delicious cinnamon apple cream cheese bake: the ultimate fall dessert
this delicious cinnamon apple cream cheese bake is the cozy, sweet treat you need this fall.
it’s the perfect blend of warm spiced apples, creamy vanilla-flavored filling, and a buttery, crumbly topping that makes each bite irresistible.
whether you’re planning a family gathering or just want a comforting dessert for a chilly evening, this bake has you covered!
taste and texture
this dessert is the definition of comfort food.
the honeycrisp apples become tender and slightly caramelized with the rich maple-cinnamon blend, while the vegan cream cheese filling adds a smooth and tangy layer that balances the sweetness of the apples.
on top, the cinnamon crumble is slightly crispy with a nutty flavor from the almond flour, creating the perfect contrast to the creamy center.
when served warm, every spoonful melts in your mouth, especially if you pair it with a scoop of your favorite ice cream or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt.
choosing the right apples
while honeycrisp apples are our go-to for this recipe because of their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, there are plenty of other apple varieties that would work well.
you can use granny smith apples if you prefer a more tart flavor, or fuji apples for an extra sweet twist.
pink lady and braeburn are also great options, offering a crisp texture that holds up well during baking. just be sure to choose apples that are firm, so they don’t turn to mush when cooked.
why this is the perfect fall dessert
there’s nothing like the warm and cozy flavors of cinnamon and apples to welcome in the fall season.
this bake combines those flavors with the creamy richness of a cheesecake-inspired layer, making it feel indulgent yet still lighter than a traditional cheesecake.
plus, it’s sweetened with maple syrup and coconut sugar, keeping it refined sugar-free and more nutritious than your average dessert.
it’s also dairy-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
it’s a crowd-pleaser for all the holiday gatherings or a treat to enjoy on a chilly night at home.
how to make it
making this cinnamon apple cream cheese bake is easier than you might think.
start by sautéing the apple cubes in coconut oil, cinnamon, and maple syrup until they become soft and fragrant.
then, add a touch of heavy coconut cream and vanilla extract to make them extra rich.
pour the apples into a pie pan, and blend up the vegan cream cheese filling until it’s smooth and creamy.
spread the filling over the apples, then make the crumble topping by mixing almond flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
if it feels too dry, add a bit of dairy-free milk until it comes together.
sprinkle the crumble over the top, bake until golden, and get ready to enjoy a warm and cozy dessert.
serving suggestions
this bake is best served warm, so the cream cheese layer is still soft, and the apples are at their juiciest.
add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of dairy-free yogurt on top for an extra touch of creaminess that pairs perfectly with the warm apples and crunchy topping.
it’s also great served chilled for a firmer texture if you want to switch things up.
storage tips
if you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to imagine you will!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
to reheat, pop a serving in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through, or heat in the oven at 350°f for about 10 minutes.
it’s also delicious straight from the fridge if you like a cold, creamy treat.
Delicious Cinnamon Apple Cream Cheese Bake
Course: Desserts
Ingredients
-
4 honeycrisp apples, cut into cubes
2 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 tbsp cinnamon
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 cup heavy coconut cream
1 tsp vanilla extractcream cheese filling:
12 ounces vegan cream cheese (kite hill)
1/8 cup arrowroot starch or tapioca flour
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp maple syrupcinnamon crumble topping:
1 cup almond flour
1/2 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1/8 cup maple syrup
1/8 cup melted coconut oil
1-2 tbsp dairy-free milk, as needed
Directions
- preheat your oven to 350°f. in a large pan, heat 2 tbsp coconut oil over medium heat. add the cubed apples, 1/2 tbsp cinnamon, and 2 tbsp maple syrup. sauté for about 8 minutes until apples are softened.
- pour in 1/4 cup heavy coconut cream and 1 tsp vanilla extract. cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. transfer the apple mixture to a pie baking pan.
- in a blender or food processor, combine 12 ounces of vegan cream cheese, 1/8 cup arrowroot starch or tapioca flour, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp maple syrup. blend until smooth and spread evenly over the apples in the pan.
- for the crumble topping, blend 1 cup almond flour, 1/2 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 cup coconut sugar, 1/8 cup maple syrup, and 1/8 cup melted coconut oil. if the crumble is too dry, add 1-2 tbsp dairy-free milk, starting with 1 tbsp.
- sprinkle the crumble evenly over the cream cheese layer. bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden and slightly crisp. let cool for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite ice cream or dairy-free yogurt. enjoy!