Cheesecake Stuffed Apple Pies are the ultimate indulgence for anyone craving a sweet treat that combines the best of two worlds: creamy cheesecake and golden, flaky apple pie. These delightful pastries bring a sense of nostalgia, evoking memories of family gatherings and cozy afternoons in the kitchen. With their rich filling and perfectly crispy exterior, they’re sure to win over everyone’s hearts. As you sink your teeth into one of these heavenly bites, the textures play off each other beautifully, creating an experience that is both comforting and exciting.
This recipe is not only incredibly appetizing but also surprisingly simple to prepare. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up a batch of these Cheesecake Stuffed Apple Pies, especially if you opt for store-bought dough. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply want to treat yourself, these pies are versatile and can be served warm or at room temperature for any occasion. The combination of sweet apple, creamy cheesecake, and the cinnamon-sugar dusting makes them a crowd favorite. Plus, they can be customized to fit whatever toppings you prefer, making it easy to cater to individual tastes.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Stuffed Apple Pies
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of sweet apples and creamy cheesecake creates a flavor bomb in every bite.
- Easy to Prepare: With store-bought dough, you can have these pies ready in no time!
- Versatile Toppings: Enjoy them plain or get creative with caramel drizzles, powdered sugar, or extra cinnamon-sugar.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve these at parties, holidays, or as a sweet snack anytime.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love these pies, making them a fun family baking activity.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To ensure that your Cheesecake Stuffed Apple Pies turn out perfectly, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen workspace ahead of time. Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a good-quality frying pan for cooking, a saucepan for melting the butter, and a mixing bowl for your cheesecake filling. For optimum success, make sure you also have a fork on hand for sealing your pies and some baking parchment for draining the fried pies afterward. Having everything organized will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 2 chopped apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), skin removed and cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Small bit of nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch stirred with 1 tablespoon water
- 4 ounces room temperature cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla flavoring
- 1 package store-bought pie crusts, biscuit dough, or ready-made empanada wrappers
- Cooking oil for deep frying
- ¼ cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon for sweet coating
- Extra toppings (optional): caramel drizzle or sugar dust
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Begin by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add in the chopped apple chunks. Stir in the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and the optional nutmeg. Cook the apples for around 5 to 7 minutes, allowing them to soften nicely. This process really enhances the sweetness and flavor of the apples. As they cook, keep stirring gently to prevent them from sticking. Once softened, incorporate the cornstarch mixture stirred with water, continuously stirring until the filling thickens slightly. Once done, set aside the apple mixture to cool down.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature cream cheese, white sugar, and vanilla flavoring until it becomes smooth and free of lumps. The cream cheese should be well-blended to ensure a creamy consistency. Once mixed, place it in the fridge for a few minutes. This will help to firm up the filling, making it easier to scoop into the dough later.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough for Pies
Roll out your store-bought dough, biscuit dough, or empanada wrappers on a lightly floured surface until they are about 4 to 5 inches in diameter. It’s important to make uniform circles so that the pie shapes cook evenly. Once you have your circles, place a generous spoonful of the cheesecake mixture in the center of each circle, followed by a spoonful of the cooled apple filling. Be careful not to overfill them, as this can cause them to burst open while frying.
Step 4: Seal and Fry the Pies
To seal the pies, fold the dough over the filling to create half-moons, ensuring that the edges are aligned. Press the edges together firmly; you can use a fork to crimp the edges, adding both a decorative touch and ensuring a tight seal. If you find the edges aren’t sticking well, a little water or beaten egg around the edges can work wonders. Next, heat up 1 to 2 inches of cooking oil in a pan, checking that it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C) before adding your pies. Carefully drop them into the oil, frying until they’re golden brown on both sides—around 2 to 3 minutes each. Remember to monitor them closely to achieve that perfect color.
Place the fried pies on paper towels to drain any excess oil, and while they’re still warm, roll them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for that extra layer of flavor!
