Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie is a decadent dessert that combines the best of three worlds: creamy cheesecake, warm spiced apple pie, and the sweet cinnamon-sugar flavors of snickerdoodles. This pie is perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or whenever you’re in the mood for a unique and comforting dessert. The combination of creamy filling, tart apples, and a snickerdoodle-inspired crust makes it an unforgettable treat.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes & Tips
- Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Introduction
If you love apple pie, cheesecake, and snickerdoodle cookies, then this Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie is the dessert for you. With a layer of tangy cream cheese, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a snickerdoodle-inspired crust, this pie has layers of texture and flavor that are simply irresistible. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert for fall, combining all the flavors we love during the cooler months.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling
- 3 cups thinly sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or springform pan.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the melted butter and egg until well combined. Press the dough evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish to form the crust.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated. Arrange the apple slices evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crust is golden brown. Let the pie cool to room temperature before slicing.
- Serve: Serve the pie at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy!
Cook Notes & Tips
- Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples are perfect for this recipe because their tartness balances the sweetness of the pie. Honeycrisp apples also work well for a sweeter option.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese and egg are at room temperature for the cream cheese layer to ensure a smooth texture.
- Storage: Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Variations
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the pie before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
- Pecan Topping: Add chopped pecans to the topping mixture for a nutty crunch.
- Gingersnap Crust: Use crushed gingersnap cookies instead of flour for the crust for a spicier flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make this pie a day in advance. It keeps well in the refrigerator and the flavors actually meld together beautifully overnight.
2. Can I Use Store-Bought Pie Crust?
For this recipe, a snickerdoodle-inspired crust is what makes it unique, but you can use a store-bought crust if you’re in a pinch. The texture and flavor will be different but still delicious.
3. How Do I Prevent a Soggy Crust?
To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to bake the pie until the crust is golden brown, and let the pie cool completely before cutting into it. This helps set the layers.
Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie is a deliciously unique twist on classic apple pie. With its creamy cheesecake layer, tender spiced apples, and snickerdoodle-inspired crust, it’s a dessert that will impress anyone who tries it. This pie is perfect for holiday gatherings or whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet and comforting.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the amazing combination of cream cheese, apples, and snickerdoodle flavors in every bite!
Happy Baking!