SNICKERDOODLE CREAM CHEESE APPLE PIE

Imagine the cozy warmth of a classic apple pie fused with the delightful, spiced sweetness of a snickerdoodle cookie. Friends, prepare to fall head over heels for this incredible Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie! It’s a dessert that harmonizes creamy, tangy, spiced, and fruity notes in every single bite.

Why You’ll Love This Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie

This isn’t just another apple pie; it’s a culinary masterpiece that will impress everyone at your table. Moreover, its unique flavor profile elevates a traditional favorite into something truly special.

• Unforgettable Flavor Fusion: Experience the perfect marriage of cinnamon-sugar snickerdoodle crust, tangy cream cheese, and tender, spiced apples.
• Creamy Indulgence: The luscious cream cheese layer adds an unexpected richness and a delightful textural contrast.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a potluck, or a simple family dessert, this pie always shines.
• Aromatic Delight: As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the most comforting scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking apples.
• Surprisingly Simple: Despite its gourmet taste, the recipe is straightforward and accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Sweetness: This pie offers just the right amount of sweetness, making it utterly irresistible.
• Customizable: Easily adapt it with your favorite apple varieties or add a touch of caramel for an extra flourish.

Ingredients Needed for Your Perfect Apple Pie

Crafting this remarkable pie starts with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Choose firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best results, as they hold their shape beautifully when baked.

• • For the Crust:
    • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
    • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon (5g) cream of tartar
    • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) baking soda
    • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) salt
    • 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
  • For the Filling:
    • 4 medium apples, peeled and sliced (about 4 cups or 600g)
    • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
    • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
    • 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 teaspoon (1g) ground nutmeg
    • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) ground cloves
  • For the Topping:
    • 2 tablespoons (30g) granulated sugar
    • 1 teaspoon (2g) ground cinnamon

this …

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Apple Pie Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars – Indulge in chewy, spiced cookie bars that capture the essence of apple pie and snickerdoodles in a handheld treat.

Essential Equipment for Baking This Snickerdoodle Pie

Having the right tools makes baking a breeze. Gather these items to ensure a smooth and successful pie-making experience.

• 9-inch pie dish: Essential for baking your pie evenly and beautifully.
• Large mixing bowls: For preparing the crust and the filling separately.
• Pastry blender or fork: Crucial for cutting butter into the flour for a flaky crust.
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand): Ideal for achieving a smooth, lump-free cream cheese filling.
• Spatula or spoon: For mixing and folding ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key for perfect results.
• Vegetable peeler and sharp knife: For preparing your apples efficiently.

Recipe Overview: Your Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie at a Glance

Get ready to create a show-stopping dessert with these quick details. This pie is a labor of love that rewards you with incredible flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (plus cooling)
• Servings: 8 slices
• Difficulty: Easy to Medium

Step-by-Step Instructions to Master This Apple Pie

Follow these detailed steps to bake your perfect Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie. Each action is designed for optimal results, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the moment your pie goes in.

Step 2: Craft the Snickerdoodle Crust

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3. Next, cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips. Work quickly until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This creates pockets for steam, yielding a flaky crust.
4. Gradually add the cold water, mixing gently until a shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the crust tough.
5. Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch pie dish. Ensure it covers the bottom and sides, creating a sturdy base for your decadent filling.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

3. 3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is wonderfully smooth and creamy. Ensure no lumps remain for a velvety texture.
   4. Stir in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The warm spices will infuse the filling with an inviting aroma and depth of flavor.
   5. Gently fold in the peeled and sliced apple pieces until they are evenly coated with the spiced cream cheese mixture. If your apples seem dry, give them an extra toss to ensure every slice is covered.

Step 4: Assemble Your Pie

4. Carefully spread the entire apple mixture evenly over the prepared crust in the pie dish. Ensure it is distributed from edge to edge for consistent enjoyment in every slice.

