Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe
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If you’re craving a dessert that feels cozy, indulgent, and just a little bit special, then you absolutely have to try these Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples. This delightful treat brings together tart, tender baked apples with a luscious, creamy cheesecake filling all hugged by a crisp, buttery graham cracker topping. The natural sweetness of the apples perfectly balances the rich, smooth filling, while a sprinkle of cinnamon adds a warm spice note that makes this dessert feel like a comforting hug on a plate. Whether you’re treating yourself on a chilly weekend or serving guests something unique and impressive, these Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples are a guaranteed hit that’s easy to whip up and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the magic happen, you just need a handful of simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in achieving the perfect harmony of flavors and textures—from the crisp apples that soften just right to the rich cream cheese filling and the crumbly, buttery topping.
- Apples: 4 firm Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples offer the perfect balance of tartness and texture that holds up beautifully in the oven.
- Cream cheese: 8 ounces of softened cream cheese creates that irresistibly creamy cheesecake center.
- Sugar: 1/4 cup to sweeten the filling—but feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon brings a warm, inviting aroma and depth to the cheesecake mixture.
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, split between the filling and topping, adds that classic spice note you’ll love.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon brightens up the apples and keeps them from browning too quickly while baking.
- Graham cracker crumbs: 1/2 cup provides a crunchy, buttery topping reminiscent of a cheesecake crust.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons melted butter bind the graham cracker crumbs and add richness to the topping.
How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is just right to gently bake the apples so they become tender without turning mushy, while ensuring the cheesecake filling sets perfectly inside.
Step 2: Wash and Core the Apples
Next, wash your apples thoroughly and core them, making sure to leave the bottom intact. This creates a perfect little well for the rich cheesecake filling without letting it leak out during baking. Don’t forget to remove all seeds for a smooth filling experience.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Filling
In a bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and half of the cinnamon. Mix until you reach a smooth, creamy consistency. This cheesecake mixture will melt slightly inside the apple, offering a luscious contrast to the baked fruit.
Step 4: Stuff the Apples
Now fill each cored apple with the cheesecake mixture. Press it lightly to pack as much filling in as you can, making sure every bite delivers that indulgent creaminess.
Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and the remaining cinnamon. This combo mimics the classic cheesecake crust, adding a wonderfully crisp texture to the tops of your baked apples.
Step 6: Add the Topping
Generously sprinkle the graham cracker mixture onto each filled apple, pressing down lightly so the crumbs stick. As the apples bake, this topping will toast to golden perfection, providing a satisfying crunch.
Step 7: Bake and Drain
Place the stuffed apples upright in a baking dish, then drizzle with fresh lemon juice—not only to prevent browning but also to add a pop of tanginess that balances the sweetness. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced and the cheesecake filling is set and lightly golden on top.
Step 8: Cool Slightly Before Serving
Once out of the oven, allow the apples to cool for a few minutes. This step helps the cheesecake filling firm up just enough so it stays snug inside, making your Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples a beautiful and easy-to-eat dessert.
How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples
Garnishes
Top off your Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves for a refreshing color contrast. A drizzle of warm caramel or a spoonful of whipped cream can elevate this dessert into an even more irresistible treat.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for some extra indulgence, or balance the richness with fresh berries or a fruit compote for a pop of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, present your Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples on individual dessert plates with a smear of berry coulis or a sprinkle of toasted nuts. You can also slice them in half to reveal the creamy filling inside—perfect for sharing or simply enjoying a visual feast before tasting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, no worries—these Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to cover them loosely so the topping doesn’t get too soggy.
Freezing
While freezing is not ideal for the apples themselves as they may become mushy after thawing, you can freeze the cheesecake filling separately in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before using in fresh apples.
Reheating
To enjoy your leftover stuffed apples warm again, gently reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This refreshes the warmth and helps bring back the soft texture of the baked apples and the melty cream cheese center.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
While you can experiment with different apples, Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended because they hold their shape well during baking and offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness that complements the creamy filling.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream cheese?
Absolutely! You can replace cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative to keep this dessert dairy-free while still maintaining that creamy texture inside the apple.
How do I prevent the apples from getting too mushy while baking?
Make sure to choose firm, fresh apples and keep an eye on the baking time—25 to 30 minutes at 375°F should yield tender but still intact apples. Also, leaving the bottom intact when coring helps the apples keep their structure.
Can I make these Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples gluten-free?
Yes! To make this dessert gluten-free, simply swap the graham cracker crumbs for a gluten-free version. All other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.
What are some topping variations I can try?
If you want to mix things up, try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the topping mixture or sprinkle some shredded coconut for a tropical flair. A pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice can also add exciting new flavor dimensions.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so incredibly satisfying about pulling warm, creamy Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples fresh from the oven. This recipe manages to feel both homely and a little bit fancy, making it perfect to treat yourself or impress friends at your next gathering. Don’t hesitate—grab some apples and cream cheese, and enjoy one of the most comforting desserts you’ll ever taste. Once you try these Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples, they just might become your new favorite dessert to make over and over again!
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Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 stuffed apples) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples combine the tartness of baked Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, topped with a buttery graham cracker crumb crust. This easy-to-make dessert features the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and warm cinnamon flavors, ideal for fall gatherings or comforting treats at home. The lemon juice drizzle adds brightness and prevents browning, while serving suggestions like vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce elevate the indulgence.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4 firm apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon (divided: 1/2 tsp for filling, 1/2 tsp for topping)
Topping
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Other
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking and proper setting of the cheesecake filling.
- Prepare Apples: Thoroughly wash the apples and core them, taking care to leave the bottom intact to create a well for the filling. Remove all seeds and create enough space for the cream cheese mixture.
- Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix until smooth and creamy to create the cheesecake filling.
- Fill Apples: Spoon the cheesecake mixture into each apple’s cavity, pressing down gently to pack the filling well and maximize each bite.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until the crumbs are evenly coated and crumbly.
- Top Apples: Sprinkle and press the graham cracker mixture on top of the filled apples to create a crust-like topping that will toast as the apples bake.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Arrange the stuffed apples in a baking dish and drizzle them evenly with lemon juice. This adds brightness and helps prevent browning during baking.
- Bake: Bake the apples for 25-30 minutes until the apples are tender but still hold their shape, and the cheesecake filling is set. The topping should be lightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the apples to cool slightly before serving so the filling firms up. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
- To reduce sugar for a diabetic-friendly option, adjust the sugar in the filling or substitute with a sugar alternative.
- Toast graham cracker crumbs separately to enhance crunchiness if desired.
- Drizzling lemon juice not only prevents browning but also balances the sweetness with a subtle tartness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed apple
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: cheesecake stuffed apples, baked apples dessert, creamy baked apples, graham cracker topping, apple dessert, fall dessert, easy baked dessert, vegetarian dessert
