If you are looking for the perfect dessert that combines warmth, creaminess, and a touch of cozy spice, the Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful treat takes crisp, naturally sweet apples and transforms them into a luscious, creamy indulgence by filling them with a smooth cheesecake mixture before baking to tender perfection. Each bite offers a comforting balance between the juicy apple and rich cheesecake, making it a dessert that feels both special and incredibly approachable. Whether you’re serving it after a family dinner or bringing it to a holiday gathering, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each contributing a unique flavor or texture that elevates the dish beautifully. From the fresh apples that act as natural vessels to the creamy cheesecake filling, every component plays a key role.
- 6 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala): Choose firm apples that hold their shape well and offer natural sweetness.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Adds warmth and caramel notes beneath the apple skin.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses cozy spice that bursts with every bite.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The base of the rich and creamy cheesecake filling.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling just enough without overpowering the apple’s natural flavor.
- 1 large egg: Helps create a smooth, custard-like filling that sets perfectly during baking.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract: Adds depth and a sweet aroma.
- ½ tsp lemon juice: Brightens the cheesecake filling and balances the sweetness.
- Optional toppings – crushed graham crackers, caramel sauce, toasted pecans or walnuts, cinnamon sugar: Perfect for extra texture, crunch, and flavor contrast.
How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preparing your baking dish beforehand by lightly greasing a 9×13-inch pan ensures that your apples won’t stick and will bake evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Apples
Core and hollow out each apple carefully, making sure to leave the bottoms intact so the cheesecake filling stays in place. Then mix together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, sprinkling this fragrant blend into the hollow centers. This simple step is what adds that addictive, warm spice that perfectly complements the creamy filling.
Step 3: Mix Filling
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, mixing well until the cheesecake filling is creamy and well combined. This filling will bake inside the apple, turning silky and luscious.
Step 4: Stuff Apples
Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each hollowed apple with the cheesecake mixture. Leave a little space at the top to allow the filling to expand slightly during baking and avoid overflow.
Step 5: Bake
Place the stuffed apples in your prepared baking dish. Cover the dish with foil to trap steam and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the cheesecake is set but still a bit soft in the center.
Step 6: Cool & Garnish
Allow the apples to cool slightly before adding your favorite toppings. Drizzle with caramel sauce, sprinkle crushed graham crackers, or add toasted nuts and a dash of cinnamon sugar for extra crunch and visual appeal. Serving them warm really brings out the best flavors in this cheesecake stuffed baked apples recipe.
How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh toppings make this dessert even more irresistible. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds sweetness and stickiness, while crushed graham crackers introduce a lovely crunch that echoes classic cheesecake crusts. Toasted pecans or walnuts contribute a nutty contrast, and a light dusting of cinnamon sugar boosts that aromatic spice.
Side Dishes
Pair these stuffed apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a classic, indulgent dessert experience. If you want to keep things lighter, a simple sprinkle of toasted coconut or even a handful of fresh berries on the side works beautifully too.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your cheesecake stuffed baked apples in individual small ramekins or shallow bowls to catch any drips. You can also drizzle extra caramel sauce artistically around the plate or garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. For a festive touch, sprinkle edible gold dust or chopped candied ginger.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining both flavor and texture wonderfully.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, keep in mind that the texture of the baked apples may soften further upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the cheesecake filling separately if you want to prep ahead, then stuff and bake the apples fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your baked apples in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. This gentle reheating helps preserve the texture of both the apple and creamy filling without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala are recommended for their sweetness and firmness, you can experiment with Granny Smith or Pink Lady for a tarter twist. Just make sure the apples hold their shape well when baked.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Yes, by using dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and egg substitutes like flaxseed meal mixed with water or commercial egg replacers, you can adjust the recipe to be vegan and dairy-free. Keep in mind that baking times might vary slightly.
Can I prepare the stuffed apples in advance?
You can stuff the apples a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge before baking. However, for the best texture and flavor, bake them fresh on the day you plan to serve.
What’s the best way to core the apples without breaking them?
Use a sharp paring knife or an apple corer to carefully remove the core and seeds while leaving the base of the apple intact. A steady hand and patience prevent puncturing the bottom so the filling stays put.
Can I use different types of nuts for toppings?
Definitely! While pecans and walnuts are popular choices, almonds, hazelnuts, or even pistachios can add delightful crunch and flavor. Toast them lightly to bring out their oils and enhance the taste.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple enough to make any night but special enough to impress your guests or family. Once you try it, the combination of bubbly baked apple and silky cheesecake filling will have you coming back to this recipe time and again. So go ahead, give it a whirl and enjoy a slice of cozy sweetness that’s truly unforgettable.
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Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples, a comforting dessert perfect for any season. Crisp apples are hollowed and filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture, baked to tender perfection and topped with optional crunchy and sweet garnishes like crushed graham crackers, caramel sauce, and toasted nuts for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
For the Apples
- 6 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp lemon juice
Optional Toppings
- Crushed graham crackers
- Caramel sauce
- Toasted pecans or walnuts
- Cinnamon sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the apples.
- Prepare Apples: Core and hollow out the apples carefully, making sure to leave the bottoms intact to hold the filling. Mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together and sprinkle this mixture inside each hollowed apple to add warmth and sweetness.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until you achieve a smooth texture. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice and mix until the cheesecake filling is creamy and fully combined.
- Stuff Apples: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each prepared apple with the cheesecake filling, leaving a small space at the top to prevent overflow during baking.
- Bake: Arrange the stuffed apples in the greased baking dish, cover them with foil, and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the filling is set and the apples are tender.
- Cool & Garnish: Allow the baked apples to cool slightly. Then garnish with your choice of crushed graham crackers, caramel sauce, toasted pecans or walnuts, and cinnamon sugar. Serve warm for a delightful dessert experience.
Notes
- Select firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala to hold their shape during baking.
- Be careful not to overfill the apples to avoid spillage during cooking.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and smoother filling.
- The baking time may vary slightly depending on apple size and oven performance.
- Leftover baked apples can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
