Creating your Caramel Apple Trifle is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the vanilla cake mix according to package instructions using eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it into cubes.

2. Prepare the Apples: In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with ground cinnamon and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Set aside to allow them to soak up the flavors.

3. Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer to whip until soft peaks form, resulting in a fluffy whipped cream.

4. Layer the Trifle: Start by placing a layer of cake cubes at the bottom of a large trifle dish. Next, add a generous layer of the caramel-coated apples, followed by a layer of whipped cream. Drizzle some caramel sauce over the whipped cream.

5. Repeat the Layers: Continue layering until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of whipped cream on top.

6. Chill: Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and the cake will absorb some of the moisture from the apples and cream.

7. Serve: Before serving, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts, if desired.

This simple step-by-step method will help you create a show-stopping dessert that everyone will adore. Enjoy the process as much as the final result!