Description
This Caramel Apple Fluff Dessert is a dreamy no-bake treat that combines crisp apples, fluffy cream cheese filling, and rich caramel sauce. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday potlucks, or cozy family dinners, this crowd-pleasing dessert comes together in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
8 oz Cool Whip (or whipped topping), thawed
4 large Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, diced into ½-inch pieces
1 cup caramel sauce (divided: ¾ cup for mixing, ¼ cup for drizzling)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ cup toffee bits or chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
1. Remove cream cheese from refrigerator 30 minutes before starting. Thaw Cool Whip in refrigerator overnight. Wash and dice apples into ½-inch cubes, then toss immediately with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy with no lumps.
3. Add vanilla extract and beat for 30 seconds more.
4. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip with broad, sweeping motions. Do not use the mixer or you’ll deflate the fluff.
5. Add the prepared apple pieces and ¾ cup caramel sauce. Fold carefully until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
6. Transfer to a serving bowl or individual parfait glasses. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
7. Just before serving, drizzle with remaining ¼ cup caramel sauce and sprinkle with toffee bits or chopped pecans for added crunch.
Notes
For best results, use crisp tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweet caramel.
Always soften cream cheese at room temperature naturally – never microwave it or the texture will become oily.
Be very gentle when folding in Cool Whip to maintain the airy, fluffy texture.
This dessert tastes best when made 4-24 hours ahead, giving flavors time to meld while apples stay crisp.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though apples are crispest within 48 hours.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese, sugar-free caramel, and light whipped topping.
Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg for a spiced autumn variation.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 145mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: caramel apple fluff, no bake apple dessert, fall dessert recipes, easy apple dessert, caramel apple salad