Ah, the sweet aroma of a freshly baked apple pie! It brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy afternoons in the kitchen. But let’s be honest—sometimes we crave the indulgence of dessert without the fuss of baking. That’s where this brilliant No-Bake Oatmeal Apple Pie Lasagna comes into play! It’s like a dreamy, layered love letter to autumn flavors, all without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. Seriously, you’ll be amazed at how easily you can whip up this delicious treat. Not to mention, no oven? Sign me up!
I stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly busy week (if I recall, I had three events back-to-back), and let me tell you, it was a game changer! The combination of creamy vanilla filling, spiced apples, and a chewy oatmeal crust had my family raving, and they didn’t even know it took me less than an hour to prepare! Trust me; this no-bake delight is a keeper.
What’s in No-Bake Oatmeal Apple Pie Lasagna?
Let’s break down what makes this dessert so special:
Old-Fashioned Oats: The star of our crust! These oats provide a hearty base that’s sweet and chewy, perfect for holding all those delicious layers together.
Brown Sugar: This adds a lovely depth of flavor to our crust. I love using light brown sugar, but dark brown works too if you fancy a stronger flavor.
Unsalted Butter: The glue that holds the crust together, adding that rich flavor we all love in dessert.
Medium Apples: I prefer Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweetness beautifully. Feel free to mix in some Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter bite!
Granulated Sugar & Ground Cinnamon: These are the magic workers in the apple layer, making each bite taste like autumn.
Lemon Juice: This brightens up the apple layer and prevents browning. A little acidity goes a long way!
Cream Cheese: We’re creating a luxuriously creamy filling, and cream cheese is key for that rich taste and texture.
Powdered Sugar: A must for that sweet touch in our filling—turns your cream cheese velvety smooth!
Whipped Cream: Light, airy, and fluffy, it takes our filling to a whole new level. I usually whip my own, but store-bought works too.
Caramel Sauce & Pecans: These toppings bring a delightful finish to our dish, adding crunch and that gooey sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Is No-Bake Oatmeal Apple Pie Lasagna Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health aspects! While this dessert is a treat, it does have some redeeming qualities:
Oats: These little powerhouses are full of fiber, which means they can help keep you fuller for longer—yay for that!
Apples: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, apples are the star ingredient, adding natural sweetness and essential nutrients.
Cream Cheese: While it’s not the lightest ingredient, cream cheese does have calcium. Consider using a low-fat version to cut back on calories without sacrificing creaminess.
Just remember, moderation is key! This dessert is an indulgence, and that’s what makes it special.
Ingredients
– 2 cups old-fashioned oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3 medium apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy cream, whipped until soft peaks form
– Whipped cream (for topping)
– Caramel sauce (for drizzling)
– 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe serves about 12 and is sure to make everyone’s taste buds sing!
How to Make No-Bake Oatmeal Apple Pie Lasagna?
1. **Make the Oatmeal Crust:** In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt until thoroughly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create an even layer.
2. **Prepare the Apple Layer:** Toss your sliced apples in a bowl with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes. This not only softens them but also makes them super juicy!
3. **Prepare the Creamy Vanilla Filling:** Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. Gently fold in your whipped cream until you have a light and fluffy filling.
4. **Assemble the Lasagna:** Spread half of the creamy filling over the oatmeal crust. Layer half of your apple mixture on top. Repeat the process with the remaining filling and the rest of the apple mixture, finishing with a layer of the oatmeal crust.
5. **Chill:** Cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours—or, if you can resist, overnight to let the flavors meld beautifully.
6. **Serve:** Before serving, add whipped cream on top, drizzle with caramel sauce, and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Slice into squares and dive into this deliciousness!
Sweet Variations and Serving Suggestions
– If you want to mix things up, try using pears or a medley of fruits instead of just apples.
– Toss in some lemon zest to your apple layer for an extra zing of flavor!
– This dessert can be made a day ahead, giving it more time to set and enhance the flavors. Just make sure to keep it covered in the fridge!
I truly can’t wait for you to try this No-Bake Oatmeal Apple Pie Lasagna! It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Don’t forget to come back and share how it turned out! Happy cooking!
