Caramel Apple Cheesecake Chimichangas

Fall is on the way!!! Apple season is just about here too. I love making fresh cider and homemade apple desserts with vine ripe apples. They taste so much better than storebought... but I digress. I've been craving these apple cheesecake chimis for about a year now, so it's time we made them again! Here's what you'll need to make about 10:

Photo byapplebees

Ingredients:

• 21 oz homemade or high quality apple pie filling
• 2, 8 oz packages of cream cheese, room temp*
• 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tbl cinnamon, divided
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 10 small flour tortillas

Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla bean ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel ice cream topping

In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and heavy whipping cream to create the cheesecake filling.

In another bowl, combine the apple pie filling with the caramel sauce and 1 Tbl cinnamon. Mix carfully to combine.

To make the tortillas easier to roll, microwave them for about 15 seconds to increase flexibility and prevent tearing. Then, place a tortilla flat on a surface. Spoon 3 tablespoons of the cheesecake mixture into the center, shaping it into an oval, and then add 3 tablespoons of the apple pie filling on top. Fold the bottom half of the tortilla over the filling, gently pressing it back to create a snug wrap. Fold the sides towards the center, and then roll it up toward the top. Repeat this process until all tortillas are filled.

In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and 1 Tbl cinnamon, then spread this mixture evenly over the bottom of a plate. Set aside.

Pour oil into your deep fryer until it is at least 2-3" deep and heat to 375 degrees.

Once the oil reaches the right temperature, carefully lower the chimichangas into the oil with tongs. Fry them for about 3 minutes on each side.

Remove the chimichangas from the oil one at a time, and immediately place them on a plate with a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll them to ensure an even coating.

Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top if desired and serve while warm with a side of vanilla bean ice cream. Enjoy!

* Notes:

• You can also substitute a premade, 24 oz container of No Bake Cheesecake Filling (found in the cream cheese section).