Heavenly Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe

Dreamy Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe: Sweet Autumn Joy

Autumn’s crisp embrace brings out the magic of this delectable cheesecake stuffed baked apples recipe that promises pure comfort.

Sweet, tangy apples cradle a luscious cheesecake filling that melts in your mouth with each decadent bite.

Warm spices dance through the kitchen, creating an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

The contrast between tender baked fruit and creamy filling creates a dessert that’s both rustic and elegant.

Cinnamon and nutmeg add depth to this simple yet sophisticated treat that transforms ordinary fruit into an extraordinary experience.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that captures the essence of fall in every single spoonful.

Indulge your senses and treat yourself to a dessert that feels like a warm, sweet hug on a cool evening.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples

For Baking Preparation:
  • Apples: Choose firm, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that hold their shape during baking and provide a tangy contrast to the sweet filling.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds bright, zesty flavor to enhance overall taste.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements apple's natural sweetness and adds aromatic depth.
  • Butter: Helps create golden-brown color and adds rich, velvety texture to the apples.
For Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, luxurious base for the filling with smooth, tangy character.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and balances the cream cheese's tanginess.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds classic, comforting flavor that enhances the dessert's overall taste profile.
  • Egg: Binds the filling and helps create a silky, stable texture.
For Crumble Topping:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Creates crunchy, sweet layer that adds textural contrast to soft apples.
  • Brown Sugar: Delivers deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps crumble become golden and crisp.
  • Melted Butter: Helps bind crumble ingredients and creates a rich, golden-brown topping.

Tools to Make Cheesecake Apples at Home

  • Sharp Knife: Perfect for cutting apple tops and precise coring.
  • Melon Baller or Spoon: Essential for hollowing out apple centers cleanly.
  • Medium Mixing Bowl: Needed for preparing smooth cheesecake filling.
  • Small Mixing Bowl: Useful for creating graham cracker crumble topping.
  • Electric Mixer or Whisk: Helps blend cheesecake filling ingredients smoothly.
  • Baking Dish: Provides a stable cooking surface for stuffed apples.
  • Pastry Brush: Great for applying lemon juice and butter inside apples.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Aluminum Foil: Covers apples during initial baking stage.

How to Bake Cheesecake-Stuffed Apples from Scratch

  • Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350 degrees, creating the perfect toasty environment for our delicious dessert.

  • Apple Transformation

Slice off apple tops and carefully scoop out the center, leaving a sturdy apple shell. Brush the inside with a zesty lemon-butter mixture and dust with cinnamon for extra flavor.

  • Whip Up Creamy Goodness

Beat cream cheese into a silky smooth mixture with sugar, vanilla, and egg until perfectly blended. Fill each apple shell with this dreamy mixture, leaving a little space at the top.

  • Create Crunchy Topping

Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon until it forms a delightful crumbly texture. Sprinkle generously over the filled apples.

  • Bake to Perfection

Cover your baking dish with foil and slide into the oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until apples are tender and filling is set.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Let the apples cool briefly, then serve while still warm. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for an extra indulgent treat.

Swaps and Extras for Cheesecake Baked Apples

  • Choose firm, crisp baking apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that hold their shape during baking and provide a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
  • Pat the apples dry after hollowing to prevent excess liquid from making the filling runny and ensure a perfect cheesecake texture.
  • Prepare the stuffed apples up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to save time and enhance flavor development.
  • Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground nuts like almonds to create a delicious gluten-free version of the dessert.
  • Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and use plant-based butter to make this recipe suitable for dairy-sensitive individuals.

Ways to Present Cheesecake Apples for Dessert

  • Sweet Caramel Companion: Drizzle warm homemade caramel sauce over the baked apples for an extra layer of decadent sweetness that complements the creamy cheesecake and tender fruit.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream Delight: Top each stuffed apple with a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful temperature contrast between the warm, spiced apple and the cool, smooth ice cream.
  • Nutty Crunch Topping: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the finished dessert for a delicious crunch that adds texture and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
  • Whipped Cream Finish: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of each apple, garnishing with a light dusting of ground cinnamon for an elegant and indulgent presentation.

Storage Tips for Leftover Cheesecake Apples

  • Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cheesecake-filled apples flat to maintain their delicate structure and prevent filling from sliding.
  • Wrap individual cooled apples separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. These desserts can stay frozen for approximately 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
  • Warm chilled apples in the oven at 325F for 10-15 minutes to restore their original texture and prevent soggy bottoms. Avoid microwave reheating, which might make the apples mushy and compromise the cheesecake filling's smooth consistency.
  • Remove apples from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to allow them to reach room temperature. This helps enhance their flavor and ensures the cheesecake filling isn't too cold, providing a more enjoyable eating experience.

FAQs

  • Are the apples completely hollowed out?

No, you’ll want to leave about 1/2-inch thick walls to ensure the apple structure remains intact and can hold the cheesecake filling without breaking.

  • Can I use different types of apples?

Firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice tart contrast to the sweet filling.

  • Is the egg necessary in the cheesecake filling?

Yes, the egg helps bind the filling and creates a smoother, more stable texture. Without it, the filling might be too loose and runny when baked.

  • What if I don't have graham crackers?

You can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed oatmeal cookies for a similar crunchy topping that complements the baked apples.

Print
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Heavenly Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe

Heavenly Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Savory cinnamon-spiced Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples combine autumn’s favorite fruit with creamy cheesecake filling. Warm spices and rich cream cheese create a delightful dessert you’ll crave during cool evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith)
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp melted butter
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup (50 g) graham cracker crumbs
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheating: Calibrate oven to 350F (175C), preparing an optimal baking environment for this decadent dessert.
  2. Apple Preparation: Core apples meticulously, removing centers while maintaining sturdy walls, then brush interior surfaces with lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor preservation.
  3. Seasoning: Coat apple interiors with melted butter and cinnamon, strategically positioning fruit vessels in a baking dish to ensure even heat distribution.
  4. Cheesecake Filling: Whip cream cheese into a silky consistency, blending sugar, vanilla, and egg until achieving a smooth, homogeneous mixture ready for apple integration.
  5. Assembly: Carefully fill apple cavities three-quarters full with cheesecake mixture, then construct a crisp topping by combining graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and additional cinnamon.
  6. Baking Process: Encase baking dish with aluminum foil, bake for 25 minutes to steam and soften apples, then uncover and continue baking 10-15 minutes until achieving a golden, appetizing exterior.
  7. Serving: Allow apples to cool briefly, stabilizing the delicate cheesecake interior, then plate with a complementary garnish of vanilla ice cream or caramel drizzle for an elevated culinary experience.

Notes

Choose Robust Apples: Select firm, thick-walled varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that maintain structural integrity during baking and provide excellent cheesecake containers.

Prevent Apple Browning: Immediately brush apple interiors with fresh lemon juice to halt oxidation and maintain attractive, crisp appearance throughout preparation.

Customize Filling Consistency: Ensure cream cheese reaches room temperature before mixing to create smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling that blends seamlessly within apple cavities.

Adjust Dietary Needs: Swap traditional ingredients for gluten-free graham crackers, use low-fat cream cheese, or replace sugar with stevia for alternative dietary requirements without compromising delicious flavor profile.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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