This is from TOH and I think would make a great summer dessert for the family. I'd tweak it a bit - adding and deleting as your family likes, but the general idea, flavor and presentation is fabulous. I use a glass trifle bowl for my desserts but you can use a punch bowl or similar... whatever you have!
Caramel Apple Trifle
1 pkg. (18 1/4 oz) yellow cake mix
6 cups cold milk
3 pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix(3.4 oz)
1 teaspoon apple pie spice
1 jar(12 1/4 oz.) caramel ice cream topping
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans, toasted
2 cans(21 oz each) apple pie filling
2 cartons (16 oz. each) frozen whipped topping, thawed
Prepare and bake cake according to package directions, using two greased 9 inch round pans. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely.
In a large bowl, whisk milk, pudding mixes and apple pie spice for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set.
Cut one cake layer if necessary to fit evenly into an 8 quart punch bowl. Poke holes in the cake with a long wooden skewer; gradually pour a third of the caramel topping over cake. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup pecans and spread with half the pudding mixture. Spoon one can of apple pie filling over pudding; spread with one carton of whipped topping.
Top with remaining cake and repeat layers. Drizzle with remaining caramel topping and sprinkle with remaining pecans. Refrigerate until serving. Yield: 42 servings. (3/4 cup each)
