Description
Classic Apple Bliss showcases New England’s orchard bounty with perfectly balanced sweet-tart flavors. Cinnamon-spiced layers and buttery pastry create a comforting dessert you’ll savor down to the last crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
- 42 oz (1,190 g) apple pie filling
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 16 oz (454 g) Cool Whip, divided
- 1 package graham crackers (9 crackers)
- ½ cup (120 ml / 120 milliliters) butter, melted
- ½ cup (60 g) pecans, chopped
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
- 2 tsps vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (30 g) chopped pecans (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Crust Creation: Pulverize graham crackers and pecans in a food processor until finely ground. Blend with melted butter and sugar, mixing until the mixture resembles moist sand. Press the crumbly blend into a baking pan, creating an even, compact base.
- Crust Preparation: Bake the crust at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely, ensuring a crisp foundation for the dessert.
- Cream Cheese Layer: Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, incorporating vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and a portion of whipped topping. Mix thoroughly to eliminate any lumps, creating a velvety, uniform layer.
- Layer Assembly: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the cooled crust, covering the entire surface. Carefully distribute apple pie filling over the cream cheese layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Topping Finale: Top the dessert with remaining whipped topping, spreading delicately for an elegant finish. Sprinkle chopped pecans across the surface for added texture and visual appeal.
- Chilling Process: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing layers to meld and flavors to intensify. This resting period ensures optimal taste and consistency.
Notes
- Crush Cracker Technique: Pulse graham crackers and pecans together for an ultra-fine, uniform texture that ensures a perfectly even crust base.
- Crust Pressing Tip: Use the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed measuring cup to firmly compact the crust, preventing crumbly edges and creating a stable foundation.
- Cream Cheese Smoothing Secret: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to eliminate lumps and achieve a silky, luxurious texture that spreads effortlessly.
- Chilling Magic: Refrigerate dessert for at least 4-6 hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld and layers to set into a decadent, cohesive treat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 27 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg