This classic apple pie feel a little more special
I wanted to make a classic apple pie feel a little more special, so I added a cream cheese layer underneath the cinnamon apples… and it completely changed the recipe. The warm apples, flaky crust, rich cream cheese filling, and salted caramel drizzle taste like something straight from a bakery. All made from scratch.
The best part? The house smelled incredible while it baked, and everyone kept sneaking slices before it even fully cooled. This might officially replace my regular apple pie recipe for the holidays.
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Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Apple Pie
PREP TIME
30 min
BAKE TIME
50–60 min
TOTAL TIME
1 hr 30 min
SERVINGS
8 slices
INGREDIENTS
For the Crust
* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp salt
* 1 tbsp granulated sugar
* 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
* 6–8 tbsp ice water
For the Filling
* 6–7 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and sliced
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* ¼ cup brown sugar
* ¼ cup all-purpose flour
* 1 tsp ground cinnamon
* ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
* 1 tbsp lemon juice
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* Pinch of salt
Cheese Layer Ingredients
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1 egg
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 1 tbsp sour cream or heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
Brown Butter Caramel-Flavor Enhancements
* Add 1–2 tbsp browned butter to a boiler pan. Add the extra liquid from the from the apple filling. Bring that mixture to a boil until caramelized. Pour caramel over the Apple filling.
For Assembly
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. MAKE THE CRUST
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, 1 tbsp at a time, mixing until dough just comes together. Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. PREPARE THE FILLING
Apple Pie Filling
In a large bowl, toss sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt until evenly coated. Set aside.
Cream Cheese Layer
Beat all ingredients until smooth.
3. ROLL OUT THE DOUGH
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one dough disk to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Gently transfer and press into the dish.
4. FILL THE PIE
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the bottom crust. Add your apple filling on top, spreading evenly.
5. TOP THE PIE
Roll out the second dough disk then cut into lattice strips.
Add lattice or top crust.
6. BAKE
Bake in a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven for 20 minutes. Then reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. COOL & SERVE
Allow pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to let the filling set. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
If you're like me and love the comforting taste of apple pie but want to surprise your guests with something a little different, adding a cream cheese layer beneath the cinnamon-spiced apples is a game changer. It brings a creamy tang that perfectly balances the tartness of Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples, creating a more complex flavor profile. One tip I've learned is to let the pie cool completely before slicing. This step helps the cream cheese filling set, ensuring neat slices and the perfect texture. However, serving it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side elevates the experience to pure indulgence. Another enhancement that I tried is incorporating browned butter into the caramel drizzle. Browning the butter first adds a nutty depth, which when combined with the apple filling's extra liquid, creates a luscious caramel topping that elevates the pie beyond ordinary. For the crust, I recommend using cold butter and working quickly to keep the dough flaky. The homemade crust results in a tender, crisp base that holds up well against the moist filling. If you prefer shortcuts, a good-quality store-bought crust can be used, but homemade really brings the pie to bakery-level excellence. This pie has become my go-to for holiday dinners and cozy fall baking projects. The aroma that fills the house as it bakes is irresistible, and I often find family members sneaking a slice before it fully cools. Whether you want a centerpiece dessert for Thanksgiving or a comforting treat for chilly evenings, this salted caramel cream cheese apple pie recipe is straightforward to prepare and always impresses. Experimenting with apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Jonathan apples can add varying degrees of sweetness and tartness, so feel free to tailor the filling to your taste. Finally, a light egg wash on the lattice crust sprinkled with coarse sugar adds a golden sparkle and slight crunch that completes this pie’s charming, rustic look and irresistible flavor.
