I love using mascarpone in cheesecake-style desserts because it has a soft, satiny texture and less sodium than cream cheese. Combining whipped mascarpone with the fixings for cheesecake crust and canned apple pie filling makes for a most splendid no-bake dessert. You could easily cook up your own sliced apples with sugar and spices, but on a hot summer’s day, why not give yourself a little break and make this 10 minute dessert instead?

This no-bake apple pie cheesecake is so easy and delicious you might be tempted to make it year ’round.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (250 mL) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature *
• ¼ cup (60 mL) white sugar
• 8 graham crackers
• 1 tablespoon (15 mL) white sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 mL) butter, melted
• 1 cup (250 mL) canned apple pie filling
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) ground cinnamon

* Substitute with cream cheese if you prefer

Method

• In a medium bowl, blend together mascarpone and ¼ cup sugar; beat until smooth.
• Place graham crackers in a zippered sandwich bag and seal bag. Crush crackers with the bottom of a sturdy glass or mug.
• Pour graham crumbs into a small bowl. Add sugar and melted butter; stir to combine.
• Combine apple pie filling with cinnamon; break up apple pieces with edge of spoon as you stir them together.
• Place about 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of apple pie filling in the bottom of four serving dishes (small mason jars, cocktail glasses or even wine glasses work well).
• Put 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of the mascarpone mixture on top, then add a tablespoon (15 mL) of the graham crumb mixture.
• Repeat all three layers; sprinkle with a bit more cinnamon for garnish.
• Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Makes 4 individual desserts; recipe can easily be doubled.