Apple Lasagna Dessert might sound like something dreamed up at 2 AM during a snack attack, but trust me—this dreamy, creamy, layered masterpiece is about to become your new obsession. Picture this: buttery graham cracker crust → fluffy cream cheese layer → sweet apple filling → cloud-like Cool Whip → crunchy pecans → optional caramel drizzle. No oven required… and zero stress. Yes, you read that right—this is a No Bake Apple Dessert that tastes like fall wrapped in a cozy sweater.
Grab a fork. Things are about to get delicious.
What Makes This Apple Lasagna Dessert So Irresistible?
Imagine a dessert that feels like apple pie met a layered lush dessert and said, “Let’s level up.” That’s what this is—rich, indulgent, and wildly simple. When warm weather starts fading and the air smells like leaves and cinnamon, this becomes a go-to Easy Fall Dessert Recipe.
Here’s why everyone loses their minds over this recipe:
- Zero baking. No oven blasting heat. No checking timers. No stress.
- Layers of textures. Crunchy graham crust + silky cream cheese + chunky apple filling = perfection.
- Crowd-pleaser energy. Whether you’re searching for Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas or you just want something fun for a weeknight, this checks every box.
And honestly, it’s so simple that even someone who claims to “only cook toast” can pull it off.
A Little Backstory
The first time I made this, I had grand plans to bake a whole pie. Then I remembered: baking pies = commitment. And sometimes we just want instant gratification.
Enter: dessert lasagna.
Once I realized I could layer goodies into a pan and call it lasagna, I never looked back. The apple version became the star because:
- Apple pie filling is cozy and nostalgic.
- Graham crackers are universally loved.
- Cream cheese and Cool Whip are the definition of fluffy luxury.
My family now requests this every year. It has officially joined the ranks of Fall Thanksgiving Desserts, right next to the pumpkin pie that always disappears way too fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need + Quick Notes
Think of this section as your VIP guide to choosing the right ingredients—nothing fancy, just smart swaps and helpful nudges.
Graham Cracker Crust (Your Dessert Foundation)
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – Classic, buttery sweetness. You can pulse whole graham crackers or use store-bought crumbs. If you want to get playful, Golden Oreos or gingersnaps also work for Dessert With Graham Crackers textures.
- Cinnamon – Adds a warm, “apple pie just walked in the room” flavor.
- Unsalted Butter – Helps the crust hold together. Melted butter = magic glue.
Cream Cheese Layer
- Cream Cheese – Use the block-style cream cheese so it whips up smooth and creamy.
- Sugar – Just enough to sweeten.
- Vanilla Extract – Always go pure if you can.
Whipped Layer
- Cool Whip – Fast and reliable. Want to impress? Make homemade whipped cream.
Apple Layer
- Apple Pie Filling – Thick, chunky, and saves you from peeling apples for 30 minutes.
- Pecans – Toasting them makes a BIG difference. You’ll get that nutty depth of flavor without extra effort.

How To Make Apple Lasagna
Follow this simple flow and you’ll be eating dessert in no time.
🥣 Step-By-Step
- Build the crust.
Mix graham cracker crumbs, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press into a baking dish. Pop it in the freezer to firm up. - Make the creamy layer.
Blend cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in half the Cool Whip. Spread over the crust. - Add the apple layer.
Gently spoon apple pie filling on top. - Finish with whipped topping.
Spread remaining Cool Whip over the apple layer. - Chill.
Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours so the layers set. If you rush this part, the layers may slide like a dessert avalanche.
Bold Tip: Don’t skip the chill time. Let the layers firm up completely for neat, clean slices.
Once chilled, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top, maybe drizzle caramel, and that’s it. Dessert success achieved.
Why Apple Delight Is the Ultimate No-Bake Star
When you’re hunting for desserts that scream fall without turning on the oven, this recipe is the answer. Skip the stress of dough, rolling, baking, and cooling. Instead, you get all the cozy vibes of Fall Pie Recipes Thanksgiving people crave.
The secret sauce (besides caramel)? Everything is layered.
Layering makes every bite loaded with flavor—no dry spots, no uneven distribution. Perfect balance, every.single.time.
Bold Tip: Room-temperature cream cheese mixes faster and smoother. Your wrist will thank you.
