Indulge in the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy with this Cream Cheese Apple Crisp recipe. The warmth of baked apples and the richness of cream cheese add an exciting twist to your traditional apple crisp ensemble.
Apple Crisp with Cream Cheese
Every fall there is a dizzying amount of apples hanging off the trees around here just begging to be picked. I love getting to work and making a batch of fresh apple bars, an upside down apple pie and, of course, apple crisp.
This particular Cream Cheese Apple Crisp is a dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with the richness of cream cheese. It’s perfect for the fall season, when apples are in season and their flavors are at their peak.
Related: Apple Crisp with Apple Pie Filling
This cream cheesy apple crisp will become a cherished part of your fall dessert repertoire, with the flavors of autumn in every creamy, crunchy bite!
Understanding the Ingredients
The Role of Cream Cheese in this Apple Crisp
Not only does cream cheese add a velvety smoothness to the crisp, but it also contributes to the overall structure of the final dessert. Its high fat content helps create a tender and moist texture, as well as a tangy flavor that cuts through the sweetness, creating a balance of taste to the overall recipe.
It’s important to make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature. This allows it to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, resulting in a smooth and creamy consistency. Simply leave the cream cheese out on the counter for about 30 minutes before starting your recipe.
Selecting the Perfect Apples for Your Crisp
When choosing apples for this crisp recipe, consider their flavor and texture. I personally prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, since they both offer a crisp texture and a balanced sweet-tart flavor that complements the cream cheese filling.
Granny Smith apples will give a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cream cheese. Their flesh tends to hold up well during baking, maintaining a pleasant crunch even after being cooked. The tartness of Granny Smith apples also adds that zingy element to the overall flavor, preventing the dessert from becoming overly sweet.
On the other hand, Honeycrisp apples have a delicate sweetness. Their juicy and crisp texture creates a welcomed contrast against the creamy filling. The natural sweetness of Honeycrisp apples pairs well with the tanginess of the cream cheese.
It’s up to you which ones you prefer. Fuji, Cosmic Crisp and Pink Lady are also good choices.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cream Cheese Apple Crisp
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
While cream cheese is used in this recipe for its tangy flavor and creamy texture, you can absolutely experiment with other types of creamy cheese, such as mascarpone or ricotta, for a different twist. Keep in mind that the taste and texture of the dessert is going to vary once you swap out the cream cheese, but it can be a fun way to personalize the dish to your preferences.
What Other Fruits Can I Use in This Recipe?
While apples are my favorite for a crisp, there are other fruits that can be used to create a similar dessert. Pears, peaches, and berries all work well in this recipe. Simply adjust the sugar and spices according to the fruit you choose to highlight its unique flavor profile.
Serving and Storing Your Apple Crisp
Ideal Serving Suggestions
This cream cheese apple crisp is delicious on its own, but you can make it even more delicious by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream as you see here. The creamy elements of both enhance the flavors and add an extra touch of indulgence.
For a more fancy presentation, consider garnishing your apple crisp with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce. These simple additions turn this humble dessert into an .
How to Properly Store Your Apple Crisp
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese filling may soften slightly, but the crisp topping will retain its texture. To enjoy leftover crisp, reheat individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in a preheated oven until heated through.
More Apple Dessert Recipes to Spice Up Your Fall
Get ready to fall in love with more apple desserts to celebrate the season.
- Apple Butterscotch Cake
- Apple Chimichanga
- Apple Walnut Crumble
- Cinnamon Apple Bundt Cake
- Baked Apples with Maple Syrup
- Apple Cranberry Cobbler
- Apple Pie French Toast Casserole
- Caramel Apple Layer Cake
Creamy Apple Embrace
When life gives you apples, and you decide make this cream cheese apple crisp, don’t forget to capture a photo and mention @NOBLEPIG and #noblepig on INSTAGRAM. I can’t wait to admire your creation.
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Preparing Your Cream Cheese Apple Crisp
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Cream Cheese Apple Crisp
Ingredients
Apple Cream Cheese Crisp Filling:
- 4 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced, any variety
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
- 2 pinches table salt, divided
- 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Apple Cream Cheese Crisp Filling:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped
- 5 tbsps. butter, room temperature
- 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp. table salt
Garnish:
- whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
Apple Cream Cheese Crisp Filling:
- Preheat oven to 350 °F. Prepare a 9" pie plate by generously coating with butter.Â
- Fill pie dish with apples; no more than 2/3 full. Add granulated sugar, cinnamon, ginger and one pinch of salt to the pie plate full of apples. Stir until apples are coated.4 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced, any variety, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp. ground ginger, 2 pinches table salt, divided
- Beat together cream cheese, eggs, brown sugar, vanilla extract and remaining pinch of salt until very creamy. (Cream cheese needs to be room temperature for it to combine well.) Pour this over the apples, letting it settle into all the nooks and crannies of the fruit.8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature, 2 large eggs, room temperature, 1/4 cup light brown sugar, 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Apple Cream Cheese Crisp Topping:
- To a medium bowl, add flour, oats, brown sugar, walnuts, butter, ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Use your hands and/or a pastry cutter to combine ingredients. Push it through your fingers to create the chunky, crumbly texture. Cover the apple mixture completely with the crumble topping.1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats, 1/3 cup light brown sugar, 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped, 5 tbsps. butter, room temperature, 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1/8 tsp. table salt
- Bake for 40 minutes. The top should be browned and the edges bubbling when finished.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Notes
Nutrition
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