Apple Delight with Cream Cheese, Graham Cracker Crust, and Pecans Recipe

Introduction

Apple Delight is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for any occasion. This no-bake treat combines a spiced graham cracker crust with creamy layers and sweet apple pie filling for a delightful finish to your meal.

A square slice of layered dessert on a white plate shows four distinct layers: a bottom crumbly light brown crust, a thick creamy white layer above it, a middle layer of tender, light golden cooked apple slices with a syrupy glaze, and a top fluffy white cream layer. The dessert is decorated with drizzles of caramel sauce in a wavy pattern and sprinkled with small pieces of toasted pecans. Some crumbs and caramel have spilled onto the plate, and a silver fork rests nearby. The background has a soft white marbled texture with whole and sliced apples slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 7 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 package cream cheese, softened (8 ounce)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 container Cool Whip, thawed, divided (16 ounce)
  • 2 cans apple pie filling (21 ounce each)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form the crust.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Fold in half of the Cool Whip until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
  4. Step 4: Spoon the apple pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  5. Step 5: Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the top of the apples in an even layer.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the dessert for added crunch and flavor.
  7. Step 7: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.

Tips & Variations

  • For a nut-free option, omit the pecans or substitute with toasted coconut flakes.
  • Try adding a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top for extra sweetness.
  • Use homemade apple pie filling for a fresh taste and control over sweetness.

Storage

Store leftover Apple Delight covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled. If desired, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

How to Serve

The image shows a square slice of a dessert with four visible layers on a white plate, set on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown crust. Above this is a thick, creamy white layer. The third layer is made up of chunky, glossy apple pieces coated in a golden syrup, slightly translucent and soft in texture. The top layer is a smooth, white whipped cream, decorated with small chopped pecans and drizzled with bright caramel sauce that slightly drips down the sides. A metal fork lies near the slice with some crumbs around it, and a whole apple and sliced apple pieces are blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Apple Delight ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, allowing the layers to set and flavors to blend.

Can I substitute Cool Whip with fresh whipped cream?

Absolutely. Freshly whipped cream works well and adds a light, fluffy texture. Just be sure to stabilize it if you plan on storing the dessert for longer periods.

Print

Apple Delight with Cream Cheese, Graham Cracker Crust, and Pecans Recipe

Apple Delight is a creamy, crunchy, and sweet dessert featuring layers of graham cracker crust, rich cream cheese filling, fluffy Cool Whip, and tender apple pie filling topped with crunchy pecans. This no-bake treat combines classic fall flavors with a smooth and airy texture, perfect for an easy and impressive dessert.

  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 7 Tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling

  • 1 package cream cheese, softened (8 ounce)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 container Cool Whip, thawed, divided (16 ounce)
  • 2 cans apple pie filling (21 ounce each)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix until all crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to create an even layer. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
  2. Make the cream cheese filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in half of the thawed Cool Whip until fully incorporated, resulting in a light and fluffy filling.
  3. Assemble the layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Next, spoon the apple pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer, spreading gently to cover completely. Top the apples with the remaining Cool Whip, spreading it smoothly for the top layer.
  4. Add the finishing touch: Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top of the dessert for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Return the dish to the refrigerator to chill and set for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.

Notes

  • For a thicker crust, add an extra 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs and 1 tablespoon butter.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
  • Chilling overnight yields the best texture and flavor melding.
  • Can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for nut allergies.
  • Use homemade apple pie filling for a fresher taste if desired.

Keywords: apple dessert, no-bake dessert, apple delight, cream cheese dessert, easy fall dessert, graham cracker crust

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