You know those recipes that feel like a hug on a plate? This is one of them. The very first time I whipped up these Stuffed Cheesecake Fried Apple Pies, I barely got them off the paper towel before the little hands in my house snatched them up. My husband took one bite, looked at me wide-eyed, and said, “Babe, these are dangerous.” I knew right then this one’s a keeper.
They’re warm and crispy on the outside, creamy and cinnamon-spiced on the inside, and oh-so-cozy. Imagine cheesecake, apple pie, and a hand pie had the most delicious baby ever. That’s what this is. And the best part? It’s crazy easy.
I grew up watching my grandma fry pies on Sunday afternoons her apple pies were the stuff of legend. She’d roll out the dough with her old wooden pin, never measuring anything, just going by feel. I’ve taken her love and added my twist: a rich, tangy cheesecake filling that turns these into something special.
So grab a mixing bowl and a frying pan, and let’s make some memories.
Why These Cheesecake Fried Apple Pies Will Steal the Show Every Time
These are more than just fried apple pies. They’re handheld bundles of comfort, perfect for cozy fall days, summer potlucks, or honestly any time you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Here’s why this recipe is pure gold:
- Creamy cheesecake meets gooey apple pie in every bite.
- Store-bought dough = no fuss.
- They fry up golden and crispy in minutes.
- You can customize the filling a hundred ways (more on that below).
- Kids and adults go crazy for them. Guaranteed.
If you’re a fan of stuffed cheesecake desserts, these fried pies are going to be your new go-to treat.
The 5 Ingredients You Can’t Skip
Let’s keep it simple. You only need a few pantry staples and a little frying oil. Here’s what I use and the little tips that make them shine.
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup apple pie filling, chopped small
Tip: If you’re using canned filling, give it a rough chop so you get even bites. Or better yet, use leftover homemade filling from the holidays. - 1 cup cream cheese, softened
Let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes it blends so much smoother that way. - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Just enough to sweeten the cheesecake without overpowering the apple flavor. - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
This is my grandma’s magic touch never skip it. I sometimes add a pinch more!
For the pies
- 1 package refrigerated pie dough or biscuit dough
Pie dough gives that classic crusty bite, but biscuit dough? Oh honey, it’s fluffy and soft. Pick your fave! - Oil for frying, as needed
Vegetable oil or canola works great just enough to submerge the pies.
Optional Toppings
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Presentation and flavor these make your pies look bakery-worthy.
How to Make Stuffed Cheesecake Fried Apple Pies (Step-by-Step)
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be frying up batches for every gathering. Let’s walk through it together.
More tasty ideas: The First Time I Made These Red Velvet Crush Cupcakes…
Step 1: Make the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until creamy and smooth like frosting. Then gently fold in your chopped apple pie filling. Don’t overmix you want chunks of apple in every bite.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough
Dust your countertop with a bit of flour, then roll out your dough to about ¼ inch thick. Use a round cutter or even a drinking glass to cut circles about 4 to 5 inches wide. You should get about 8–10 depending on the size.
Step 3: Fill and Fold
Spoon a generous tablespoon of filling into the center of each circle. Don’t overfill! (Been there, done that total mess.) Fold it over into a half-moon shape, press the edges together, then crimp with a fork to seal tight.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a deep skillet or pot, heat your oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough that a scrap of dough bubbles instantly about 350°F if you’re using a thermometer.
Step 5: Fry in Batches
Carefully lower a few pies into the oil (don’t crowd the pan). Fry for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touches
While still warm, drizzle with caramel or give a generous dusting of powdered sugar. And if you really want to go all out serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Heaven.
My Favorite Twists on the Classic
I’ve played around with this recipe more times than I can count. Here are a few of my favorite variations:
- Berry swap: Use blueberry or peach pie filling instead of apple.
- Nutty delight: Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Chocolate cheesecake: Add mini chocolate chips to the filling. Chocolate + apple + cream cheese = swoon.
The best part? These pies freeze beautifully. Make a double batch and stash some away for when cravings hit.
FAQ
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Brush them with egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown. Still crispy, just a little lighter.
Can I customize the filling?
Absolutely! Add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or swap the apples for berries or peaches. Make them your own.
Can I use puff pastry instead of pie dough?
Definitely. Puff pastry makes an extra flaky, buttery pie that’s just as delicious.
How to Store and Reheat
If you happen to have leftovers (don’t count on it!), store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. They’ll crisp right back up. You can even freeze them for a month just wrap each one in plastic wrap, then foil.
Serve These at Your Next Gathering—Thank Me Later
There’s something about fried apple pies that just takes me back.
When I was little, Sunday afternoons smelled like cinnamon, sugar, and hot oil. My grandma would stand at the stove, apron dusted with flour, sliding one golden pie after another out of her cast iron skillet. We’d sit around the kitchen table, the windows fogged up from the steam, and wait impatiently for the pies to cool just enough to eat without burning our mouths (spoiler: we never waited long enough).
More tasty ideas: The First Time I Made This Chocolate Cherry Pie
That’s the kind of memory I want to pass on. And these Stuffed Cheesecake Fried Apple Pies? They’ve become my version of that tradition.
Now, when I bring these to family get-togethers or hand them out after dinner with friends, they disappear in seconds. I mean it seconds. Someone always asks, “Where did you buy these?” And I laugh, because they look fancy, but they’re made with love and a few simple ingredients right from my fridge.
These pies are soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and filled with a creamy, cinnamon-spiced cheesecake center that hugs chunks of gooey apple. Every bite tastes like fall, comfort, and indulgence all rolled into one. It’s the kind of treat that makes people close their eyes and sigh after the first bite.
And the best part? They fit in your hand. No fork required. They’re perfect for brunches, potlucks, bake sales, or those days when you just want to treat yourself to something a little extra special. I’ve even packed them in school lunches cold or warm, they never disappoint.
If you’re planning a gathering birthday parties, church events, cozy movie nights, or even just Sunday coffee with neighbors fried apple pies with stuffed cheesecake filling are the way to go. They feel homemade (because they are), but they also feel elevated. It’s the kind of dessert that says “I care” without needing hours in the kitchen or a pastry degree.
Plus, they’re easy to scale up. You can double the batch in no time. Use different fillings if you’re feeling creative maybe some blueberries, or diced peaches, or even cherries for a tangy twist. One of my readers told me she added chopped pecans and a sprinkle of nutmeg and served them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. I mean… yes please!
And here’s a little secret when I have extras (rare, but it happens!), I’ll freeze them and pop a couple in the oven on a random Tuesday when we all need a pick-me-up. My kids think it’s the best surprise ever.
I truly believe food is love. Recipes like this one are how I show up for the people I care about. Whether it’s wrapping one in foil for my neighbor or plating them up for a special breakfast, these little pies always bring smiles. It’s a simple recipe, sure but the happiness it brings is something special.
So if you do try these Stuffed Cheesecake Fried Apple Pies, please tag me on Instagram or leave a comment here on the blog. I love seeing your photos, your tweaks, and especially your stories. Food has a way of bringing us all together, and this space? It’s our kitchen table.
Let’s keep baking, keep sharing, and most of all keep spreading the love.
Happy frying,
Anna
