An Upside Down Cheesecake Apple Pie combines two classic desserts—cheesecake and apple pie—into a delicious, layered creation. Here’s a recipe to make this indulgent treat:
Ingredients:
For the Apple Pie Layer:
- 4-5 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite pie apples)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker filling)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup sour cream
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or pre-made pie crust)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Layer:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apple slices, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir well and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the apples are softened but not mushy.
- If you prefer a thicker filling, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the apples, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Remove the skillet from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Continue to beat until well combined and smooth.
- Set the cheesecake mixture aside.
3. Make the Crust:
- If using graham cracker crumbs: In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- If using a pre-made pie crust, you can skip this step.
4. Assemble the Pie:
- Grease the bottom and sides of a 9-inch round cake pan (or pie pan).
- Layer the apple mixture on the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the apples, spreading it out evenly. The cheesecake layer will sit on top of the apples during baking, and after inverting, the apples will be on top.
5. Bake the Pie:
- Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set (it should be slightly firm to the touch and not jiggly).
- Check the crust, and if it starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
6. Cool and Invert:
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the pie cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
- Run a knife around the edges to loosen the crust, then carefully flip the pan over onto a plate or serving platter.
- Let it cool to room temperature before slicing.
7. Serve:
- Serve the upside-down cheesecake apple pie as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This dessert is a perfect mix of sweet and tangy, with a buttery apple filling and a creamy cheesecake layer—all topped with that classic apple pie flavor! Enjoy!
