Do Share Recipe

Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie Recipe | Sweet & Buttery Delight

I still remember the first time I made this Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie Recipe — I was skeptical, but after that very first bite I was hooked! The mix of the snickerdoodle cookie crust with the creamy cheesecake‑like layer and juicy cinnamon apple filling blew me away. Every slice felt like fall wrapped in a cozy hug, and my friends couldn’t stop asking for seconds.

If you love pies that are both comforting and unique, this recipe will be your new favorite. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a dessert you come back to again and again! You might also enjoy similar comforting recipes like Crispy Parmesan Crusted Buffalo Potatoes Recipe or French Onion Skillet Gnocchi Recipe for a savory twist.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this irresistible pie. I’ve included helpful tips so your dessert turns out perfect.

For the Snickerdoodle Cookie Crust & Topping

one 1 lb 1.5 oz pouch snickerdoodle cookie mix — the base of the crust and topping, full of cinnamon flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples
½ cup butter, softened — fat that binds the crumbly crust; don’t substitute with margarine for best texture
1 Tbsp butter, melted — added to leftover crumbs for a crunchy topping

Cream Cheese Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened — key to a silky layer; always bring to room temp for smooth mixing
¼ cup sugar — sweetens the cream cheese without overpowering
1 Tbsp flour — helps set the filling so it’s not too loose
1 tsp vanilla extract — warms up the flavor profile
1 egg — gives structure and richness

Apple Layer

1 ¼ cups apple pie filling, chopped — you can use homemade or canned (chopping larger pieces helps distribute fruit evenly)
½ tsp cinnamon — brings out apple spice notes

Note: Serves 8 generous slices.

Variations

Here are some fun twists to suit different tastes or dietary needs:

Dairy‑Free: Swap cream cheese and butter with dairy‑free alternatives (plant‑based cream cheese and vegan spread).
Sugar‑Free: Use sugar substitutes like erythritol or monk fruit in the cream cheese layer and snickerdoodle mix.
Fresh Apples: Replace canned apple filling with about 2–3 cups fresh apples cooked with a bit of sugar and cinnamon for a more natural texture.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the crumble before baking for added texture and richness.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long this recipe takes from start to finish:

Prep Time: ~30 minutes
Cook Time: ~35 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)

Equipment You Need

You’ll want these tools on hand for smooth baking:

9‑inch glass pie plate — holds and shapes the pie while baking.
Pastry blender or fork — for working the butter into the snickerdoodle mix.
Mixing bowls (large and medium) — separate bowls make layering easier.
Electric mixer or whisk — helps beat the cream cheese until silky.
Measuring cups & spoons — accurate ingredient amounts are key.

How to Make Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie

Prepare Oven & Crust

First, heat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease the pie dish so your crust doesn’t stick. In a large bowl, combine the snickerdoodle mix with softened butter, using a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press about 2 cups of this into the bottom and up the sides of your pie plate; this forms the sweet cookie crust. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes until lightly golden, then set it aside to cool.

Make the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl until smooth. Add the sugar and flour, mixing thoroughly. Stir in vanilla extract and the egg, then continue beating until the filling is silky and well combined. This creamy layer adds a delicious tang that balances the sweet apple topping.

Add Apple Layer & Crumble

In a small bowl, toss chopped apple pie filling with cinnamon until evenly coated. Spread the cream cheese mixture into the cooled crust, then spoon the cinnamon‑spiced apples on top, aiming for more fruit than syrup.

Sprinkle the reserved snickerdoodle crumb mixture evenly over the apples to create a crunchy finish. You can also enjoy similar texture contrasts in recipes like Crispy Parmesan Crusted Buffalo Potatoes Recipe

Bake & Cool

Bake your assembled pie at 350°F for about 35 minutes, or until the top is a lovely golden brown and you can smell the warm cinnamon. Let the pie cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours so it sets properly and slices cleanly.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here’s what I learned while baking this pie — little tricks that make a big difference:

I always let the cream cheese come fully to room temperature first; it blends so much smoother that way.
Press your crust firmly and evenly for a crisp, sturdy base that won’t crumble when you slice.
I like to chill the finished pie overnight — it develops deeper flavor and holds its shape beautifully.
For extra apple punch, mix a bit of fresh diced apple into the canned filling.

How to Serve Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie

This pie is gorgeous served chilled or slightly warm. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for a contrast of hot and cold. Dust a pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce over each slice for extra flair. For a party, garnish plates with apple slices or fresh mint to make it look picture perfect.

Nutritional Information

Here’s approximately what you get per serving:

Calories: ~360 per slice
Protein: ~3 g
Carbohydrates: ~47 g
Fat: ~18 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing the Pie

After baking and cooling, cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate — it stays fresh for up to 4–5 days. This is great if you want to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the fully baked pie (wrapped securely) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

For a warm slice, heat individual pieces at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the crust without melting the filling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this dessert earns rave reviews every time I make it:

Delicious Layered Flavor: The cinnamon cookie crust, sweet creamy layer, and spiced apple topping create a balanced, unforgettable taste.
Showstopper Dessert: It looks impressive on any dessert table, perfect for holidays or dinner parties.
Easy to Follow: Even if you’re new to baking, the step‑by‑step process is friendly and forgiving.
Customizable: You can adapt it for dietary needs or play with toppings and spices.
Crowd‑Pleaser: Friends and family always ask for the recipe after trying it!

If you try this Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie recipe, I bet it’ll become one of your most requested desserts — just like it is in my house!

Ben Carraoli