Cheesecake Stuffed Apple Pies (Print-Friendly Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Apple Filling

01 - 2 tablespoons butter
02 - 2 apples (peeled and diced, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
03 - ½ teaspoon cinnamon
04 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
05 - Pinch of nutmeg, if you'd like
06 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed into 1 tablespoon water

→ Cheesecake Filling

07 - 4 ounces softened cream cheese
08 - ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 2 tablespoons regular sugar

→ Assembly

10 - Cinnamon sugar (1 teaspoon cinnamon mixed with ¼ cup sugar) for rolling
11 - Oil for frying
12 - Caramel sauce or powdered sugar, if you're into toppings (optional)
13 - 1 pack of store-bought pie crusts, biscuit dough, or empanada sheets

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Start by melting butter in a small pan over medium heat. Toss in the apple cubes, sprinkle with sugar, and stir in the cinnamon and nutmeg. Let the mixture cook until the apples are soft, about 5–7 minutes. Add the cornstarch mix, stir, and let it cook one or two more minutes until it thickens. Set it aside to cool a bit.
02 - Combine the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a mixing bowl. Beat the combo until it's smooth and creamy. Chill it for a while so it firms up for easier use.
03 - Flatten out your pie crust or dough until each one is about 4–5 inches across. Spoon some cheesecake filling onto the center, then top it with a bit of the apple mixture. Fold it into a half-circle and pinch shut the edges using a fork. Use some water or egg wash if needed to stick them closed.
04 - Heat a skillet with 1–2 inches of oil, keeping it around 350°F (175°C). Fry each pie for about 2–3 minutes on each side until beautifully golden. Set them on paper towels to drain off the grease.
05 - Toss your warm pies in cinnamon sugar. You can enjoy them like that or get fancy with caramel drizzle or powdered sugar on top. Choice is yours!

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Save some time by using premade apple pie filling and ready-made cheesecake dip.
02 - For a healthier version, use an air fryer. Brush the pies with a bit of butter and air fry them at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
03 - You can prepare the pies ahead of time and freeze them. Fry directly from frozen, but give them an extra minute or two to cook fully.