Apple Pie Parfaits
Easy Apple Pie Parfaits are layered with homemade apple pie filling, fluffy whipped cream, crunchy granola, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
These Apple Pie Parfaits are a quick and cosy dessert that delivers all the warm, spiced flavour of apple pie – no baking required. With layers of soft cinnamon apples, billowy whipped cream, a crunchy granola topping, and a final drizzle of caramel sauce, each spoonful offers a satisfying mix of textures and sweetness.
They’re ideal for entertaining or weeknight treats, and can be made ahead and assembled just before serving. Whether you’re looking for a fun fall dessert or just something simple and crowd-pleasing, these parfaits tick every box.
Tips for Best Results
- Use the right apples: A firm, slightly tart variety like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady holds up well when cooked and gives a balanced flavour.
- Cool the filling completely: Let the apple pie filling cool before layering – this keeps the whipped cream from melting.
- Keep whipped cream cold: Use chilled heavy cream and beat just to soft peaks for a light, fluffy texture.
- Assemble just before serving: To keep the granola crisp and the layers neat, assemble the parfaits close to serving time. If making ahead, wait to add granola and caramel until just before serving.
- Serve in clear glasses: Show off the layers in glass jars or tumblers for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Apples – Use 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced. A mix of tart and sweet apples adds depth, but any firm baking variety will do.
- Butter – Unsalted butter adds richness to the filling. You can substitute salted butter if needed.
- Brown Sugar – Adds caramel notes and enhances the warm spices. Light brown sugar is ideal, but dark brown sugar will work for a deeper molasses flavour.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Classic apple pie spices. Feel free to adjust to taste or add a pinch of allspice or cloves for extra warmth.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the filling and balances sweetness. Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled works in a pinch.
- Water – Added to help cook down the apples gently and evenly.
- Tapioca Flour – Thickens the apple pie filling without leaving a starchy aftertaste. You can substitute with cornstarch in the same amount if preferred.
- Heavy Cream – For making fresh whipped cream. You could substitute with whipped topping for convenience, but the texture and flavour of real whipped cream are worth the effort.
- Icing Sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream and helps give it some body.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds a touch of flavour to the whipped cream. Optional, but recommended.
- Granola – Use a crunchy granola with cinnamon, nuts, or maple flavouring to enhance the apple pie vibe. Avoid ones with too much dried fruit as it can overpower the other elements.
- Caramel Sauce – Adds a final indulgent flourish. Use store-bought or homemade caramel; salted caramel works especially well for contrast.
Looking for More Apple Dessert Recipes
Check out more of my favourite apple desserts!
A classic, old fashioned apple crisp recipe, made with fresh apples and a crispy oat topping. It’s simple, delicious and sure to please!
Inspired by classic apple pie, these apple filled donuts are fried to golden perfection and tossed in cinnamon sugar for a sweet finish.
A delicious apple dump cake recipe that is easy to prepare and makes a great fall dessert served warm with ice cream and caramel sauce!
Apple Pie Parfaits
Yields: 4 servings | Prep time: 25 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (e.g., Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon tapioca flour (also called tapioca starch)
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons icing sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
To Assemble:
- 1/2 cup granola (plain or cinnamon-flavoured)
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce, for drizzling
Directions:
Make the Apple Pie Filling:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and ½ cup of water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring often, until the apples are just tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk the tapioca flour with a tablespoon of water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the apple mixture and continue to cook for 2–3 more minutes, until the filling thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. For faster cooling, spread the filling on a plate and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes.
Whip the Cream:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy cream with icing sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Chill until ready to use.
Assemble the Parfaits:
- In 4 small glasses or jars, layer:
- A spoonful of whipped cream
- A layer of apple pie filling
- Another layer of whipped cream
- Another layer of apple pie filling
- Top with a final swirl of whipped cream
- Sprinkle with granola and drizzle with caramel sauce
Serve or Chill:
- Serve right away, or refrigerate (without the granola and caramel) for up to 2 hours. Add the toppings just before serving to keep the granola crisp.
Apple Pie Parfaits
Easy Apple Pie Parfaits are layered with homemade apple pie filling, fluffy whipped cream, crunchy granola, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Ingredients
For the Apple Pie Filling:
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (e.g., Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon tapioca flour (also called tapioca starch)
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons icing sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
To Assemble:
- 1/2 cup granola (plain or cinnamon-flavoured)
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
1. Make the Apple Pie Filling:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and ½ cup of water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring often, until the apples are just tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk the tapioca flour with a tablespoon of water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the apple mixture and continue to cook for 2–3 more minutes, until the filling thickens and becomes glossy.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely. For faster cooling, spread the filling on a plate and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes.
2. Whip the Cream:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy cream with icing sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Chill until ready to use.
3. Assemble the Parfaits:
- In 4 small glasses or jars, layer:
- A spoonful of whipped cream
- A layer of apple pie filling
- Another layer of whipped cream
- Another layer of apple pie filling
- Top with a final swirl of whipped cream
- Sprinkle with granola and drizzle with caramel sauce
4. Serve or Chill:
- Serve right away, or refrigerate (without the granola and caramel) for up to 2 hours. Add the toppings just before serving to keep the granola crisp.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 506Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 97mgCarbohydrates: 56gFiber: 5gSugar: 45gProtein: 4g
This information is provided as a courtesy and for entertainment purposes only. This information comes from online calculators. Although frugalmomeh.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
