Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples

Cheesecake stuffed baked apples are the perfect blend of comfort and indulgence. This recipe combines the warmth and sweetness of baked apples with the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake, topped with a buttery graham cracker crumble for an added crunch. These apples are easy to make and a delightful treat for autumn gatherings, holiday dinners, or simply a cozy night in. The contrast between the soft, warm apple and the cool, smooth cheesecake filling makes every bite a luxurious experience.

Let’s dive into this recipe, step by step, to make sure you get the perfect result every time.

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Ingredients

For the Baked Apples:

• Apples: Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. These varieties hold up well to baking, maintaining their structure while becoming tender.
• Cream Cheese: The key to the rich cheesecake filling. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cheesecake filling, balancing the tartness of the apples.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a depth of flavor to the cheesecake filling, enhancing its creamy richness.
• Cinnamon: Cinnamon provides a warm, spicy note that pairs perfectly with apples and cheesecake.
• Lemon Juice: A drizzle of lemon juice prevents the apples from browning and adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the sweetness.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: These create a crunchy topping reminiscent of a classic cheesecake crust.
• Butter: Melted butter helps the graham cracker crumbs stick together and adds richness to the topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C): This temperature is ideal for baking the apples until they’re tender without overcooking the cheesecake filling.

2. Prepare the Apples

The first step to making these cheesecake stuffed baked apples is to prepare the apples themselves. You want to create a hollow cavity in each apple to fill with the cheesecake mixture.

• Wash and core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to create a well: Use a sharp knife or an apple corer to remove the core and seeds from each apple. Be careful not to cut all the way through the bottom of the apple—you want to create a well that will hold the cheesecake filling without it leaking out during baking.Pro Tip: If you don’t have an apple corer, use a melon baller or a small spoon to carefully scoop out the core.
• Choose the Right Apples: When selecting apples for this recipe, it’s important to choose firm varieties that will hold their shape during baking. Soft apples, such as Red Delicious, may collapse or become too mushy. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji apples are excellent choices because they maintain their structure while becoming tender and flavorful when baked.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Next, you’ll prepare the creamy cheesecake filling that makes these baked apples so decadent.

• In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth: Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing it with the sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. This will ensure that the filling is smooth and free of lumps. Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the ingredients until fully combined.Pro Tip: Taste the filling before you stuff the apples. If you prefer a sweeter filling, you can add a bit more sugar or adjust the amount of cinnamon to your taste.
• Fill each apple with the cheesecake mixture, pressing down gently: Use a spoon or piping bag to fill each apple with the cheesecake mixture, making sure to press it down slightly to remove any air pockets. Fill the apples to the top, but not overflowing, so the filling stays neatly inside during baking.

4. Prepare the Graham Cracker Topping

Now it’s time to make the topping that will give your baked apples a delightful crunch, reminiscent of a traditional cheesecake crust.

• In a separate bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon: Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with melted butter and a bit of cinnamon until the mixture resembles wet sand.Pro Tip: For added flavor, you can toast the graham cracker crumbs in a skillet for a few minutes before mixing them with the butter. This brings out their nutty flavor and adds a touch of extra crunch.
• Top each stuffed apple with the graham cracker mixture, pressing lightly: Spoon the graham cracker topping onto each apple, gently pressing it down so it adheres to the cheesecake filling. Be generous with the topping—it adds a wonderful texture contrast to the soft apples and creamy filling.

5. Bake the Apples

With the apples stuffed and topped, it’s time to bake them to perfection.

• Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and drizzle with lemon juice: Arrange the apples in a baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each one. Drizzle them with lemon juice to prevent browning and to add a hint of brightness to the dessert. The lemon juice also helps balance the richness of the cheesecake filling.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender and the cheesecake filling is set: Bake the apples until they’re tender but not falling apart. The filling should be slightly puffed and set, but still creamy inside. Keep an eye on the apples as they bake; cooking times can vary slightly depending on the size of the apples and your oven.Pro Tip: If the graham cracker topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the apples loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

6. Let the Apples Cool

Once the apples are done baking, it’s important to let them cool slightly before serving.

• Let the apples cool slightly before serving: Allow the baked apples to rest for about 5-10 minutes after you take them out of the oven. This gives the filling a chance to set fully and makes the apples easier to handle. Serve them warm, but not piping hot, so you can fully enjoy the flavors and textures.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Your cheesecake stuffed baked apples are ready to enjoy! These apples make a perfect dessert for a cozy night in, a fall gathering, or a holiday dinner. The combination of the warm, tender apple, the creamy cheesecake filling, and the crunchy graham cracker topping is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Apples: As mentioned earlier, firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work best for this recipe. Avoid soft apples that might break down too much during baking.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing it with the sugar and other ingredients. This ensures a smooth, creamy filling without lumps.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on the apples as they bake. You want them to be tender but not mushy. The cheesecake filling should be set but still creamy. Overbaking can cause the apples to collapse and the filling to dry out.
• Customize the Filling: Feel free to experiment with the cheesecake filling by adding your favorite flavors. A touch of maple syrup or honey can add sweetness, while a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can bring in some warmth. You can also add a spoonful of peanut butter or Nutella for a fun twist.
• Serve with a Topping: These cheesecake stuffed baked apples are delicious on their own, but they’re also great with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream. These toppings add an extra layer of indulgence that’s perfect for special occasions.

Variations and Additions

• Nutty Topping: Add crushed nuts like pecans or walnuts to the graham cracker topping for an extra layer of crunch and flavor. The nuts complement the sweetness of the apples and the richness of the cheesecake filling beautifully.
• Chocolate Lovers: Mix some mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling for a chocolatey twist on this dessert. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the apples after baking for an extra decadent finish.
• Spiced Apples: If you love warm spices, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to the cheesecake filling. These spices enhance the autumnal flavors and make the apples even more fragrant.
• Caramel Drizzle: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle the baked apples with warm caramel sauce just before serving. The caramel pairs perfectly with the tart apples and rich cheesecake filling, adding a luxurious finish to the dessert.

Final Thoughts

These Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples are a delicious and impressive dessert that combines the best of two classic treats: cheesecake and baked apples. With their creamy filling, tender fruit, and crunchy topping, they offer a variety of textures and flavors that are sure to please everyone. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dessert to enjoy on a chilly evening or a show-stopping dish for a holiday gathering, these baked apples are the perfect choice.

Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also versatile enough to customize to your liking. Play around with different fillings, toppings, and flavors to create your own signature version of this delightful dessert. One thing is for sure: once you’ve tried these cheesecake stuffed baked apples, they’re bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!