Ingredients:

  • 1 9-inch deep-dish pie crust (unbaked)
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 5 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup old fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until perfectly smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating on low speed until just combined.
  2. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across the bottom of the unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust to create a moisture barrier.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Arrange the coated apples over the cream cheese layer, piling them slightly higher in the center.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, and brown sugar. Work the cold, cubed butter into the mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until it forms coarse, pea-sized crumbs.
  5. Sprinkle the oat crumble topping generously over the apple layer. Bake for 50 minutes, or until the topping is mahogany-colored and the apples are tender.
  6. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing to ensure the cream cheese layer sets properly.