Description
A delightful treat combining candy apples with creamy cheesecake, topped with crunchy strawberry goodness. Perfect for parties or as a whimsical dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- 6 sturdy sticks or striped paper straws
- 2 cups white candy melts or white chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp vegetable shortening (or heavy cream)
- 1 tsp cheesecake extract (or vanilla extract)
- Parchment paper for setting
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 12 Golden Oreos, finely crushed
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ½ cup red candy melts or strawberry-flavored chocolate
- 1 tsp vegetable oil (for smoothness)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 small fresh strawberries
- Optional: pink sugar crystals or strawberry crunch crumbs for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and dry the apples well. Remove the wax by dipping them briefly in hot water, then wipe them dry. Insert a stick or straw firmly into each apple. Chill the apples in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
- Make the Strawberry Crunch: In a food processor or zip bag, crush the Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries until crumbly. Stir in melted butter until the mixture looks like coarse sand. Spread this crumble on a tray lined with parchment paper and set aside.
- Coat the Apples: Melt the white candy melts with shortening in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Mix in cheesecake extract for flavor. Dip each chilled apple into the melted coating, swirling for an even layer. While it is still wet, roll the lower half of the apple in the strawberry crunch mixture. Set them on parchment to firm up for about 15 minutes.
- Add the Strawberry Drizzle: Melt the red candy melts with a bit of oil until liquid. Using a piping bag or spoon, drizzle over the tops of each coated apple. Allow them to set fully.
- Make the Cheesecake Whipped Cream: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla, whipping until stiff peaks form. Transfer this mixture to a piping bag and pipe a swirl on top of each apple.
- Garnish and Serve: Place a fresh strawberry on each swirl of whipped cream. Sprinkle with pink sugar or extra strawberry crunch. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh but can last 2-3 days in the refrigerator, covered to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg