This apple pie smoked cream cheese is a simple dessert-style appetizer that combines cozy spices, apple pie filling and rich cream cheese with a hint of smoke. It’s an easy mash-up of cheesecake and apple pie—perfect for entertaining.
Cheesecake-like desserts are crowd-pleasers, but traditional cheesecakes can take attention and care to get just right. This recipe delivers that familiar creamy, sweet flavor without the fuss: a smoked cream cheese base coated in warm spices, topped with apple pie filling and finished with a sweet glaze and caramel.
The result is smooth, slightly smoky cream cheese topped with spiced apple filling and a drizzle of glaze and caramel. It looks impressive on the table, yet it’s quick and forgiving to make.
Ingredients
To make this recipe you’ll need:
- Cream cheese – 1 8‑oz block (full fat recommended)
- Sugar – granulated and brown sugar for coating; powdered sugar for the glaze
- Spices – cinnamon and apple pie spice
- Apple pie filling – canned or homemade
- Milk – for the glaze
- Vanilla – pure vanilla extract
- Caramel – for drizzling on top
How to Make
This apple pie smoked cream cheese is quick and straightforward to prepare.
1. Combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice in a bowl.
2. Score the top of the cream cheese block by slicing diagonally in both directions, then press the sugar-spice mixture all over the block so it’s well coated. Place the coated cream cheese in a small baking dish or aluminum tray.
3. Smoke the cream cheese at 200°F (about 93°C) for roughly one hour, using an oven, grill, or smoker, until it is slightly softened and takes on a light smoke flavor. A mild wood such as apple or cherry is best so the smoke doesn’t overpower the dessert.
4. While the cream cheese smokes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a smooth glaze.
5. Remove the cream cheese from the smoker, spoon apple pie filling over the top, drizzle with the powdered sugar glaze and a little caramel. Add chopped nuts if desired for crunch and presentation.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite dippers.
Dipping Options
Pairs well with a variety of dippers. Favorites include:
- Graham crackers
- Nilla wafers
- Sliced apples
- Golden Oreos
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover apple pie smoked cream cheese refrigerated in an airtight container or tightly covered in the baking dish for up to four days. Reheat briefly in the oven until just warmed and slightly softened before serving again.
Tips and Tricks
- Use a mild smoking wood like apple or cherry to complement the dessert flavors without overpowering them.
- Top with chopped walnuts or pecans for texture and a finished look.
- If you don’t have apple pie spice, double the cinnamon and add a pinch of nutmeg instead.
Other Dessert Dips
This recipe gives you cheesecake-style creaminess, apple pie flavor, and a touch of smoke. It’s easy to assemble and makes a memorable dessert dip for guests.
Enjoy making it for your next gathering and feel free to experiment with different toppings and dippers to suit your taste.
Apple Pie Smoked Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz block Cream Cheese
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Apple Pie Spice
- 1 cup Apple Pie Filling
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 tbsp Milk
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
- Caramel for topping
- Graham Crackers for serving
Instructions
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Start by mixing together your sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple pie spice.
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Slice the top of your cream cheese block diagonally in both directions. Then coat the entire block generously with your sugar mixture. Place in a baking dish or aluminum tray.
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Place the cream cheese block in the oven, grill, or smoker at 200°F for about one hour, until it is slightly melted and smoky.
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In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a glaze.
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When the cream cheese is ready, top with apple pie filling, the powdered sugar glaze, and a drizzle of caramel.
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Serve with graham crackers or your preferred dippers and enjoy.
Notes
- Choose a mild wood for smoking, such as apple or cherry, to complement the sweet flavors.
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and presentation.
- If you don’t have apple pie spice, double the cinnamon and add a pinch of nutmeg.
Nutrition