medium heat, and then mix in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. The lemon juice enhances the apple flavor and helps balance sweetness.
- Add diced apples and stir well to coat them with the mixture.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them soft but not mushy.
- Remove from heat and let them cool before layering in your trifle. This step helps lock in flavor!
How to Make Apple Pie Trifle
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (preferably tart, like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Pudding Layer:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk (for pudding)
For the Topping and Crunch:
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), divided
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs or crumbled gingersnap cookies
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This wonderful dessert will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus a 1-hour chill time. So, set aside about 1 hour and 20 minutes to enjoy making this delightful Apple Pie Trifle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Apples:
Start by melting the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir everything together and cook until the apples are tender and caramelized, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let them cool completely.
2. Prepare the Pudding:
In a separate bowl, mix the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk. Whisk it all together for about 2 minutes until it thickens. Place the pudding in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes to set up a little more.
3. Assemble the Trifle:
Grab your individual serving glasses or a large trifle bowl! Start by spooning a layer of vanilla pudding at the bottom. Then, add a layer of the cooled apple mixture on top of the pudding.
Next, sprinkle a layer of graham cracker crumbs or crushed gingersnap cookies over the apples. Add a layer of whipped topping on top of the crumbs, and if you have the space, feel free to repeat these layers until you reach the top of your glasses or bowl. Finish with a big dollop of whipped topping.
4. Add Finishing Touches:
Drizzle some caramel sauce generously over the top layer of whipped topping and sprinkle with extra graham cracker crumbs for a little crunch and decoration.
5. Chill and Serve:
Now, it’s time to let your creation chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld and the layers set beautifully. When you’re ready to enjoy, serve chilled and get ready for everyone to love this delicious apple pie-inspired dessert!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are recommended for their balance of sweetness and acidity, you can also use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or even a mix of your favorites. Just remember that sweeter apples will result in a sweeter filling!
Can I Make This Trifle Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies instead of regular graham crackers. There are many delicious options available, so you can easily adapt this recipe to fit a gluten-free diet.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Apple Pie Trifle can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to enjoy it fresh within a day or two.
Can I Use Homemade Pudding Instead of Instant Pudding?
Definitely! If you prefer homemade, you can make a simple vanilla pudding from scratch using milk, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Just allow enough time for it to cool and thicken before layering it in the trifle.