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Cheesecake Stuffed Apples

4.6 from 64 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the stuffed apples evenly.
  2. Prepare Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry to remove any dirt or residues.
  3. Core Apples: Carefully remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom intact to create a cavity that will hold the cheesecake filling.
  4. Prevent Browning: Drizzle a little lemon juice inside each apple cavity to prevent the fruit from browning during preparation and baking.
  5. 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.
  6. Add Flavorings: Incorporate the brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt into the cream cheese mixture, mixing well until fully combined.
  7. Mix in Sour Cream: Add the sour cream to the bowl and mix until the filling is uniformly blended.
  8. 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.
  9. Fill Apples: Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling into each apple cavity, packing it gently but firmly to fully fill the space.
  10. Arrange for Baking: Place the filled apples upright in a baking dish. Spoon any leftover cheesecake filling around the apples to bake alongside.
  11. 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.
  12. Brown the Tops: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to lightly brown the tops of the cheesecake filling.
  13. Cool Slightly: Let the baked apples cool for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly and be safe to handle.
  14. Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the apples with caramel sauce and sprinkle extra cinnamon if desired for added flavor and presentation.
  15. 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.
  16. 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