Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe
If you’re hunting for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’ve got to try Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples. This heavenly treat balances the natural tartness of crisp apples with a luscious, creamy cheesecake filling that’s simply irresistible. Topped with a buttery, cinnamon-kissed graham cracker crumble, these baked apples are both comforting and elegant, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without stress. They’re surprisingly easy to whip up, and they fill your kitchen with the most inviting aromas. Trust me, this delightful combination will quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the secret to making these Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples so exceptional. Each component plays a vital role, from the crispness of the apples to the creamy richness of the filling, and the crumbly texture of the topping that completes the experience.
- Apples: 4 Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples provide the perfect balance of tart and sweet, plus they hold their shape beautifully while baking.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces of softened cream cheese creates the rich, silky filling that melts in your mouth.
- Sugar: 1/4 cup sweetens the filling just right, though you can adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon infuses the cheesecake with warm, aromatic notes enhancing the flavor.
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon is sprinkled into both the filling and topping, adding a dash of comforting spice.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon brightens the apples’ flavor and prevents unwanted browning during baking.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: 1/2 cup provides a delicious, crunchy topping that mimics a classic cheesecake crust.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons melted butter bind the graham cracker crumbs together into a buttery, toasty topping.
How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Apples
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, wash and core the apples carefully, making sure to leave the bottom intact. This creates a well perfect for stuffing without the filling leaking out. Removing all seeds is key, and you want enough room so the cheesecake filling fits snugly inside each apple.
Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Filling
In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and half of the cinnamon until smooth and creamy. This mixture is going to transform the apples from ordinary to extraordinary with its rich, velvety texture and sweet, spiced flavor that melts beautifully during baking.
Step 3: Stuff the Apples
Fill each hollowed apple generously with the cheesecake filling. Press gently to ensure the filling is packed nicely without overflowing. The more filling, the more indulgent each bite will be, so don’t be shy here!
Step 4: Prepare the Graham Cracker Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and the remaining cinnamon. This crumbly topping will mimic the iconic cheesecake crust, adding a toasty crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft, baked apples and creamy filling.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Press the graham cracker mixture onto the tops of the filled apples, lightly adhering it to form a crust. Place your stuffed apples into a baking dish and drizzle lemon juice over them; this adds a citrus brightness and keeps the apples looking fresh and vibrant. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the apples are tender but not mushy and the cheesecake filling has set into perfection.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, allow the Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples to cool slightly. This resting time lets the cheesecake filling firm up a bit, making them easier to serve and enjoy. Warm, they’re divine on their own or paired with a little something special.
How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dusting of extra cinnamon elevates both presentation and flavor. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream melts gently over the warm apples for an indulgent touch that makes every bite unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides if you’re serving at a dinner or celebration. Consider a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness or a cup of your favorite spiced tea or coffee to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve these stuffed apples in rustic ramekins or individual mini cast iron skillets. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the topping before baking for an added texture and nutty flavor. For a festive look, garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for enjoying a warm treat the next day or two.
Freezing
The good news is you can freeze these baked apples for up to a month. Wrap each apple tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To revive your Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples, warm them in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes or microwave individually in 30-second bursts until heated through. This brings back their soft texture and melty filling just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their firmness and balance of sweetness and tartness, you can try Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala apples. Just ensure they are firm enough to hold the filling and maintain their shape when baked.
Is it possible to make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free alternatives or almond meal for the topping. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this dessert works wonderfully for gluten-sensitive guests.
Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Definitely. You can mix the cheesecake filling a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready, stuff the apples and proceed with the recipe. This makes the assembly quick and stress-free.
What if I want a dairy-free version?
For a dairy-free twist, try using vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter substitutes. Just make sure they are softened and suitable for baking to achieve that creamy texture and buttery topping.
How do I prevent the apples from becoming too mushy?
Choose firm apples and avoid overbaking. Bake just until the apples are tender when pierced but still hold their shape—usually 25-30 minutes is perfect. Setting a timer and checking doneness early helps avoid mushiness.
Final Thoughts
Nothing quite compares to the cozy comfort of Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples. They’re a beautiful, simple dessert that feels fancy enough for special occasions yet easy enough for a casual weekend treat. Once you try this recipe, you’ll cherish the warm, creamy filling nestled inside the baked apple cups and that irresistible crunchy topping. So go ahead, give these a try and watch how quickly they become a cherished favorite in your home!
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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 tart, tender baked apples with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling and a crunchy graham cracker topping. This easy-to-make dessert features cored Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples filled with a smooth mixture of cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, then baked with a buttery graham cracker crumb topping. A drizzle of lemon juice adds brightness and prevents browning, making these baked apples a perfect warm treat for fall or any occasion, especially when served with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4 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 as 1/2 tsp for filling and 1/2 tsp for topping)
Topping & Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp Butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking and proper setting of the cheesecake filling.
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to create a well for the filling. Remove all seeds and hollow enough space to hold the cheesecake mixture.
- Mix the Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Fill the Apples: Spoon the cheesecake mixture into each cored apple, pressing gently to pack the filling well inside.
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Top the Apples: Sprinkle the graham cracker mixture on top of each filled apple, pressing lightly so it adheres well and forms a crust during baking.
- Arrange in Baking Dish and Add Lemon Juice: Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and drizzle them evenly with the lemon juice to brighten flavors and prevent browning.
- Bake: Bake the apples in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the cheesecake filling is set and slightly golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the apples to cool slightly before serving. For an indulgent touch, serve warm with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Reduce sugar or use a sugar substitute to make the dessert diabetic-friendly.
- Toast graham cracker crumbs separately for a crunchier topping if preferred.
- Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to hold their shape during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed apple
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Keywords: Cheesecake stuffed apples, baked stuffed apples, creamy apple dessert, baked apple cheesecake, fall desserts, graham cracker topping, easy baked apple recipe, vegetarian dessert
