Creamy Apple Dessert is a delightful concoction that marries the sweetness of apples with the creamy goodness of a cheesecake-like layer, all nestled atop a buttery graham cracker crust. This recipe, with its prep time of just 30 minutes and a total time of 1 hour, is perfect for those seeking a quick yet impressive dessert option that’s sure to please any crowd. With its combination of familiar ingredients and simple steps, it’s a go-to for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
To embark on this culinary journey, preheat your oven to a toasty 350°F, ensuring it’s ready to work its magic as you prepare the layers of this scrumptious treat. Assemble your ingredients, including 1/4 cup of butter or margarine, 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1 can of sweetened condensed milk, 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, and a dash of cinnamon.
Begin by selecting a 1 1/2-quart baking dish, preferably measuring 10×6 inches, as the canvas for your masterpiece. Place it in the preheating oven, allowing the butter or margarine to melt and coat the bottom of the dish in a luscious layer of richness. Once melted, sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs over the butter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed, and mix them well to form the foundation of your dessert.
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish, using gentle yet deliberate pressure to create a solid crust that will support the layers above it. This step sets the stage for the creamy goodness to come, providing a crunchy and flavorful base that contrasts beautifully with the softness of the filling.
Now, it’s time to prepare the creamy layer that will elevate this dessert to new heights of indulgence. In a mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, softened cream cheese, and zesty lemon juice, blending them together until smooth and velvety. This luxurious mixture serves as the heart of the dessert, providing a rich and decadent flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the crispness of the apples.
Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the prepared crust, ensuring that every inch is coated in a blanket of creamy goodness. This step requires a gentle touch, as you want to maintain the integrity of the crust while creating a smooth and even layer of filling.
Next, it’s time to add the star of the show: the apple pie filling. Spoon the filling evenly over the creamy layer, allowing it to cascade across the surface in a tantalizing display of fruity goodness. This step infuses the dessert with the unmistakable flavor of apples, adding a burst of sweetness and a hint of tartness that balances the richness of the creamy layer beneath it.
With the layers assembled, it’s time to let the oven work its magic. Bake the dessert for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it’s set and lightly golden brown on top. This step allows the flavors to meld together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave your taste buds singing with delight.
Once baked to perfection, allow the dessert to cool slightly before adding the finishing touch: a sprinkling of chopped walnuts and a dash of cinnamon. This final flourish adds a delightful crunch and a hint of warmth to the dessert, elevating it from mere confection to culinary masterpiece.
Whether served warm or cold, this Creamy Apple Dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Its creamy texture, crisp crust, and luscious apple filling combine to create a dessert experience that’s as comforting as it is decadent. And don’t worry about leftovers – if there are any, simply refrigerate them for later enjoyment, though chances are, this dessert will disappear faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
