No-Bake Caramel Apple Delight

Step 1

Place 8 ounces cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer (or large bowl if using an electric hand mixer). Let sit at room temperature until softened, about 45 minutes. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with 2 sheets of parchment paper, positioning them perpendicular to each other, so that the parchment hangs about 2 inches over all 4 sides of the pan to form a sling.

Step 2

Melt 1 stick unsalted butter in a small microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts until mostly melted, 40 to 60 seconds total (it will melt completely as it sits). (Alternatively, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.) Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3

Break 12 whole graham cracker sheets into rough pieces and place in a food processor fitted with a blade attachment. Add 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of the kosher salt. Process until the crackers are the texture of sand, about 15 seconds. Add the butter and pulse to combine, 6 to 8 (1-second) pulses. (If using graham cracker crumbs, just stir 1 1/2 cups crumbs and the butter together in a medium bowl.)

Step 4

Transfer the mixture to the baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to press the crumbs into an even layer, making sure to reach the edges and fill the corners. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.

Step 5

Add 1/4 cup of the powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt to the cream cheese. Beat with the paddle attachment on medium speed until light and very fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 6

Place 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream and the remaining 1/4 cup powdered sugar in a second large bowl. (If using a stand mixer, transfer the cream cheese mixture to a large bowl. Wash and dry the bowl and use it to whip the cream.) Beat with the whisk attachment on high speed until stiff peaks form, 2 to 4 minutes.

Step 7

Transfer 1 cup of whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture and gently fold together with a flexible spatula until just combined. Cover the remaining whipped cream and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 8

Dollop the cream cheese mixture into the baking dish and spread into an even layer. Open 1 can apple pie filling and use kitchen shears to coarsely chop the apple slices. Spoon the filling over the cream cheese mixture and spread into an even layer.

Step 9

Spoon the remaining whipped cream over the apple layer and spread into an even layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.

Step 10

When ready to serve, coarsely chop 1/4 cup pecans and/or 1 chocolate-covered English toffee bar, if using. Grasping the excess parchment, transfer the apple delight slab to a cutting board. Cut into 9 squares, wiping the knife between each cut for cleaner cuts. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons caramel sauce and sprinkle with the pecans and/or toffee.