Layers of cinnamon-spiced apple slices, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy graham crackers come together in this easy, no-bake dessert. It’s a refreshing, make-ahead treat that tastes like autumn in every bite.
This stunning dessert captures all the cozy flavors of a caramel apple in a cool, creamy, no-bake format. Thinly sliced apples are tossed with warm cinnamon and layered with billowy whipped cream and graham crackers.
As it chills overnight, the graham crackers soften into a cake-like layer while the apples stay tender-crisp. Topped with a drizzle of caramel, it’s an effortless, show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings and requires zero oven time.
The Science of the “Icebox” Set & Apple Preparation
The magic of an icebox cake lies in the hydration of the cookies or crackers by the creamy layers. As the assembled dessert chills for several hours, the moisture from the whipped cream and apples slowly migrates into the graham crackers, softening them to a tender, cake-like consistency without becoming mushy.
The key to perfect texture is preparing the apples correctly. Tossing them with lemon juice prevents browning, while a brief sauté with butter, sugar, and cinnamon softens them slightly and deepens their flavor without making them release too much water, which would make the dessert soggy.
A stabilized whipped cream, made with a touch of cream cheese, holds up beautifully under the weight of the layers.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Apples:
- 3-4 medium crisp apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Stabilized Whipped Cream:
- 8 oz (226g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
For Assembly:
- 1 (14.4 oz) box honey graham crackers (about 24 full sheets)
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cinnamon Apples: Toss the thinly sliced apples with lemon juice in a large bowl. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the apples are just tender but still hold their shape and the sauce is syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
2. Make the Stabilized Whipped Cream: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla until smooth. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold about one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it, then fold in the remaining whipped cream until no white streaks remain.
3. Begin Layering in the Dish: Choose a 9×13-inch baking dish or a large trifle bowl. Spread a very thin layer of the whipped cream mixture on the bottom. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers, breaking them as needed to fit. Spread about one-third of the remaining whipped cream over the crackers.
4. Add Apples & Repeat: Scatter half of the cooled cinnamon apples (along with any syrup) evenly over the whipped cream layer. Repeat the layers: graham crackers, whipped cream, the remaining apples. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers and the last of the whipped cream, smoothing the top.
5. Chill Overnight: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the graham crackers to soften completely.
6. Garnish & Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the top generously with caramel sauce. You can also garnish with extra apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Slice or scoop to serve.
Pro-Tips for the Perfect Icebox Cake
- Slice Apples Uniformly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife for thin, even slices that will soften evenly and layer neatly.
- Cool Apples Completely: Warm apples will melt the whipped cream and make the layers runny.
- Use Full-Fat Dairy: Low-fat cream cheese or whipped cream will not set properly and may become watery.
- Don’t Skip the Stabilizer: The cream cheese ensures the whipped cream holds its structure for days, making this a great make-ahead dessert.
- Chill Thoroughly: The full overnight chill is non-negotiable for the graham crackers to achieve the perfect soft, cake-like texture.
- Add Caramel at the End: Drizzling the caramel just before serving keeps it from soaking in and making the top layer soggy.
This No-Bake Caramel Apple Icebox Cake is the ultimate easy, impressive, and delicious fall dessert.
