If you’re craving a sweet, comforting dessert that captures the essence of fall, look no further than Apple Delight. This luscious layered dessert combines a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apple topping, and a fluffy whipped cream finish. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just want to indulge in something delicious, this dessert is sure to please everyone.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whipped topping or freshly whipped cream
For the Apple Topping:
4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons water
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Prepare the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well, then press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Once done, set it aside to cool completely.
Make the Cheesecake Layer:
In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping (or freshly whipped cream) until combined. Spread this cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Refrigerate while you prepare the apple topping.
Cook the Apple Topping:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Stir occasionally and cook for 8-10 minutes until the apples are tender and coated in a syrupy sauce. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely before spreading it over the cheesecake layer.
Whip the Cream Topping:
In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This will give you a smooth, fluffy topping that will complement the other layers perfectly.
Assemble the Dessert:
Once the apple topping has cooled, spread it evenly over the cheesecake layer. Then, add the whipped cream topping, spreading it gently to cover the apples. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, crushed graham crackers, or even a drizzle of caramel if desired.
Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate your Apple Delight for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows all the layers to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully. Once chilled, cut into squares and enjoy!
Serving Tips:
Chill Before Serving:
For the best flavor and texture, allow the dessert to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps the layers set and enhances the taste as the flavors meld together.
Presentation:
Garnish your Apple Delight with a sprinkle of cinnamon, crushed graham crackers, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of elegance and flavor. You can also top it with a few apple slices or chopped nuts for added crunch and visual appeal.
Portion Control:
Apple Delight is rich and indulgent, so slice it into small squares to serve. Each 9×13-inch dish typically yields 12 servings, but feel free to adjust portions to fit your crowd.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair Apple Delight with a cup of hot cider, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat. The warm and cold contrast can elevate the overall experience.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration:
Store leftover Apple Delight in an airtight container or cover the dish with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. It will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze Apple Delight for up to 2 months if needed. To freeze, cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Avoid Freezing Whipped Cream:
If you’ve already topped your dessert with whipped cream, be aware that freezing may cause it to lose its texture. For the best results, freeze the dessert without the whipped cream topping, and add it fresh after thawing.
Keep the Layers Intact:
If you’re storing individual slices, try to keep the layers intact by separating them with parchment paper or wax paper. This helps prevent the layers from sticking to one another when you pull them out for serving.
Related Recipes:
FAQs:
Can I make Apple Delight ahead of time?
Yes, Apple Delight can be made a day in advance. In fact, chilling it overnight allows the layers to set and enhances the flavors. Simply cover the dessert with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought whipped cream as a convenient alternative. However, for the best texture and flavor, we recommend whipping fresh heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. This homemade whipped cream will provide a richer and fluffier topping for your dessert.
What type of apples should I use for the apple topping?
For the apple topping, a mix of tart and sweet apples works best. Granny Smith apples offer a tart contrast, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples add a natural sweetness. This combination gives the topping the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Can I freeze Apple Delight?
Yes, you can freeze Apple Delight! To do so, cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the dessert in the refrigerator overnight. Note that it’s best to add the whipped cream topping fresh, as freezing may alter its texture.
Conclusion:
Apple Delight is a dreamy dessert that brings together the best of cheesecake and apple pie in a layered treat. Whether you’re serving it at a fall dinner, a holiday party, or just because you want a delicious, comforting dessert, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Don’t miss out on this apple goodness – try it today!
📖 Recipe:
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Apple Delight
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including refrigeration)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Delight is a layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apple topping, and a whipped cream finish. This indulgent treat is perfect for fall or anytime you want a comforting dessert packed with apple goodness. Easy to make and irresistible!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whipped topping or freshly whipped cream
For the Apple Topping:
4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons water
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into a 9×13-inch dish and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped topping or freshly whipped cream. Spread over the cooled crust and refrigerate.
- Cook the Apple Topping: In a skillet, melt butter and add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Cook for 8-10 minutes until apples are tender and coated in syrup. Let cool completely.
- Whip the Cream Topping: Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble: Spread the cooled apple topping over the cheesecake layer. Top with whipped cream. Garnish with cinnamon, crushed graham crackers, or caramel drizzle if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
Apple Variety: A mix of tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet apples (like Honeycrisp) gives the best flavor and texture.
Make-Ahead: This dessert can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Freezing: Apple Delight can be frozen without the whipped cream topping for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving and add whipped cream fresh.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: Approximately 340 kcal per serving
