Cheesecake Stuffed Apples
Cheesecake Stuffed Apples are a delightful dessert that combines tender baked apples with a creamy, spiced cheesecake filling. Featuring a delicious blend of cream cheese, brown sugar, cinnamon, and graham crackers, these stuffed apples are baked until perfectly tender and topped with caramel sauce for a decadent finish. This recipe offers a comforting and elegant treat ideal for fall or any occasion.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Apples
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans)
Topping
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the stuffed apples evenly.
- Prepare Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry to remove any dirt or residues.
- Core Apples: Carefully remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom intact to create a cavity that will hold the cheesecake filling.
- Prevent Browning: Drizzle a little lemon juice inside each apple cavity to prevent the fruit from browning during preparation and baking.
- Make Cheesecake Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavorings: Incorporate the brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt into the cream cheese mixture, mixing well until fully combined.
- Mix in Sour Cream: Add the sour cream to the bowl and mix until the filling is uniformly blended.
- Fold in Crunchy Ingredients: Gently fold in the crushed graham crackers and chopped nuts, if using, with a spatula to add texture to the filling.
- Fill Apples: Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling into each apple cavity, packing it gently but firmly to fully fill the space.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the filled apples upright in a baking dish. Spoon any leftover cheesecake filling around the apples to bake alongside.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture and bake for 25-30 minutes until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
- Brown the Tops: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to lightly brown the tops of the cheesecake filling.
- Cool Slightly: Let the baked apples cool for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly and be safe to handle.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the apples with caramel sauce and sprinkle extra cinnamon if desired for added flavor and presentation.
- Optional Serving Suggestion: Serve the warm stuffed apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast.
- Store Leftovers: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- Adjust the cinnamon amount to taste; add more for a spicier kick.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
- To avoid browning, keep the prepared apples covered until baking.
- Serve warm for best flavor, but leftovers can be reheated gently before serving.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives.
Keywords: cheesecake stuffed apples, baked apples, dessert, fall recipes, caramel apples, stuffed fruit dessert