🍎 Caramel Apple Cheesecake Salad – A Creamy, Crunchy Fall Dessert Dream

If you’re craving a dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Salad is a must-try! It combines the rich, creamy flavor of cheesecake with the crisp sweetness of apples and the gooey decadence of caramel. The result? A dessert salad that’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you want a quick, crowd-pleasing treat.

This no-bake recipe takes just minutes to whip up and tastes like a caramel apple cheesecake — without the effort of baking one!


🍏 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & easy: Takes just 10 minutes to prepare — no oven needed!
  • Perfect for any season: Especially delightful in fall when apples are at their peak.
  • Great for crowds: Serves a big group and can be doubled easily.
  • Creamy, sweet, and crunchy: The perfect texture and flavor combo!

🍎 Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Mixture:

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 box (3.4 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix
  • 1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip, thawed (or homemade whipped cream)
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Salad:

  • 4–5 medium apples, chopped (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows (optional for extra fluffiness)
  • ½ cup crushed pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch)
  • ½ cup caramel sauce, for drizzling

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Cheesecake Base

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the pudding mix, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat until fully combined and thick.

2. Fold in the Cool Whip

Using a spatula, gently fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is light, fluffy, and fully incorporated.

3. Add the Apples

Fold in the chopped apples, mini marshmallows, and nuts (if using). Mix until everything is evenly coated in the creamy cheesecake mixture.

4. Drizzle with Caramel

Transfer to a serving bowl and drizzle generously with caramel sauce. Swirl gently with a spoon to create ribbons of caramel throughout.

5. Chill & Serve

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend. Serve cold, and drizzle with a little extra caramel just before serving.


🍯 Tips & Variations

Apple choices: Use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Fuji or Honeycrisp) apples for perfect balance.
Make it lighter: Use light cream cheese, sugar-free pudding, and fat-free whipped topping.
Add-ins: Stir in toffee bits, crushed graham crackers, or white chocolate chips for extra flavor.
Serving idea: Serve in individual cups for parties or layer it in a trifle dish for a stunning presentation.


🧊 Storage

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Avoid sogginess: If preparing ahead, mix the cheesecake base and apples separately, then combine just before serving.

🍽️ Perfect Pairings

This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Salad pairs beautifully with:

  • Thanksgiving dinner as a sweet side or dessert
  • Fall brunches alongside muffins or cinnamon rolls
  • BBQs and potlucks for a no-bake crowd-pleaser

✨ Final Thoughts

Creamy, crunchy, and irresistibly sweet, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Salad is the perfect combination of indulgent cheesecake and fresh fruit salad. It’s quick to make, easy to love, and guaranteed to be one of the first dishes to disappear at any gathering.

With its layers of caramel, creaminess, and crisp apples, every bite tastes like the best parts of autumn — all in one delicious spoonful. 🍁🍎

Print
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🍎 Caramel Apple Cheesecake Salad – A Creamy, Crunchy Fall Dessert Dream


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free alternative)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream (thawed if frozen)
• 3 cups chopped apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji work best)
• ½ cup crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies
• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• ⅓ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)


Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
  2. Gently fold in half the Cool Whip until light and airy.
  3. Add chopped apples, graham cracker crumbs, nuts (if using), and caramel sauce. Mix gently to coat.
  4. Fold in remaining Cool Whip.
  5. Chill at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let flavors meld and texture firm up.
  6. Serve cold, drizzled with extra warm caramel and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Perfect for:
• Holiday potlucks
• Fall gatherings
• Last-minute desserts

💡 Make ahead: Assemble up to one day in advance—store covered in the fridge.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 0 mins , Total Time : 2 hrs 15 mins (includes chilling) , Servings : 6 , Calories : 280 per serving , Net Carbs: 32g , Fats: 15g , Protein: 4g

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