
Imagine kicking off your fall feast with a dessert that layers comfort and crunch in every forkful. Meet the Apple Lasagna Dessert, your new go-to for all things cozy and cinnamon-spiced. This Easy Fall Dessert Recipe stacks a buttery graham cracker crust, a dreamy cream-cheese layer, dollops of cool whip, generous spoonfuls of chunky apple pie filling, and a scattering of toasted pecans. It’s sweet, tart, and texturally on point—no oven required, just a little fridge time.
As the air turns crisp and leaves go from green to gold, you deserve a treat that feels seasonal without stealing hours in the kitchen. Move over, cider donuts and apple cinnamon bread—this no-fuss wonder steals the show. FYI, you won’t miss the bake at all. This dessert tastes just as indulgent as any warm-from-the-oven pie, but without cranking your oven up on those still-warm October afternoons.
Why does Apple Delight work so well? First, think layers of texture: a buttery graham cracker crust gives that solid, crumbly base; a slick, tangy cream-cheese filling adds richness; airy Cool Whip brings lightness; and the pie filling introduces juicy apple chunks. Finally, the toasted pecans add a nutty crunch that keeps each bite interesting. It’s sweet, it’s tart, it’s everything you want in a fall treat—balanced perfectly in a single, stunning dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-bake dessert. Seriously, skip the oven and still impress everyone.
- Very low-effort. With just 20 minutes of hands-on time, you’ll layer and chill, then call it a day.
- Great for beginners. If you’ve never tackled a multi-layered dessert, this one won’t intimidate you.
- It’s easier than apple pie! And dare I say, almost as quick as our apple hand pies.
Ingredient Highlights
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Swap in crushed Golden Oreos for a sweeter twist.
- Cinnamon: My secret weapon for that signature warm apple-pie vibe.
- Unsalted Butter: Melts into the crumbs for a perfectly cohesive crust—control your salt level here!
- Cream Cheese: Use block-style, room-temperature cheese for the smoothest filling—no tub stuff allowed.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla elevates the cream-cheese layer; skip the imitation.
- Cool Whip: Store-bought works wonders, but homemade cool whip adds a personal touch.
- Apple Pie Filling: Canned saves prep time, but homemade fried apples would also shine.
- Pecans: Toast them first for a toasty, nutty boost—because crunch matters.
How To Make Apple Lasagna
- Build the Crust. In a bowl, stir graham crumbs, melted butter, and cinnamon. Press into a lined baking dish. Pop it in the freezer while you prep the next layer.
- Whip the Cream-Cheese Layer. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until silky. Fold in half the Cool Whip, then spread evenly over the chilled crust.
- Add the Apple Layer. Spoon apple pie filling into the dish, covering the cream cheese completely.
- Top with Cool Whip. Spread the remaining Cool Whip to create a fluffy top.
- Chill. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours—overnight if you can wait.
- Garnish & Serve. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped pecans and drizzle caramel or butterscotch sauce for extra flair.
Pro Tips & Tricks
- Change out the crust. Stack gingersnaps, vanilla wafers, or even Crumble Cookie Recipe–style crumbs for a flavor twist.
- Cut neat slices. Freeze your dessert for an hour, then slice with a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts.
- Line the pan. Parchment paper makes lifting the whole lasagna foolproof.
- Use room-temperature ingredients. They blend faster and give a smoother final texture.
- Don’t skimp on chilling time. At least four hours ensures clean layers—no mushy mess when you slice.
Wondering about storage? Simply tuck the leftovers into an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. And yes, you can transform this into a No Bake Apple Dessert freezer treat—just wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight for best results.
If you’re mapping out Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas, this layered beauty deserves a spot on your dessert table. It’s simple enough for beginners yet elegant enough to earn you compliments from your most discerning guests.
So ditch the springform pan, skip the water bath, and embrace this no-stress, flavor-packed Apple Lasagna Dessert. Your taste buds—and your schedule—will thank you. Who said fall baking had to be complicated? Not us. Happy layering! 🍏✨
Print
Apple Lasagna Dessert – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12
Description
This indulgent no-bake treat layers a buttery graham-crumb foundation, a smooth cream-cheese filling, fluffy whipped topping, hearty apple pie spoonfuls, and toasted pecan crunch. Packed with autumn flavors yet simple to pull together!
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tbsp packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Cream-Cheese Center
- 8 oz block-style cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 8 oz thawed Cool Whip (half the container)
Toppings
- 2 (21-oz) cans apple pie filling
- 8 oz Cool Whip (remaining half)
- ¼ cup pecans, chopped and lightly toasted
Instructions
- Press the Crust: In a medium bowl, stir graham crumbs with brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until moistened. Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a 13×9-inch pan. Pop it in the freezer to set while you prep the filling.
- Whip the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until velvety (about 2–3 minutes). Gently fold in 8 oz of Cool Whip until fully incorporated. Spread this layer over the chilled crust.
- Layer the Apples: Spoon the apple pie filling evenly over the cream-cheese mixture, making sure each corner gets its share of fruit.
- Top & Chill: Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the apples. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow layers to firm up.
- Finish & Serve: Right before serving, sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top for a delightful crunch. Keep slices cold for best texture.
Notes
Pro Tips & Variations
- Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: Always soften block-style cream cheese—tub varieties won’t give you the same richness.
- DIY Whipped Topping: Swap store-bought Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream if you prefer fresh ingredients.
- Caramel Drizzle: Elevate each square with a swirl of caramel sauce just before serving.
- Crust Swap: For extra sweetness, replace graham crumbs with crushed Golden Oreos or vanilla wafers.
- Clean Cuts: Chill the dessert for an extra hour or freeze briefly, and slice with a sharp knife wiped between cuts.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Keep covered for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic, then foil, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1slice
- Calories: 207kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 139mg
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g