Apple Delight Recipe
Apple Delight is a luscious layered dessert combining a crunchy graham cracker crust with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture, topped with cool whipped topping and juicy apple pie filling. This easy-to-make no-bake treat is perfect for gatherings, offering a delightful balance of textures and classic apple cinnamon flavors.
- Author: Zane
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no bake)
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 ounces)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Cool Whip, thawed (from the 16-ounce container)
Topping
- 1 container Cool Whip, thawed, divided (16 ounces total; 1 cup used in filling, remainder for topping)
- 2 cans apple pie filling (21 ounces each)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted unsalted butter and stir until all the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form an even crust layer.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in 1 cup of the thawed Cool Whip until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the dessert: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared graham cracker crust. Carefully spoon the apple pie filling over the cream cheese layer, distributing the apples evenly.
- Add the topping: Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the apple pie filling layer in an even layer to cover the apples.
- Finish with pecans: Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the top of the dessert for a crunchy garnish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled Apple Delight for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and unsalted butter to control saltiness and achieve a creamy texture.
- You can substitute chopped walnuts or almonds for pecans if desired.
- This dessert is best served chilled and enjoyed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
- Ensure the Cool Whip is fully thawed but not melted for easy folding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: apple dessert, no-bake dessert, apple delight, cream cheese dessert, apple pie filling, graham cracker crust