Apple Cream Cheese Pie

Some moments call for elaborate desserts that require hours (or even days!) to create. These desserts are beautiful and impressive, and they make everyone ooh and aah over every morsel. But when you’re short on time and need a sweet treat on the fly, that’s when you turn to no-bake desserts like apple cream cheese pie.

With a store-bought graham cracker crust (no need to make pastry dough from scratch, phew!) and six other simple ingredients—including cream cheese, whipped topping and apple pie filling—there’s hardly any prep. The hardest part is waiting two hours for it to chill in the fridge. But, boy, is it worth the wait!

Apple Cream Cheese Pie Ingredients

• Cream cheese: Soften cream cheese for easier mixing with the other ingredients. The tangy flavor balances perfectly with the sweetness.
• Confectioners’ sugar: Confectioners’ sugar sweetens the filling without adding a gritty texture. No confectioners’ sugar in the pantry? No problem! You can easily make confectioners’ sugar at home with granulated sugar and a blender.
• Vanilla extract: Real vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the filling. Use any of the best vanilla extract brands.
• Frozen whipped topping: Thawed whipped topping adds an airy texture to the cream cheese layer.
• Graham cracker crust: A store-bought graham cracker crust helps this recipe come together quickly. If you have a little extra time on your hands, you could always make the graham cracker crust from scratch.
• Apple pie filling: Use canned or homemade apple pie filling to make this recipe.
• Ground cinnamon: A dash of warm cinnamon adds a subtle flavor to the apples.

Directions

Step 1: Make the cream cheese filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla. Fold in the whipped topping.

Step 2: Top with apple pie filling

Pour the cream cheese filling into the graham cracker crust. Top with the apple pie filling and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Step 3: Chill the pie

Refrigerate the pie for at least two hours, or overnight, before serving.

Apple Cream Cheese Pie Variations

• Use a different fruit: You can make this recipe with canned or homemade cherry pie filling, peach pie filling or blueberry pie filling.
• Add more spice: Stir 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger and 1 tablespoon finely chopped crystallized ginger into the creamy filling.
• Give it a drizzle: Nothing pairs better with the flavor of apple pie than a bit of buttery, rich caramel. Drizzle each slice with homemade caramel sauce before serving.

How to Store Apple Cream Cheese Pie

Store cream cheese apple pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It lasts up to four days.

Can you make an apple cream cheese pie in advance?

You can make this pie up to a day ahead, which is perfect for holiday meals when make-ahead recipes are key!

Can you freeze apple cream cheese pie?

If you want to make apple cream cheese pie in advance, prep the pie through Step 2 but leave off the apple pie filling. To freeze, wrap the pie in a layer of storage wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then top with apple pie filling and cinnamon before serving.

Apple Cream Cheese Pie Tips

Why is my cream cheese filling lumpy?

Be sure to start with cream cheese that has been softened at room temperature so that it easily whips into a smooth mixture. To ensure a smooth filling, begin by beating the cream cheese for one minute on medium-low speed to achieve a creamy texture, then beat in the confectioner’s sugar.

How should you serve apple cream cheese pie?

Serve cream cheese apple pie chilled. To get a clean slice, use a sharp serrated knife to cut through the pie, wiping it off with a kitchen towel in between slices. While it is delicious as is, you can also serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped pecans for added flavor and texture.