Apple Lasagna Recipe
This no-bake Apple Lasagna is a deliciously different way to enjoy the flavors of a classic fall dessert. Layers of cinnamon-spiced apples, graham crackers, and creamy vegan cheesecake mousse come together in a chilled dessert that is rich, soft, and full of apple flavor.
The finishing touches make it especially festive. Homemade vegan toffee adds a crisp chocolate-covered crunch, while a drizzle of caramel brings extra sweetness. Since the entire dessert can be assembled ahead and chilled overnight, it is a great choice for Thanksgiving, holiday gatherings, and fall entertaining.
What Makes Apple Lasagna Different
Traditional lasagna may be savory, but this dessert follows the same basic idea: build distinct layers that become something completely different once they rest together.
Here, the graham crackers gradually soften in the creamy mousse, while the spiced apples add tender pieces throughout the dessert. After several hours in the refrigerator, the layers become soft enough to slice while still retaining enough structure to serve neatly.
The overnight chilling option is particularly useful because it gives the graham crackers more time to absorb moisture and develop a cake-like texture.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Apples: Fresh apples form the fruity center of the dessert and become tender and warmly spiced during cooking.
- Graham crackers: They create the signature lasagna-style layers and soften as they chill with the cheesecake mousse.
- Vegan cream cheese: Provides the rich, tangy cheesecake flavor and creamy base for the mousse.
- Vegan whipped cream: Lightens the cream cheese mixture and gives the mousse its soft, fluffy texture.
- Pumpkin-style fall spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg add warmth and complement the apples beautifully.
- Brown sugar and maple syrup: Sweeten the apples while adding a deeper caramel-like flavor.
- Brandy: Adds subtle depth to the cooked apples. It can be replaced with apple juice or water for an alcohol-free version.
- Vegan lactic acid: Adds a slight tang to the cheesecake mousse, helping it taste more like traditional cheesecake.
- Vegan toffee: An optional crunchy topping that adds buttery sweetness and chocolate flavor.
- Caramel: An optional finishing drizzle that makes the dessert even more indulgent.
Apple Lasagna
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula
- 9 × 9-inch baking pan
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Sheet pan
- Silicone baking mat or lightly greased sheet pan
Ingredients
- 1 box Nabisco Graham Crackers using about 2½ packages
For the Apples
- 4 medium apples
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 tablespoons brandy
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
For the Cream Cheese Mousse
- 16 ounces vegan cream cheese
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar sifted
- 2 cups vegan whipped cream
- 1 teaspoon vegan lactic acid
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Caramel
- caramel as needed
Optional Vegan Toffee
- 8 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegan chocolate
Instructions
- Peel and core the apples, then slice them about ¼–⅛ inch thick. Melt the vegan butter in a large skillet over high heat, then add the apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring often, for 5–10 minutes.
- Add the brandy and maple syrup and continue cooking until the apples are tender but not mushy, about 15 minutes total. Remove from the heat and cool completely.
- Prepare the vegan whipped cream, measuring 3 full cups once fully whipped, and refrigerate while preparing the mousse. In a large bowl, combine the vegan cream cheese, sifted confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and lactic acid by hand. Fold in the whipped cream.
- In an ungreased 9 × 9-inch baking pan, arrange a layer of graham crackers. Spread with ⅓ of the mousse and half of the apples. Repeat with another layer of graham crackers, ⅓ of the mousse, and the remaining apples. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers and the remaining mousse.
- Sprinkle the top with the optional vegan toffee and drizzle with caramel if desired. Refrigerate for 3–4 hours before serving. For the best texture, it can be refrigerated overnight.
Optional Vegan Toffee
- Heat the vegan butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan until almost melted. Add the sugar and salt and stir as it dissolves.
- Continue heating, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches 305°F on a candy thermometer, about 10 minutes. Carefully pour onto a lightly greased sheet pan or silicone mat and cool for about 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle the vegan chocolate over the warm toffee and spread it thin. Let it cool completely until the chocolate is set, then break it into small pieces.
Notes
- For an alcohol-free version, omit the brandy and deglaze the apples with apple juice or water.
- Apple cider vinegar can replace the vegan lactic acid in the same amount.
- Any brand of vegan cream cheese can be used for this no-bake dessert.
- Keep the Apple Lasagna refrigerated. It stays fresh for up to 5 days
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 59 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
Nutrition is an estimate and may vary depending on the vegan cream cheese, whipped cream, graham crackers, caramel, and other optional toppings used.
The Crunchy Vegan Toffee Topping
The homemade vegan toffee is optional, but it adds a texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft mousse and apples.
Heat vegan butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan until almost melted. Add the sugar and salt, stirring as they dissolve.
Continue heating and stirring occasionally until the mixture reaches 305°F on a candy thermometer. This takes about 10 minutes.
Carefully pour the hot toffee onto a lightly greased sheet pan or silicone mat. After about 5 minutes, sprinkle the vegan chocolate over the warm surface and spread it thin.
Let it cool completely before breaking it into small pieces.
Be very careful when handling the hot toffee. Sugar syrup at this temperature can cause serious burns.
How to Get Clean Slices
For the neatest presentation, make sure the Apple Lasagna is thoroughly chilled before cutting. Overnight refrigeration is ideal.
Use a sharp knife and wipe the blade clean between cuts if you want particularly tidy layers. Since the dessert is soft and creamy, avoid pressing down heavily as you slice.
The graham crackers should be noticeably softened after chilling, giving each serving a texture somewhere between a cheesecake and a chilled layered cake.
Try More Dessert Recipes
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Balls
- Dolly Parton’s Butternut Scotch Pie
- Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies
- Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake
- Fruit Pizza Cookies
Make-Ahead and Storage
Apple Lasagna should be kept refrigerated. It stays fresh for up to 5 days.
The dessert can also be prepared the night before serving. In fact, overnight refrigeration is recommended for the best texture.
If using vegan toffee, keep in mind that its crisp texture can soften somewhat after sitting on the chilled dessert. For maximum crunch, you can add some of the toffee closer to serving time.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make Apple Lasagna without brandy?
Yes. Omit the brandy and deglaze the apples with apple juice or water. - Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes. It can be assembled several hours ahead and refrigerated for 3 to 4 hours. For the best texture, refrigerate it overnight. - Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of vegan lactic acid?
Yes. The apple cider vinegar can replace the vegan lactic acid in the same amount. - Does Apple Lasagna need to be baked?
No. This is a completely no-bake dessert. The apples are cooked separately, but the assembled dessert is simply refrigerated until set. - How long does Apple Lasagna keep?
Keep it refrigerated and use it within 5 days. - Can I leave off the vegan toffee?
Absolutely. The toffee is optional. The dessert still has plenty of flavor from the spiced apples, cheesecake mousse, graham crackers, and optional caramel. - Why does the recipe call for 3 cups of whipped cream?
The recipe specifies 3 full cups after the vegan cream has been whipped. This is different from measuring 2 cups of liquid cream before whipping, so measure the whipped cream after it reaches its full volume.
