Description
Apple Crisp Pie with Cream Cheese
Ingredients :
Crust:
1 premade or homemade pie crust
Cream Cheese Layer:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Filling:
5-6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
Crisp Topping:
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup brown sugar
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ cup butter, melted
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spread evenly over the bottom of the pie crust.
In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Layer apples over the cream cheese layer.
In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apples.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the apples are tender.
Cool slightly before serving, and enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Kcal: 380 per serving | Servings: 8
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect pie. First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the cream cheese and egg, for a smooth, lump-free layer. Blind bake your pie crust for 10 minutes at 350°F to prevent a soggy bottom; simply line the crust with parchment and fill with pie weights or dried beans. After spreading the cream cheese mixture, arrange the apple slices in concentric, tightly packed circles rather than dumping them in. This ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation. When making the crisp topping, use your fingers to combine the melted butter with the dry ingredients until large, pea-sized clumps form for optimal texture.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is delicious warm, at room temperature, or chilled. For the ultimate experience, serve a warm slice with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce are excellent alternatives. For a festive touch, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices fried in butter and sugar.
How-to Summary
This Apple Crisp Pie with Cream Cheese combines three distinct layers: a par-baked crust, a smooth cream cheese base, a spiced apple filling, and a buttery oat topping. The key steps are preparing and partially baking the crust, mixing the simple cream cheese layer, tossing the apples with spices, and creating the crumbly crisp topping before baking until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes. You can assemble the entire pie, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
2. What are the best apples to use? Use a mix of firm, tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a balanced flavor and texture that holds up during baking.
3. My cream cheese layer is lumpy. How can I fix this? Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened. Beat it alone first until smooth before adding the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Using an electric mixer is highly recommended.
4. Can I freeze this pie? You can freeze the baked and cooled pie for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a warm oven before serving.
5. Is there a substitute for rolled oats in the topping? For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Alternatively, you can use all flour, though the texture will be less crisp.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls: Do not skip pre-baking (blind baking) the crust, as the creamy filling can make it soggy. Do not slice the apples too thinly; they should be about 1/4-inch thick so they don’t turn to mush. Do not overmix the crisp topping; it should be clumpy, not a uniform paste. Finally, allow the pie to cool for at least 1-2 hours before slicing so the layers can set properly.
Conclusion
This Apple Crisp Pie with Cream Cheese is a show-stopping dessert that masterfully combines creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common errors, you’ll create a reliably delicious pie perfect for any occasion. Its crowd-pleasing flavor and elegant layers are sure to earn it a permanent spot in your recipe collection.