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Caramel Apple Trifle Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 122 reviews

This Caramel Apple Trifle is a fuss-free, make-ahead dessert perfect for stress-free holiday celebrations. Layers of airy caramel mousse, homemade rich caramel sauce, and a crunchy apple crumble come together in elegant individual servings for a simple yet impressive treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Caramel Mousse:

  • 1 cup cold heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 cup plus caramel sauce (recipe below)

Caramel Sauce:

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 tablespoons heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Apple Crumble:

  • ½ cup diced fresh apples
  • ½ cup apple chips
  • ½ cup crumbled granola

Instructions

  1. Make Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine sugar and water. Stir until sugar dissolves, using a wet brush to remove any sugar crystals from the saucepan sides. Increase heat to high without stirring, swirling gently by the handle occasionally. When mixture bubbles and darkens to a deep amber color (about 5-7 minutes), add butter and heavy cream carefully; the mixture will bubble vigorously. Whisk to combine, then stir in kosher salt and let the sauce cool.
  2. Prepare Caramel Mousse: Place chilled heavy cream in a bowl and whisk with a handheld mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form and the cream is light and fluffy. Gently fold in 1/4 cup plus of the cooled caramel sauce until well combined.
  3. Make Apple Crumble: In a bowl, mix together diced fresh apples, apple chips, and crumbled granola until evenly combined.
  4. Assemble Trifles: Fill two pastry bags, one with the caramel mousse and the other with the remaining caramel sauce. In each serving glass, pipe a layer of caramel mousse at the bottom, followed by a layer of caramel sauce. Sprinkle a layer of apple crumble on top of the caramel layer. Repeat these layering steps to fill the glasses, finishing with a crumble layer on top.
  5. Serve or Chill: For the best texture, assemble the trifles no more than 2 hours before serving to keep the apple crumble crisp.

Notes

  • Trifles are adaptable—try pudding or yogurt instead of mousse if preferred, though yogurt variations are often called parfaits.
  • Do not assemble the trifle more than 2 hours ahead to maintain crunchiness of the crumble.
  • Homemade caramel sauce is recommended for richer flavor; avoid overly sweet store-bought caramel sauces like Hershey’s.
  • For a store-bought shortcut, Marzetti’s Caramel Apple Dipping Sauce is suggested.
  • Used 3 1/2 oz Bormioli Rocco Ypsilon style glasses for individual servings.

Keywords: Caramel apple trifle, caramel mousse, apple dessert, holiday dessert, easy trifle recipe, make ahead dessert

Find it online: https://topreci.com/caramel-apple-trifle-recipe/