Are you ready to experience apple pie like never before? Forget everything you think you know about this classic dessert because we're about to elevate it to a whole new level of deliciousness. This recipe combines the warm, comforting flavors of traditional apple pie with a surprising, savory-sweet element: cheese! This isn't your grandma's apple pie (though she might love it too!), it's a delightful twist on a timeless favorite, perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying a truly unique treat. This easy recipe is also perfect for a quick dinner dessert or a healthy meal addition for those watching their intake.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 6-8 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 large egg, beaten
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Toss gently to coat.
- Add cream cheese: Gently fold in the softened cream cheese until it’s distributed throughout the apple mixture. This adds a delightful tang and creaminess.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate.
- Add filling: Pour the apple and cream cheese filling into the pie crust.
- Top crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Egg wash: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg for a beautiful golden brown finish.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of butter and shortening in the crust.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of apples. A mix of tart and sweet apples works best.
- Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking for extra sweetness and crunch.
- If you don't have cream cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese for a slightly different flavor profile. You can also skip the cheese for a more traditional apple pie.
- For a quicker option, use store-bought pie crust.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: Around 350-400 (depending on crust and apple type)
- Fat: Around 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: Around 45-50g
- Protein: Around 4-5g
This is a delicious and easy homemade recipe perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your cheesy apple pie! This recipe offers a healthy balance of sweetness and savory flavors, making it a unique and delightful dessert. It’s sure to become a new family favorite.