Description
Crispy golden “stuffed cheesecake fried apple pies” blend American comfort with gourmet indulgence, offering a delightful dessert experience. Creamy cheesecake and warm spiced apples nestled inside a perfectly fried pastry invite you to savor each irresistible bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits and Vegetables:
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
Dairy and Cheese:
- 200 grams (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (for cheesecake)
Dry Ingredients and Spices:
- ⅓ cup (65 grams) granulated sugar (for apple filling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cheesecake)
Additional Components:
- 10–12 pre-made pie crusts or homemade pie dough (rolled into circles, 4–5 inches in diameter)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup (120 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
Instructions
- Caramelize diced apples in a skillet with melted butter, gently infusing the fruit with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg until they transform into a tender, golden-hued filling.
- Sprinkle cornstarch mixture into the apple medley, stirring continuously to create a luscious, glossy consistency that will prevent liquid separation and enhance the filling’s rich texture.
- Allow the spiced apple compote to cool completely, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify while preparing the remaining components of the dessert.
- Spread softened cream cheese evenly across each pastry round, creating a velvety base that will complement the aromatic apple mixture.
- Carefully spoon the cooled apple filling onto one half of each cream cheese-laden pastry, ensuring a balanced distribution of fruit and creamy elements.
- Gently fold the pastry circles, pressing edges firmly with a fork to seal the delicate parcels and prevent filling from escaping during frying.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to the optimal temperature, creating a crisp, golden-brown exterior that will provide a satisfying crunch.
- Fry the sealed pies in small batches, rotating them to achieve an even, amber-colored shell that locks in the decadent inner components.
- Drain the fried pies on paper towels to remove excess oil, then dust with a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of sweet elegance.
Notes
- Swap regular cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream cheese to make this recipe vegan-friendly and inclusive for those with lactose sensitivities.
- Enhance the apple filling’s depth by adding a splash of bourbon or dark rum for a more complex, sophisticated flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
- Control sugar content by using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit, perfect for those monitoring their sugar intake while maintaining the delightful sweetness of the dessert.
- Prevent soggy pie edges by ensuring the apple mixture is completely cooled and not too wet before filling, which helps maintain a crisp and golden-brown exterior when frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg