Layers of cinnamon sugar pie crust, homemade apple pie filling, rich caramel, and cinnamon-spiced cream filling–An American classic transformed into a parfait!
There may be nothing more American than apple pie, but there sure as helicopter ain’t nothin’ tastier than these Caramel Apple Pie Parfaits.
NOTHIN’.
For realsies, though. This is the only way I want to eat apple pie from now on, which is a bold statement coming from the daughter of a mother who makes the best apple pies in the entire universe! (Don’t worry Ma, I’ll still eat your pies 😉 )
These parfaits are undoubtedly the most elegant way to eat apple pie. With layers upon layers of sweet, ungodly addictive deliciousness, you’ll have a tough time deciding which part you love the best.
Is it the buttery pieces of cinnamon-sugar coated pie crust?
The wonderfully fluffy brown sugar and cinnamon-spiced cheesecakey filling?
Or the tart and tender, yet sweet and cinnamony chunks of apple drizzled in rich, golden caramel?
Tough to decide, I know! With all of these heavenly flavors combined, these parfaits scream fall! Not to mention, the many textures involved. Whether it’s the soft, yet slightly firm caramel-soaked apples, the creamy filling, or the flakey bits of pie crust, your mouth will be in texture heaven.
Also, who doesn’t loooooove little individual desserts?? These parfaits are the perfect portion to serve at little gatherings, especially if you’re looking to impress. You can also change up the shapes of the pie crust pieces to fit a certain occasion.
So if you’re looking for a modern twist on an old classic for Thanksgiving (or whenever!), give this recipe a try! You will NOT be disappointed…
Unless if someone decides to hijack YOUR parfait after shamelessly scarfing down their own. You then have my permission to kill them.
Ok, so maybe not “kill” them, but at least to unfriend them on Facebook…
Caramel Apple Pie Parfaits
Ingredients
Apple Pie Filling:
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 cups apples peeled, cored, and cubed
- ½ cup water
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Pie Crust:
- 1 sheet 9-inch refrigerated pie crust
- 2 teaspoons butter melted
- Cinnamon sugar
Cinnamon Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping
- ⅓ - ½ cup caramel sauce
- Whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
Apple Pie Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in the apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon, stirring until combined. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Partially cover and cook until the apples are tender, about 10-15 minutes depending on how thick your apples are cut. Drain any excess liquid out and allow to cool.
Pie Crust:
- Preheat oven to 375ºF. Unroll pie crust on a cutting board. Brush the pie crust with the melted butter, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top. Use a knife or cookie cutter of choice to cut out small shapes, then place on a baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Cool completely.
Cinnamon Filling:
- In a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Remove bowl from mixer and gently fold in the whipped topping until just combined. Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a large round tip.
To Assemble:
- Add a layer of pie crust pieces to the bottom of each glass. Pipe half of the cinnamon filling on top of the crust, followed by half of the apple pie filling. Drizzle caramel sauce over apples, then repeat the layering once more. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream and a few more pie pieces.