CHECK OUT: Apple Pie Crisp – Enjoy the classic flavors of apple pie with a comforting, crumbly oat topping.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This creates the signature snickerdoodle topping.
6. Sprinkle this aromatic cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top of the pie. This will caramelize beautifully and add a delightful crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

6. Bake the pie in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. Look for a golden-brown crust and a bubbly, fragrant filling. An internal temperature of about 200°F (93°C) in the center of the apple filling indicates it’s fully cooked.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

7. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This crucial step allows the filling to set properly, ensuring clean, beautiful slices. Patience is a virtue here!

Tips for Success with Your Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie

Achieve bakery-quality results every time with these expert tips. These small adjustments can make a big difference in your pie’s outcome.

• Keep Crust Ingredients Cold: Ensure your butter and water are very cold for the flakiest crust. This prevents the butter from melting too quickly.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough crust. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
• Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Choose the Right Apples: Use firm baking apples that hold their shape, like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala.
• Cool Completely: Resist the urge to slice warm pie. Cooling allows the filling to set, preventing a runny mess.

Variations & Substitutions for Your Apple Pie

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences. This adaptable dessert welcomes creative twists!

• Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan-friendly option.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the topping for added crunch.
• Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of warm caramel sauce over each slice takes this pie to another level.
• Pear Swap: Replace half of the apples with firm pears for a delightful flavor variation.

Serving Suggestions for This Delightful Dessert Pie

This Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie is a star on its own, but these pairings will elevate the experience further. Create a memorable dessert spread with ease.

• Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over warm slices.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast.
• Hot Coffee or Tea: Pair with a rich coffee or a comforting spiced tea for a perfect evening treat.
• Cider: A glass of sparkling apple cider complements the pie’s fruity notes.

Health Benefits of Our Snickerdoodle Apple Pie

While this is an indulgent treat, it still offers some noteworthy nutritional components. Enjoy this delightful pie knowing it provides a balance of energy and beneficial nutrients.

• Fiber from Apples: Apples are a good source of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health.
• Protein Boost: The cream cheese and flour contribute a moderate amount of protein per serving.
• Energy Source: Carbohydrates provide essential energy to fuel your day.

Storage & Reheating Your Cream Cheese Apple Pie

Proper storage ensures your pie remains fresh and delicious for days. Reheating correctly helps maintain its delightful texture.

• Refrigeration: Store leftover pie, covered loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The cream cheese filling requires chilling.
• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps crisp up the crust again. Microwaving is an option, but the crust may soften.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Snickerdoodle Apple Pie

Curious about certain aspects of this recipe? Here are answers to some common questions that will help you master this pie.

Can I use pre-made pie crust?

Absolutely! A store-bought crust works well for convenience, but the homemade snickerdoodle crust adds a special touch. You may want to add cream of tartar, baking soda, and sugar to a pre-made crust if you desire that specific snickerdoodle flavor.

What if my cream cheese isn’t soft enough?

If your cream cheese is still cold, microwave it in 10-second intervals, stirring after each, until it’s pliable and smooth. This prevents lumps in your filling.

Can I add more spices to the filling?

Certainly! Feel free to adjust the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to your personal preference. A pinch of allspice could also be a lovely addition.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Ensure your butter is very cold for the crust and avoid over-saturating the dough with water. Baking on a lower rack in the oven can also help crisp the bottom. Additionally, cooling completely helps the filling set and reduces moisture transfer.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving for the best texture.

More Delicious Dishes

If you loved this delightful pie, you’ll surely enjoy these other comforting and flavorful recipes:

• Apple Snickerdoodles – Sink your teeth into chewy cookies bursting with apple and cinnamon flavor.
• Delectable Maple Apple Crisp – A classic dessert featuring tender apples topped with a sweet, crunchy maple oat crumble.
• Cinnamon Cream Cheese Dream Cookies – Experience soft, rich cookies with a delightful cream cheese swirl and warm cinnamon.

Conclusion

This Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie is truly a dessert dream come true. It’s a perfect blend of comforting flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for more. Bake a slice of happiness today! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.

Print