Caramel Apple Trifle

 I've often said that my very favorite dessert in the whole wide world is an apple pie with ice cream and caramel on top. Mmmm.... apples and caramel... Seriously, is there anything better? So when I saw a recipe for a caramel apple trifle in Taste of Home magazine, I knew it had my name written all over it. Of course, I tweaked it a little, but I used theirs as my inspiration. I made it when Dan and Emma came for dinner and they absolutely loved it!
It's a great do-ahead dessert, it's easy enough for the novice chef because there's no cooking/baking required, it feeds a crowd, and it's perfect for any fall/holiday party. And it's a showstopper! I guarantee lots of OOOs and AAAAHs when everyone sees it!

1 package (8oz) cream cheese, softened
1 jar (12-1/4oz) caramel ice cream topping
Apple pie spice
1 container (12oz) frozen whipped topping
2 cans apple pie filling
2 loaf pound cakes, (10oz each), cut into 1-inch cubes
 
 
 In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in 1/2 cup caramel topping and a little sprinkle of apple pie spice, as much as you like. Fold in 2 cups whipped topping.

In a 3-1/2-qt. trifle bowl or glass serving bowl, layer a third of the cake cubes, cream cheese mixture and apple pie filling. Repeat layers twice. Garnish with remaining whipped topping and drizzle with remaining caramel topping. Sprinkle with additional apple pie spice. Chill until ready to serve.

Tips:

I chopped up the apples a little bit just to make it easier to spread the filling over each layer, and I added a drizzle of caramel over each layer. More is more!! I also didn't do the layers exactly as directed, but it really doesn't matter what order you do. Just be sure to make each layer nice and even around the edges so everyone will see nice clean pretty layers.

Btw, I usually don't mention specific brand names, but my very favorite caramel (other than my own home made) is Mrs. Richardson's Butterscotch Caramel Sauce. It is BY FAR the best. Just sayin!

 Yes, of course, you can do the whole thing from scratch. You can bake a Pound Cake and you can make your own Apple Pie filling and fresh whipped cream and home made caramel, but in this particular instance, I'm fine with going with the time saver method!