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
Scale
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