Apple Lasagna Dessert Ingredient List (Quick Look)
Here’s a quick breakdown so you can snapshot it:
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Cinnamon
- Melted unsalted butter
- Cream cheese (block style)
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Cool Whip
- Apple pie filling
- Pecans
- Optional: caramel sauce or butterscotch drizzle
If you can open a container and stir, you can make this. IMO, this recipe is foolproof.
Variations You’ve Gotta Try
Want to remix this recipe like a dessert DJ? Try any of these twists:
- Swap graham crackers for gingerbread cookies → perfect for winter.
- Use maple syrup drizzle instead of caramel.
- Add thinly sliced apples between layers for extra texture.
- Make mini mason jar versions for Thanksgiving DIY Desserts.
Bold Tip: If you’re serving a crowd, double the recipe and use a 9×13 pan.
Best Way to Serve Your Apple Lasagna Dessert
Serve it cold. Always cold.
When chilled properly, the slices hold their shape and the layers stay distinct and gorgeous. It’s dreamy on its own, but if you want to go full “chef kiss,” add:
- A drizzle of caramel
- Extra pecans on top
- Cinnamon sprinkle
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side
Is this extra? Absolutely.
Is it worth it? Also absolutely.
Storage + Leftovers
This dessert stores beautifully, which makes it ideal for prepping ahead of big gatherings.
How to Store How Long It Lasts Refrigerated (covered tightly) Up to 4 days Freezer (wrapped well) Up to 1 month
Bold Tip: Freeze for 1 hour before slicing if you want perfect picture-worthy squares.

FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep. Assemble it the night before. It sets even better overnight.
Q: Can I swap the Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream?
Definitely. Just don’t overwhip it—you want fluffy, not stiff.
Q: What if I don’t like pecans?
Skip them or use walnuts, almonds, or crushed pretzels for a salty twist.
Q: Can I use fresh apples instead of filling?
Sure! Just cook them down with butter, sugar, and cinnamon first so they soften and thicken.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Lasagna Dessert is the perfect storm of ease + flavor + that cozy fall feeling. It’s quick, impressive, and always a hit. Whether you’re making it for a casual get-together or using it to outshine every pie on the table during Thanksgiving Dessert Ideas, it brings the wow factor with zero stress.
And honestly?
After one bite, you’ll understand why this no-bake wonder becomes a tradition.
Save it, share it, pin it, make it again and again.
Your oven won’t miss you. Print
Apple Lasagna Dessert – This No-Bake Apple Delight Is Shockingly Delicious
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This layered apple treat is pure magic in every bite. A sweet, buttery graham crust sets the base, followed by a silky cream cheese layer, fluffy whipped topping, juicy apple pie filling, and a sprinkle of crunchy pecans. It’s rich, luscious, and comes together without ever turning on the oven.
Ingredients
Crust Layer
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 7 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
Creamy Middle Layer
- One 8-ounce block of softened cream cheese
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 ounces Cool Whip, thawed and divided
Topping Layer
- Two 21-ounce cans apple pie filling
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Start with the crust.
- In a bowl, mix the graham crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until everything looks evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 13×9-inch dish—use the bottom of a cup to pack it down tightly. Slide the dish into the freezer while you prepare the next step so the crust firms up.
- Make the creamy layer.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until completely smooth and fluffy. This should take about 2–3 minutes. Gently fold in half of the Cool Whip and spread this mixture evenly over the cold crust.
- Add the apple topping.
- Spoon the apple pie filling across the cream cheese layer, making sure to distribute the apples so every bite gets a little fruit.
- Finish with whipped topping.
- Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours—or overnight for the cleanest slices.
- Garnish and serve.
- Right before serving, sprinkle chopped pecans over the top for crunch. Keep it chilled and serve cold.
Notes
- Use softened block-style cream cheese. Tub-style spreads won’t set up properly.
- Want a lighter option? Try making your own whipped topping instead of using store-bought Cool Whip.
- A drizzle of caramel right before serving makes this dessert taste like caramel apple heaven.
- Swap the graham crackers for Golden Oreos or vanilla wafers if you want a sweeter crust.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 207 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 139 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g


