Apple Pie Lush
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This scrumptious Apple Pie Lush features layers of sweetened cream cheese and apple filling baked on a buttery graham cracker crust. Topped with whipped cream, chopped pecans, and a drizzle of caramel sauce, it’s the ultimate rich and decadent fall dessert.
I’m a sucker for no bake lush desserts. My readers love them too. Not only are they easy to make, but they look impressive, showing luscious layers when you cut into them. My chocolate lush is a fan favorite and is one of my top dessert recipes of all time.
My apple pie recipe is also a reader favorite so when I was thinking of developing a new lush dessert, I decided to make one based off my apple pie. I added a cheesecake layer for added flavor – and, well …. cheesecake!
Caramel Apple Lush
If you’re a fan of apple pie, you’re in for a real treat with this Apple Pie Lush. This dessert combines everything you love about apple pie and cheesecake into one decadent, layered treat. It starts with a buttery graham cracker crust that’s baked to golden brown perfection. It then gets topped with creamy cheesecake, sweet apple pie filling, and fluffy Cool Whip. It’s truly a dessert lover’s dream!
But the goodness doesn’t stop there. A sprinkle of chopped pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce are added to the top layer for the perfect finishing touch. It’s the ultimate fall dessert that’s sure to impress all your family and friends at any potluck, party, or holiday gathering. If you love lush desserts, make sure to check out this Hot Chocolate Lush and this Strawberry Lush.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Easy recipe – This apple dessert is so easy to prepare and has a beautiful presentation. Your guests will be impressed.
- Simple ingredients – Minimal ingredients, most of which are pantry staples you might already have on hand.
- Delicious fall dessert – This dessert tastes like a combination of cheesecake and caramel apples. It’s the perfect fall treat.
Recommended Kitchen Tools
- Food processor
- Medium-size mixing bowl
- Spatula
- 9×12-inch baking dish
- Stand mixer or handheld mixer fitted with a paddle attachment
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Serving plates
Ingredients
For the Crust
- Graham crackers – Acts as the foundation for the crust, providing a crunchy and flavorful base.
- Granulated sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
- Brown sugar – Gives a rich, caramel-like flavor to the crust, giving it an extra depth of flavor.
- Ground cinnamon – Infuses warm spice into the crust for a hint of autumn flavor.
- Butter, melted – Binds the graham cracker crumbs together, creating a buttery and cohesive crust.
For the Apple and Cheesecake Layers:
- Cream cheese (softened to room temperature) – Provides a creamy and tangy base for the cheesecake layer.
- Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake layer, balancing the tanginess of the cream cheese.
- Vanilla extract – Adds more flavor to the cream cheese.
- Cool Whip, thawed – Adds lightness and fluffiness to the cheesecake layer.
- Apple pie filling – We keep it simple with canned apple filling, but you can use our homemade apple pie filling if you prefer.
Top Layer:
- Cool Whip, thawed – Provides a fluffy and creamy topping that complements the other layers.
- Chopped pecans, optional topping – Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Caramel sauce drizzle, optional topping – Adds a sweet and decadent finishing touch, perfect for caramel lovers.
How to Make Apple Lush Dessert
Step One: Bake the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Pulse graham crackers until finely ground into crumbs in a food processor.
- In a medium bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and combine until crumbs are moistened and easily stick together.
- Press the mixture into a 9×13-inch pan. Bake crust for 8 minutes or until golden brown and allow it to cool completely, set aside.
Step Two: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or with an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Gently fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip.
- Spread over the crust.
Step Three: Add the Apple Layer
- Spread apple pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer. Make sure the apple slices are spread evenly.
Step Four: Add the Whipped Cream and Garnishes
- Finally, add 8 oz. of whipped cream to the apple layer. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Refrigerate for 4 hours minimum, or overnight.
- Add the caramel drizzle before serving. Using a sharp knife dipped in hot water, slice into squares and enjoy.
Suggestions and Alternatives
- Toppings – Try a butterscotch or chocolate sauce instead of caramel. Chopped walnuts or toffee bits instead of pecans would be delicious.
- Apples – Canned apple pie filling is the easier option, but you could use fresh Granny Smith apples if you cook them down first to caramelize them.
- Crust – Golden Oreos or ginger snaps cookies. You can also use a flaky pie crust instead if you prefer.
- Filling – You can skip the cream cheese layer and add a layer of butterscotch pudding instead.
Storing Apple Cheesecake Lush
Because it has layers of cream cheese and Cool Whip, apple pie lush has to be refrigerated. It will stay fresh wrapped in layers of plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can You Freeze This Recipe?
You can also freeze it. Wrap it in a couple of layers of plastic wrap, then with foil, and place it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQs
You can prepare this recipe several days in advance, making it an easy option to put together before the holidays. Since you do not bake apple lush filling, you can also bake the crust a day or two in advance and then add the filling later.
You can, just keep in mind that when you make regular whipped topping with heavy whipping cream it will easily deflate the longer it sits. For a sweeter alternative, you can use Stabilized Whipped Cream instead.
If you have leftover pie filling, you can transfer the filling to an airtight container. Keep the container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, consider freezing the filling in a freezer-safe container or bag, where it can last for up to 3 months.
If you added the correct amount of butter, you may not have pressed it in the pan firm enough. To prevent the graham cracker crust from crumbling, use the bottom of a measuring cup or glass to press down on the crust in the baking dish before you bake it.
More Apple Dessert Recipes
- Apple Dump Cake
- Apple Pie Smoothie
- Apple Crumble Pie
- Apple Cider Bundt Cake
- Easy Apple Dumplings
- Caramel Apple Icebox Cake
Apple Pie Lush
Video
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 package graham crackers
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened, 1 block
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping thawed, we used Cool Whip
- 42 ounces apple pie filling
Top Layer:
- 8 ounces whipped topping thawed, like Cool Whip
- ¼ cup chopped pecans optional topping
- caramel sauce drizzle optional topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Pulse graham crackers until finely ground into crumbs in a food processor.1 package graham crackers
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and combine until crumbs are moistened and easily stick together.3 Tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 Tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ cup unsalted butter
- Press the mixture into a 9 × 13 pan. Bake crust for 8 minutes and allow it to cool completely, set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until combined. Gently fold in 1 cup Cool Whip. Spread over the crust.8 ounces cream cheese, ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 cup whipped topping
- Spread apple pie filling on top of cream cheese layer.42 ounces apple pie filling
- Finally, add 8 ounces of Cool Whip. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Refrigerate for 4 hours minimum, or overnight.8 ounces whipped topping, ¼ cup chopped pecans
- Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.caramel sauce drizzle
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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