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Creamy Apple Delight Dessert with Easy Homemade Graham Cracker Crust

Creamy Apple Delight Dessert - featured image
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A nostalgic, creamy apple dessert layered with a buttery homemade graham cracker crust, sweet-tart apples, and a luscious cream cheese topping. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you crave a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 full crackers)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended, about 4 medium apples)
  • 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup heavy cream, cold
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Optional: extra graham cracker crumbs, toasted pecans or walnuts, apple slices, sprinkle of cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and equipment. Peel, core, and dice apples into 1/2-inch cubes. Set out butter to melt and let cream cheese come to room temperature.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour in melted butter and mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9×9-inch baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until set and lightly golden. Cool completely.
  4. In a clean bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and lemon juice. Let sit for 5 minutes to draw out juices. If apples are very moist, sauté in a pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to reduce liquid.
  5. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
  6. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream to stiff peaks.
  7. Fold whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain.
  8. Spoon the creamy topping over the apple layer, spreading evenly. Sprinkle with extra graham crumbs or chopped nuts if desired.
  9. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best).
  10. Cut into squares or scoop with a spoon to serve. Garnish with apple slices or cinnamon if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers and flour. For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and plant-based cream cheese. Mix tart and sweet apples for best flavor. Chill thoroughly for clean slices. Sauté apples briefly if very juicy to prevent soggy crust. Garnish with nuts or extra crumbs for added texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple dessert, creamy apple delight, graham cracker crust, easy dessert, fall dessert, comfort food, potluck dessert, cream cheese topping, homemade apple dessert

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/creamy-apple-delight-dessert-recipe-easy-homemade-graham-cracker-crust/