This recipe isn't just another apple crisp; it's an ode to comfort food, elevated. It’s the kind of dessert that evokes cozy nights, warm hugs, and the comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. I developed this recipe after a particularly stressful week; I needed something sweet, comforting and relatively easy to make. This was it!

The cream cheese swirl adds an unexpected layer of tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the tartness of the Granny Smith apples. The crispy oat topping is studded with crunchy pecans (or walnuts, if that’s your jam!), adding another element of texture and flavor. This truly is the best apple crisp I've ever had! It’s become a family favorite and I’m excited to share it with you.

Apple Crisp with a Cream Cheese Swirl

Name: Apple-Crisp-with-a-Cream-Cheese-Swirl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Fall
Ingredients: 6 medium Granny Smith Apples; 7/8 cup Granulated Sugar; 1/4 cup Brown Sugar; 4 tbsp All-Purpose Flour; 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon; 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg; 4 oz Cream Cheese; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1/2 cup Rolled Oats; 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts; 1/2 cup, melted Unsalted Butter

This Apple Crisp with a Cream Cheese Swirl is a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The creamy, tangy swirl elevates the comforting flavors of cinnamon, apples, and oats to create a truly unforgettable treat.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 60 minutes

📖 Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect golden-brown topping.
Peel, core, and slice about 6 medium Granny Smith apples. I find using a mandoline slicer is super efficient but be careful—those blades are sharp!
In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Mix gently, try not to mash the apples too much, we want to preserve their shape.
For the cream cheese swirl: In a medium bowl, beat together 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If it's too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time until you get the desired consistency.
Pour the apple mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. I like to use parchment paper to line the baking dish for easy cleanup and effortless removal of the baked crisp.
Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the apples. Swirl it gently using a knife or toothpick for a marbled effect. Don't over swirl, you want visible swirls, not a complete mix!
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts (optional), and 1/2 cup (1 stick) of melted unsalted butter. Mix until evenly combined and crumbly.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple and cream cheese mixture. Make sure to cover the entire surface. This will prevent soggy apples!
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. The baking time might vary depending on your oven—keep an eye on it!
Let the apple crisp cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set a bit and makes it easier to serve. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the absolute perfect compliment!

📝 Notes

For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular melted butter.
If you don't have pecans or walnuts, you can substitute with other nuts or seeds.
Feel free to add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.