This Apple Pie Trifle brings the joy of pie in a fun, layered dessert! With chunks of sweet apples, creamy pudding, and crunchy graham crackers, it’s a treat to enjoy.
Who knew you could have pie without the fuss of baking? I love making this on busy days—just layer and chill. Perfect for when the sweet tooth strikes! 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice contrast to the sweetness. If you want something sweeter, Fuji or Gala apples work well too. Just remember to peel and core them for easy eating!
Granulated Sugar: If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, try using a sugar substitute or honey! Adjust the amount to taste, as some sweeteners can be sweeter than sugar.
Vanilla Pudding: You can use store-bought pudding for convenience, or homemade if you have time. For a lighter option, consider using whipped yogurt or whipped cream cheese instead.
Graham Crackers: If you’re out of graham crackers, crushed cookies like Oreos or digestive biscuits make a tasty alternative. You can even use granola for added texture!
Whipped Cream: You can substitute whipped cream with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option. It’s just as delicious and adds a nice flavor!
How Do I Make Sure the Apples Are Perfectly Soft Yet Crunchy?
The key to preparing the apples is in the maceration step. Tossing them with sugar and spices not only enhances their flavors but helps them soften a bit from the sugar drawing out moisture. Here’s how to maximize their taste and texture:
- Let the apples sit for at least 10 minutes after mixing. This allows them to become slightly tender while retaining their crunch.
- Consider briefly cooking the apples in a pan with a little butter if you want them softer. Cook for just a few minutes until they start to soften, but don’t overdo it!
By keeping a close eye on the cooking time, you’ll keep that appealing apple crunch while still getting great flavor!
How to Make Apple Pie Trifle
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Layering:
- 2 cups vanilla pudding (prepared from instant pudding mix or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crumbled graham crackers)
- 1 1/2 cups whipped cream, divided (store-bought or homemade)
For Drizzling and Garnishing:
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
- Optional: chopped nuts or extra crumbled graham crackers for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious trifle takes about 30 minutes to prepare and should chill for at least 2 hours before serving. So, in total, you’re looking at about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Most of the time is just letting it chill in the fridge while you dream of those tasty layers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples:
Start by tossing the diced apples in a medium bowl with the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. This will help soften the apples slightly while adding amazing flavor. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to macerate.
2. Make the Vanilla Pudding:
While the apples are sitting, prepare the vanilla pudding according to the package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. Once it’s made, chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the trifle.
3. Begin Assembling the Trifle:
Grab your serving glasses or a trifle bowl! Start with about 1/4 of the graham cracker crumbs. Spread them evenly at the bottom of each glass or bowl for a crunchy base.
4. Layer the Apples:
Spoon a generous layer of the spiced apple mixture over the graham cracker crumbs. Make sure to distribute the apples evenly among the servings.
5. Add Vanilla Pudding:
Next, add about 1/4 of the prepared vanilla pudding over the apples. Spread it out softly to cover the apple layer completely.
6. Create a Whipped Cream Layer:
Now, dollop about 1/4 of the whipped cream over the pudding layer, spreading it gently to create an even layer of cream.
7. Repeat the Layers:
Add another layer of graham cracker crumbs on top of the whipped cream, followed by a second layer of apples, pudding, and whipped cream. If your serving glasses are smaller, you might only stack once more!
8. Finish with Whipped Cream:
Your final layer should be whipped cream. Top it off with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of extra graham cracker crumbs or chopped nuts if you’d like!
9. Chill and Serve:
Cover the assembled trifles with plastic wrap and refrigerate them for at least 2 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and give the graham crackers a chance to soften.
10. Enjoy!
Once chilled, serve the trifle with a smile and enjoy the delightful layers of apple pie flavor in an easy-to-eat format. Perfect for gatherings or satisfying your sweet tooth!
Can I Use Other Types of Apples for This Trifle?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their tartness and crunch, feel free to experiment with other varieties. Fuji or Gala apples are sweeter options that work nicely too. Just keep in mind the balance of sweetness in your recipe!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Trifle?
You can store leftover trifle in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s covered tightly to keep it fresh. Just note that the graham crackers may become softer over time, but the flavor will still be delicious!
Can I Prep This Trifle the Night Before?
Yes, prepping the trifle a day ahead is a great idea! Just assemble all the layers and refrigerate overnight. This gives the flavors more time to meld together, creating an even tastier dessert!
What Can I Use Instead of Whipped Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream is a fantastic substitute! You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or non-dairy whipped toppings available in stores.
