If you adore the comforting flavors of apple pie and the creamy delight of cheesecake, then this Stuffed Cheesecake Fried Apple Pies Recipe is sure to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crispy fried crust enveloping luscious cream cheese and tender cinnamon-spiced apples—this dessert combines everything you love about classic treats into one unforgettable handheld pie. Whether you’re making these for a cozy family gathering or a special treat just for yourself, these pies strike the perfect balance of rich, sweet, and slightly tangy that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients is all it takes to whip up this delicious recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the flaky pie crust creating a crispy shell to the smooth cream cheese and warmly spiced apple filling that make every bite heavenly.
- Refrigerated pie crusts (1 package, 2 crusts): Ready to use for easy rolling and cutting, these form the sturdy outer shell for the pies.
- Apple pie filling (1½ cups, chopped): Provides the sweet, cinnamony fruit base full of classic apple pie goodness.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Enhances the apple filling with warm, cozy spice notes essential for that homey flavor.
- Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds a rich, creamy texture and slight tang that beautifully balances the sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the cheesecake filling for a silky smooth taste.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Boosts the flavor profile with fragrant sweetness and depth.
- Egg (1, beaten): Creates a shiny, golden finish when brushed over the pies before frying.
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola): Provides crispy, golden results when frying the pies; choose a neutral oil for best flavor.
- Optional powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar: For dusting, adds extra sweetness and a lovely decorative touch after frying.
How to Make Stuffed Cheesecake Fried Apple Pies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough and Fillings
Start by rolling out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Using a cookie cutter or a drinking glass, cut the dough into 4-inch circles—the perfect size for mini pies. In one bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In another bowl, mix the chopped apple pie filling with cinnamon to infuse those comforting spices throughout your fruit filling.
Step 2: Assemble the Pies
Spoon a small dollop of the cheesecake mixture onto the center of each dough circle. Then, add a spoonful of the cinnamon-spiced apples on top of the cream cheese. Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges with the tines of a fork to seal them tightly. This step is key to keep all that luscious filling inside while frying.
Step 3: Egg Wash for Perfect Color
Brush each pie generously with the beaten egg. This simple step creates a beautiful golden sheen once fried, making the pies look as irresistible as they taste.
Step 4: Fry Until Golden
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable or canola oil into a deep skillet and heat over medium until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the pies in batches, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they turn a stunning golden brown and feel crisp to the touch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pies to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
While still warm, dust the pies with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for an extra touch of sweetness and a hint of sparkle that makes them party-ready.
How to Serve Stuffed Cheesecake Fried Apple Pies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor of your fried pies by adding a simple garnish. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate each bite and make the dessert feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair these mini fried pies with vanilla ice cream for a warm-and-cold contrast or serve alongside a fresh fruit salad to balance the richness with a burst of refreshing flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, serve the pies on a decorative platter lined with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices. You can also place each pie in a colorful cupcake liner or small basket for charming individual servings that delight the eye before the first bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover stuffed cheesecake fried apple pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To maintain their crispiness, avoid refrigeration if you plan to eat them soon.
Freezing
These pies freeze beautifully. Freeze them on a baking sheet first to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month. Freeze before frying to save prep time for later.
Reheating
To reheat, fry the frozen pies briefly in hot oil or warm them in a convection oven at 375°F until crisp and heated through. Avoid microwaving as it may lead to soggy crusts.
FAQs
Can I bake these stuffed cheesecake fried apple pies instead of frying?
Absolutely! If you prefer a lighter option, bake the assembled pies at 375°F for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden and cooked through. You’ll still get delicious flavor without the extra oil.
What other fillings can I use in this recipe?
This recipe is versatile—try cherry, blueberry, or even a pumpkin pie filling to create different flavor profiles that everyone will love.
How do I prevent the pies from leaking during frying?
Make sure to seal the edges very well by pressing with a fork, and avoid overfilling the pies. Chilling the assembled pies in the fridge for 15 minutes before frying can also help the dough hold together better.
Can I prepare these pies ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the pies and store them in the fridge for a few hours or freeze them before frying. Then fry or bake when you’re ready to serve for a fresh and delicious treat.
What type of oil is best for frying the pies?
Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil. These oils ensure a clean taste and crispy, golden results.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffed Cheesecake Fried Apple Pies Recipe is a creative and delightful way to enjoy all the flavors we love from cheesecake and apple pie in one crunchy, pocketsized treat. Once you try these, they’ll quickly become a new favorite to share for gatherings, holidays, or just because. So grab your ingredients and start frying up some happiness—your taste buds will thank you!
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Stuffed Cheesecake Fried Apple Pies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 mini pies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Stuffed Cheesecake Fried Apple Pies offer a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet apple filling wrapped in a crispy, golden fried crust. Perfect as a comforting dessert or a special treat, they are easy to make with refrigerated pie crusts and filled with a luscious blend of cream cheese, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a touch of vanilla. Whether fried to perfection or baked for a lighter option, these mini pies deliver irresistible flavor and texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
Filling
- 1½ cups apple pie filling, chopped
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For Frying & Finishing
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)
- Optional powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare Dough Circles: Roll out the pie crusts on a clean surface and use a cookie cutter or a glass to cut circles about 4 inches in diameter.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, mix the chopped apple pie filling with the cinnamon to evenly coat the apples with the spice.
- Fill Pies: Place a small spoonful of the cream cheese mixture in the center of each dough circle, then top it with a spoonful of the cinnamon apple filling.
- Seal the Pies: Fold the dough circles over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges down firmly with a fork to seal completely and prevent any filling from leaking.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush each pie with the beaten egg to ensure a glossy, golden finish when fried.
- Heat Oil for Frying: In a deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), suitable for frying.
- Fry the Pies: Carefully place the pies into the hot oil in batches. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crisp.
- Drain and Cool: Remove the fried pies with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Optional Dusting: While still warm, dust the pies with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for extra sweetness and presentation.
Notes
- You can bake these pies at 375°F for 15–18 minutes if you prefer a lighter, less oily version.
- Try other pie fillings such as cherry or blueberry for different flavors.
- Ensure oil temperature is maintained at 350°F for even frying and to avoid greasy pies.
- Use a thermometer for precise frying temperature to achieve the perfect crispness.
