Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie
Imagine the classic flavors of a snickerdoodle cookie, creamy cheesecake, and spiced apple pie all coming together in one delightful dessert. That’s what you get with a Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie! This pie is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it an instant hit at any gathering or family dinner. If you love the comforting taste of cinnamon, the richness of cream cheese, and the tart sweetness of apples, this recipe is for you.
Preparation Steps
Making the Snickerdoodle Crust
Start by preparing the snickerdoodle crust. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Layer
For the cream cheese layer, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the snickerdoodle crust.
Preparing the Apple Filling
Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin slices. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with granulated sugar, light brown sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and all-purpose flour until the apples are well coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Combining Layers
Carefully layer the prepared apple filling over the cream cheese layer in the pie dish. Make sure the apples are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
Baking Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. Check the pie occasionally to ensure it doesn’t overbake.
Serving Suggestions
Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set properly. Serve the Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie warm or at room temperature, garnished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on top.
Health Considerations
Nutritional Information
This pie is rich and indulgent, providing a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, and sugars. For those looking to lighten it up, consider the following tips.
Tips for a Healthier Version
To make this dessert a bit healthier, you can use a whole wheat flour blend for the crust, reduce the sugar amounts slightly, and opt for a low-fat cream cheese.
Flavor Variations
Using Different Types of Apples
Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties such as Fuji, Braeburn, or Golden Delicious. Each type will add a unique flavor profile to your pie.
Adding Nuts or Caramel
For extra crunch and flavor, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple filling. You can also drizzle caramel sauce over the top for a decadent finish.
Tips for Perfect Pies
Best Practices
Ensure your ingredients, especially the butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture. Also, don’t skip the lemon juice in the apple filling; it helps to balance the sweetness and prevent the apples from browning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overmixing the crust dough to keep it tender. Also, make sure your cream cheese layer is smooth and even to prevent uneven baking.
Storage and Reheating
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This pie can also be frozen for up to two months. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
Best Ways to Reheat Without Losing Flavor
Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps retain the pie’s texture better than microwaving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble the pie a day ahead and bake it when ready to serve.
What type of apples works best?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal for baking due to their firmness and tart flavor.
Can you use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, a store-bought crust can save time. Just add the snickerdoodle ingredients to it for the same flavor profile.
How to make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
How to keep the pie from getting soggy?
Ensure the apples are well-coated with flour to absorb excess moisture and bake until the crust is golden and set.
Conclusion
The Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie is a delightful fusion of three classic desserts that will wow your taste buds and impress your guests. With its layers of snickerdoodle crust, creamy cheesecake, and spiced apple filling, this pie is a true treat. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, it’s sure to become a favorite. Happy baking!
Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie
Imagine the classic flavors of a snickerdoodle cookie, creamy cheesecake, and spiced apple pie all coming together in one delightful dessert. That's what you get with a Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie! This pie is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it an instant hit at any gathering or family dinner. If you love the comforting taste of cinnamon, the richness of cream cheese, and the tart sweetness of apples, this recipe is for you.
Ingredients
- one-1lb 1.5 oz pouch Snickerdoodle Cookie Mix
- 1/2 cup butter,softened
- Cream Cheese Filling:
- 1 eight ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 Tablespoon flour
- 1 Teaspoon vanilla
- 1 egg
- 11/4 cups apple pie filling, chopped
- 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 inch glass pie plate.
Place the pouch of cookie mix into a large bowl. Add the 1/2 cup butter, work with a pastry blender until you have crumbs. Press about 2 cups of the crumbs into to the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate. Bake 10 minutes. Set aside.
Add 1 Tablespoon melted butter to the remaining crumbs, toss to combine.
Beat the cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth, add the sugar and flour. Mix until well incorporated. Add vanilla and egg, beat until the batter is smooth.
Place the apple pie filling into a small bowl, add the 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon, stir to combine.
Spread the creamed cheese mixture into the bottom of the cookie crust. Spoon the chopped up canned apples over the cream cheese layer. Try to get more of the apple and less of the thickened filling onto the top of the cream cheese.
Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the apples evenly. Bake about 35 minutes or until top is golden brown. Let cool completely, refrigerate the pie at least 3 hours before serving.