Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples offer the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and a touch of crunch. The apples are tender and juicy, and when paired with the smooth, rich cheesecake filling, they create a satisfying dessert experience. The buttery graham cracker topping adds the finishing touch, bringing that classic cheesecake crust flavor to every bite. Plus, this dessert is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1/2 cup Graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp Butter, melted
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Apples: Wash the apples and carefully core them, leaving the bottom intact to create a well for the cheesecake filling. You can use an apple corer or a knife to carefully remove the cores.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Stuff the Apples: Fill each cored apple with the cheesecake mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the filling is well-packed and the apples are full.
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated with the butter.
- Top the Apples: Spoon the graham cracker mixture over the cheesecake-filled apples, pressing lightly to help it stick to the top.
- Bake the Apples: Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and drizzle with lemon juice to enhance flavor and prevent browning. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the cheesecake filling is set.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the apples to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm for the best experience!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the apples in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use any variety of apple that holds its shape when baked, such as Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for their balance of tartness and firmness.
Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Stuff the apples just before baking.
Can I add other toppings to these apples?
Absolutely! You can drizzle the apples with caramel sauce, sprinkle them with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Can I use store-bought graham cracker crumbs?
Yes, you can use store-bought graham cracker crumbs to save time. Alternatively, you can crush your own graham crackers in a plastic bag or with a food processor.
Can I use a sugar substitute in the cheesecake filling?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener to make this dessert lower in sugar, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How do I know when the apples are done baking?
The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheesecake filling should be set and lightly golden on top. If the apples are still firm, bake them for a few more minutes.
Can I freeze these stuffed apples?
You can freeze the cheesecake-stuffed apples before baking. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed.
What can I serve with these apples?
These stuffed apples pair well with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a more decadent treat, serve them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make the crust topping gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Yes, if you want to add a unique flavor twist, you can use flavored cream cheese such as cinnamon or strawberry, but this will change the flavor profile of the dessert.
Conclusion
Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples are an irresistible dessert that combines the best of both worlds: the sweetness and warmth of baked apples and the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. Topped with buttery graham cracker crumbs, this dessert is perfect for fall, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and comforting. With minimal prep and a quick bake time, you can enjoy a decadent treat without a lot of effort. Try this recipe today for a delightful and satisfying dessert!
Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples are a dreamy dessert that combines the warmth of baked apples with a rich cheesecake filling, topped with buttery graham cracker crumbs for a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
4 Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
8 oz Cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup Sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 tsp Cinnamon
1 tbsp Lemon juice
1/2 cup Graham cracker crumbs
2 tbsp Butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash the apples and carefully core them, leaving the bottom intact to create a well for the cheesecake filling.
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
- Stuff each cored apple with the cheesecake mixture, pressing down gently to pack it in.
- In a separate bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix well until the crumbs are coated in butter.
- Spoon the graham cracker mixture over the cheesecake-filled apples, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and drizzle with lemon juice. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the cheesecake filling is set.
- Allow the apples to cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
You can use any apple variety that holds its shape when baked, such as Fuji or Braeburn.
If you want to add a topping, consider caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
You can freeze the stuffed apples before baking. Just store them in an airtight container and bake as directed after thawing.
If you prefer, use flavored cream cheese like cinnamon for an extra twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed apple
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