Variations
- Protein: Add a hint of cream cheese with cooked diced bacon for a savory twist.
- Vegetables: Incorporate shredded carrots or zucchini into the apple filling for an added nutritional boost.
- Spices: Experiment by adding ginger or cloves in place of cinnamon for a zesty flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature; too low and the pies will soak up excess oil, too high and they may burn.
- Allow the apple filling to cool to prevent the dough from becoming overly soggy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delectable dessert.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle some sea salt for a gourmet touch.
Tips
- To achieve the crispiest exterior, ensure the dough is rolled thin enough and that the oil is adequately hot.
- If you have leftover filling, you can use it as a topping for yogurt or pancakes!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 180 per pie
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 45mg
FAQs
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples are excellent choices due to their sweet-tart flavor profile and firm texture, making them perfect for cooking.
Can I bake these pies instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, brush the pies with melted butter and bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
How do I store leftover stuffed pies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven before serving.
Can I use other fillings?
Absolutely! These pies can be filled with a variety of fruit fillings, chocolate, or even savory mixtures if you desire. Get creative!
Conclusion
These Cheesecake Stuffed Apple Pies are a delightful treat that balances sweetness and creaminess in every bite. They are perfect for any gathering or a simple family dessert at home. With the versatility of ingredients and toppings, you can easily make them your own. So, gather your friends and family for a fun cooking session, and don’t forget to share your experiences and variations with us! We’d love to hear how you enjoyed this recipe!
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Cheesecake Stuffed Apple Pies
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Cheesecake Stuffed Apple Pies are the ultimate indulgence for anyone craving a sweet treat that combines the best of two worlds: creamy cheesecake and golden, flaky apple pie.
Ingredients
- 2 chopped apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), skin removed and cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Small bit of nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch stirred with 1 tablespoon water
- 4 ounces room temperature cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons white sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla flavoring
- 1 package store-bought pie crusts, biscuit dough, or ready-made empanada wrappers
- Cooking oil for deep frying
- ¼ cup sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon cinnamon for sweet coating
- Extra toppings (optional): caramel drizzle or sugar dust
Instructions
- Begin by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add in the chopped apple chunks. Stir in the light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and the optional nutmeg. Cook the apples for around 5 to 7 minutes, allowing them to soften nicely. This process really enhances the sweetness and flavor of the apples. As they cook, keep stirring gently to prevent them from sticking. Once softened, incorporate the cornstarch mixture stirred with water, continuously stirring until the filling thickens slightly. Once done, set aside the apple mixture to cool down.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature cream cheese, white sugar, and vanilla flavoring until it becomes smooth and free of lumps. The cream cheese should be well-blended to ensure a creamy consistency. Once mixed, place it in the fridge for a few minutes. This will help to firm up the filling, making it easier to scoop into the dough later.
- Roll out your store-bought dough, biscuit dough, or empanada wrappers on a lightly floured surface until they are about 4 to 5 inches in diameter. It’s important to make uniform circles so that the pie shapes cook evenly. Once you have your circles, place a generous spoonful of the cheesecake mixture in the center of each circle, followed by a spoonful of the cooled apple filling. Be careful not to overfill them, as this can cause them to burst open while frying.
- To seal the pies, fold the dough over the filling to create half-moons, ensuring that the edges are aligned. Press the edges together firmly; you can use a fork to crimp the edges, adding both a decorative touch and ensuring a tight seal. If you find the edges aren’t sticking well, a little water or beaten egg around the edges can work wonders. Next, heat up 1 to 2 inches of cooking oil in a pan, checking that it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C) before adding your pies. Carefully drop them into the oil, frying until they’re golden brown on both sides—around 2 to 3 minutes each. Remember to monitor them closely to achieve that perfect color.
- Place the fried pies on paper towels to drain any excess oil, and while they’re still warm, roll them in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for that extra layer of flavor!
Notes
Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature; too low and the pies will soak up excess oil, too high and they may burn.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sodium: 45 mg
- Protein: 2 g