Caramel Cream Cheese Apple Bake is a delicious dessert that combines tender baked apples with a rich cream cheese filling and a sweet caramel drizzle. This comforting dish is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any time you crave a warm, sweet treat!
Ingredients List
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts, optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for garnish)
Timing
Preparing Caramel Cream Cheese Apple Bake takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 30-35 minutes of baking time. Total time is approximately 50-55 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish.
- Mix Apples: In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour until well coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- Mix Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy.
- Spread Over Apples: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the apples, spreading it evenly to cover them.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake in Oven: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the cream cheese filling is set and lightly golden.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add Toppings
- Drizzle with Caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the baked apples and cream cheese filling.
- Add Nuts: If using, sprinkle chopped nuts over the caramel for added texture and flavor.
- Garnish: Finish with a pinch of sea salt for a delightful contrast.
Step 5: Serve
- Enjoy: Serve warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence!
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Use low-fat cream cheese to reduce fat content.
- Substitute coconut sugar or a sugar substitute for the granulated and brown sugar.
- Add oats or whole wheat flour to the apple filling for added fiber.
Serving Suggestions
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious contrast.
- A scoop of yogurt for a lighter option.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Peeling the Apples: Make sure to peel the apples for a smoother texture in the bake.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the bake to avoid overcooking the apples; they should be tender but not mushy.
- Skipping the Lemon Juice: The lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a nice brightness to the dish.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Caramel Cream Cheese Apple Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
In just about an hour, you can create a delicious Caramel Cream Cheese Apple Bake that will impress your family and friends. The combination of sweet apples, creamy filling, and caramel drizzle makes this dessert a true crowd-pleaser!
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and cream cheese mixture in advance and assemble it just before baking.
Can I freeze the apple bake?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled dish before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What can I do if I have leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches for different flavors.
Caramel Cream Cheese Apple Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Apple Filling:
- • 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- • 1/4 cup brown sugar
- • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- • 1 egg
- For the Topping:
- • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts, optional)
- • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour until well coated.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the apples, spreading it evenly to cover them.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the cream cheese filling is set and lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add Toppings
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the baked apples and cream cheese filling.
- If using, sprinkle chopped nuts over the caramel for added texture and flavor.
- Finish with a pinch of sea salt.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
