Hamdi Saidani This Super-Simple Apple-Cinnamon Dessert Crepes recipe is a creamy and easy dessert, which is made with Fuji apple and cream cheese. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 20 minutes.
Super-Simple Apple-Cinnamon Dessert Crepes Ingredients
- Two 9-inch ready-to-use dessert crepes
- 1/2 cup diced Fuji apple
- 1/2 cup fat-free whipped topping, thawed
- 1 tablespoon reduced-fat/light cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon lemon juice
- Dash salt
- 1 teaspoon fat-free or light caramel dip, for garnish
- Powdered sugar, for optional garnish
How To Make Super-Simple Apple-Cinnamon Dessert Crepes
- Make the Apple Filling: In a small nonstick pot, combine the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir to dissolve. Add the diced apples and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a medium heat, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the apples have softened and the liquid has thickened into a glaze.
- Create the Creamy Filling: Transfer the warm apple mixture to a bowl and let it cool for several minutes. Once it’s no longer hot, thoroughly stir in the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth. Then, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping.
- Fill and Fold the Crepes: Lay the two ready-to-use crepes flat on a work surface. Evenly divide the apple-cream mixture between them. Fold each crepe up “envelope-style” by first folding the left and right sides in, and then rolling it up from the bottom to create a neat package.
- Pan-fry the Crepes: Spray a skillet with nonstick spray and bring it to a medium heat. Place the crepes in the skillet with the seam-sides down. Cook for about 1 minute per side, flipping carefully, until they are warmed through and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate your warm crepes and drizzle them with the caramel dip. If you like, finish with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- How to get a perfectly smooth filling? The secret is to use cream cheese that is fully softened to room temperature. This will allow it to stir smoothly into the warm apple mixture without creating any lumps.
- Can I use my own homemade crepes? Absolutely! While this recipe is a fantastic shortcut using ready-to-use crepes, it’s even more delicious with your favorite homemade crepe recipe if you have the time and prefer to make them from scratch.
- What’s the best way to fold the crepes? To get a neat package that won’t unroll, spread the filling in the center. Fold the left and right sides in over the filling, then, starting from the bottom edge closest to you, roll it up into a tight envelope or burrito shape. Placing it seam-side down in the pan first helps to seal it.
- Can I use a different apple? Yes. Fuji is a great choice as it’s sweet and holds its shape. A Granny Smith would provide a tarter flavor, while a Honeycrisp or Gala would also work well. The key is to use an apple that becomes tender but doesn’t turn to complete mush.
What To Serve With Apple-Cinnamon Dessert Crepes
These crepes are a complete and elegant dessert on their own, especially with the caramel drizzle. For an even more decadent experience, serve them with:
- A small scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream
- An extra dollop of sweetened whipped cream
- A sprinkle of toasted, chopped pecans for a bit of crunch
How To Store Dessert Crepes
- Best Eaten Fresh: These crepes are at their absolute best when they are served warm and slightly crisp from the skillet, with a soft, creamy filling.
- Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crepe will soften over time.
- Reheat: Gently reheat the crepes in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for a few seconds until just warmed through.
Apple-Cinnamon Dessert Crepes Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 crepe
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sugar: 28g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit?
Yes, this recipe would be fantastic with finely diced pears instead of apples. You could also try it with a mix of berries, though you may need to add a little extra cornstarch as berries release more liquid.
Is the final pan-frying step necessary?
It’s not strictly necessary, but it is highly recommended. This final step warms the entire crepe through, melts the creamy filling slightly, and gives the outside a lovely, slightly crisp, golden-brown finish that elevates the whole dessert.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the apple and cream cheese filling up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to assemble and pan-fry the crepes right before you plan to serve them for the best texture.
Try More Recipes:
Super-Simple Apple-Cinnamon Dessert Crepes Recipe
Description
An incredibly easy and elegant dessert featuring a creamy, cinnamon-spiced apple and cream cheese filling tucked inside ready-to-use crepes and pan-fried until golden.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Make the apple filling by simmering the diced apple with sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, lemon juice, and water for 5 minutes until thick.
- Let the apple mixture cool for a few minutes, then stir in the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping.
- Divide the filling between the two crepes. Fold them up “envelope-style.”
- In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, cook the filled crepes for about 1 minute per side until lightly browned.
- Serve immediately, drizzled with caramel dip and an optional dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
- The most important tip for a smooth filling is to ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before you mix it in.
- Don’t skip the final pan-frying step; it warms the crepe and filling through and gives the outside a lovely texture.
- Be gentle when folding in the whipped topping to keep the filling light and airy.
- This recipe is a fantastic shortcut using store-bought crepes, but it’s even more special with your own homemade crepes if you have them.
