If you’re looking to wow your guests or treat yourself to a dessert that feels both special and cozy, the Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe is an absolute winner. This delightful dessert perfectly balances the tart sweetness of tender baked apples with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, all topped off with a crunchy graham cracker crust that adds the perfect texture. It’s a comforting, elegant treat that’s surprisingly simple to prepare and makes for a stunning presentation every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the creamy, flavorful, and texturally satisfying experience that defines this recipe. From the tartness of the apples to the velvety smoothness of the cheesecake filling, every component blends beautifully.
- 6 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji): These varieties bake to tender perfection and offer just the right balance of sweet and tart.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The base of the cheesecake filling, providing creaminess and richness.
- ¼ cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness without grit, ensuring the filling is silky smooth.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the filling’s flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: Brings a gentle spice that complements the apples beautifully.
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds a slight tang and helps make the filling fluffy.
- ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs: For a buttery, crunchy topping that contrasts the soft filling.
- 2 tbsp melted butter: Binds the crumbs and adds richness to the crisp topping.
- Optional: chopped pecans, caramel drizzle, or a pinch of nutmeg: For an extra layer of flavor and texture.
How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, carefully slice the tops off the apples, creating a little “lid,” and scoop out the cores and some of the flesh without puncturing the bottom. This step is crucial as it creates the perfect little cavity to hold the cheesecake filling and ensures the apples bake evenly without collapsing.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sour cream until the mixture is light, fluffy, and silky smooth. This filling is the heart of the recipe, so take your time to get it just right—no lumps here!
Step 3: Fill the Apples
Spoon your luscious cheesecake filling into each apple cavity, mounding it slightly over the top for a generous portion. Trust me, the amount of filling you add here makes every bite heavenly.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping
Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the filled apples. This topping bakes to a crispy, buttery crust that perfectly complements the creamy filling and soft apple.
Step 5: Bake the Apples
Place your stuffed apples in a baking dish with a splash of water at the bottom to keep them moist. Loosely cover the dish with foil to avoid over-browning, then bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Your apples should be tender but still hold their shape perfectly.
Step 6: Optional Finishing Touches
Once baked, feel free to drizzle caramel sauce over the apples and sprinkle with chopped pecans or a dusting of nutmeg. These final touches add depth, flavor, and beautiful visual appeal.
How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe
Garnishes
The presentation is part of the magic with this dessert. A swirl of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans instantly elevates the look and taste. Fresh mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar can also add a charming touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your baked apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn this into a truly decadent treat. For a lighter option, a drizzle of Greek yogurt or a handful of fresh berries makes a lovely pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stuffed baked apples in individual ramekins or shallow bowls to catch any drips from the delicious toppings. You can also arrange them on a rustic wooden board for a cozy fall gathering or stack them up with a few cinnamon sticks for an eye-catching centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples should be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining their lovely texture and flavor.
Freezing
While baked apples can lose some texture when frozen, you can freeze the cheesecake filling separately in an airtight container for up to a month. When ready, thaw and refill fresh apples before baking for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftover stuffed apples gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving for best texture preservation, especially with the crust.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Fuji are recommended for their balance of sweetness and firmness, Granny Smith or Pink Lady apples work well too, depending on your preferred tartness.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use coconut yogurt instead of sour cream. Keep in mind texture and flavor might vary slightly.
Can I prepare the apples in advance before baking?
Yes, you can stuff the apples and cover them tightly, then refrigerate for several hours. Just bake them shortly before serving to enjoy the freshest flavor and texture.
What can I do if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?
You could use crushed digestive biscuits, crushed cookies, or even finely chopped nuts as an alternative crunchy topping.
Are there any vegan modifications for this recipe?
For a vegan version, try vegan cream cheese, plant-based yogurt, and substitute butter with coconut oil. Adjust sweetness as needed since some dairy-free products differ in flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you want to impress with a dessert that feels homemade yet sophisticated, the Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe delivers in every way. It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but elegant enough for your next dinner party. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with this warm, creamy, and crunchy delight as much as I have!
Print
Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These delicious Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples combine tender baked apples with a creamy, cinnamon-infused cheesecake filling, topped with a buttery graham cracker crumble. Perfect as a warm dessert for cozy evenings or special occasions, this recipe offers a delightful blend of fruity sweetness and rich cream cheese flavor.
Ingredients
Apples
- 6 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji work great)
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
Topping
- ¼ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Optional: chopped pecans, caramel drizzle, or a pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the apples evenly.
- Prepare Apples: Slice off the tops of the apples and carefully scoop out the core and some of the flesh using a spoon or melon baller, leaving a thick shell intact to hold the filling.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sour cream or Greek yogurt until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Stuff Apples: Spoon the cheesecake filling into each hollowed apple, mounding the filling slightly above the edges for a generous portion.
- Prepare Topping: Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture is crumbly and moist, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the filled apples.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the stuffed apples upright in a baking dish. Pour a small amount of water into the bottom of the dish to help keep the apples moist, then cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil.
- Bake Apples: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape and the topping is lightly golden.
- Serve with Optional Garnishes: Remove the foil and optionally drizzle caramel sauce over the apples and sprinkle with chopped pecans or a pinch of nutmeg before serving for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji to ensure the apples hold their shape well during baking.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and healthier option.
- To make the dessert vegan, consider using vegan cream cheese and vegan butter substitutes, and skip optional toppings containing dairy.
- For a crunchier topping, toast the graham cracker crumbs lightly before mixing with butter.
- Leftover filling can be used as a dip or spread for crackers or fruit.
