If you love the idea of combining the creamy decadence of cheesecake with the fresh, tender bite of baked apples, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on classic desserts that brings together the best of autumn flavors with rich, luscious filling. Whether you want a comforting treat after dinner or a stunning centerpiece for a cozy gathering, these cheesecake-stuffed apples steal the show with their perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and warmly spiced notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are handful but mighty, each playing an essential role in creating a dessert that’s creamy, flavorful, and visually inviting. From the crisp apples that hold the filling to the crumbly graham crackers that add texture, every component enhances the overall experience.
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Choose apples that are firm and hold shape well to create the perfect edible vessel.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The base of your cheesecake filling that delivers richness and creaminess.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps smooth out the cream cheese texture.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar: Offers a subtle molasses flavor for warmth and depth in the filling.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Provides a lovely aromatic note that elevates the dessert.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings seasonal spice vibes that pair perfectly with baked apples.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavors.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and creates a silky texture in the cheesecake mixture.
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers: Provides a delightful crunch and classic cheesecake crust element.
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans): Introduces a nutty, crunchy contrast that’s purely optional but highly recommended.
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling): Adds luscious sweetness and an irresistible glossy finish.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a fresh citrus spark.
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish): Keeps apples from sticking and lends a subtle buttery aroma.
How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, wash and dry the apples thoroughly to ensure a clean, bright base. Carefully core each apple, making sure to leave the bottom intact to hold the cheesecake filling beautifully. To keep your apples looking fresh and prevent browning, drizzle a little lemon juice inside.
Step 2: Assemble the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy, which takes about 2 to 3 minutes. Then, add brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt, mixing until all those wonderful flavors come together evenly. Stir in the sour cream for tanginess. Finally, fold in crushed graham crackers along with nuts if you’re using them. If the filling seems thick, a splash of milk will loosen it up just right for easy filling.
Step 3: Stuff and Bake the Apples
Lightly grease your baking dish with butter and arrange the apples standing upright. Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling into each apple cavity, packing generously and creating a small mound on top. For an extra touch, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers over the filled apples before sliding the dish into the oven. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the side to test softness. In the last five minutes of baking, drizzle caramel sauce over each apple to infuse a heavenly, sticky sweetness.
Baking Complete and Cooling
Once out of the oven, give the apples 10 minutes to cool slightly, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly and for the cheesecake filling to set just enough to hold its shape when served.
How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe
Garnishes
A simple drizzle of warm caramel sauce over each apple is a classic finishing touch that makes these stuffed beauties shine. For an even more indulgent presentation, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few chopped nuts on top adds texture and color that looks stunning on any dessert plate.
Side Dishes
These apples work perfectly as a standalone dessert but pairing them with spiced tea or a cup of strong coffee makes everything feel cozy and complete. For those who love contrast, a crisp green salad or a cheese plate can balance the sweetness beautifully if serving during a casual dinner party or holiday meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve each cheesecake stuffed apple in a small ramekin or mini cast iron skillet to catch any drips of caramel sauce. You can also place them on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks and fresh apple slices as a charming display that invites guests to dive in. Adding edible flowers or fresh mint leaves elevates the look in a wonderfully fresh way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, leftover cheesecake stuffed apples can be covered tightly and refrigerated for up to 3 days without losing their fantastic texture or flavor. Be sure to store them in a sealed container to keep moisture locked in and prevent the apples from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the unbaked stuffed apples before baking. Wrap each apple individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed until tender.
Reheating
To reheat baked cheesecake stuffed apples, warm them gently in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as that can cause uneven heating and a loss of the delightful texture. Drizzle additional caramel sauce after reheating to refresh their luscious appearance and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal because of their firmness and tartness, you can experiment with Fuji or Pink Lady apples. Just make sure they’re large and firm enough to hold the filling without collapsing.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives like dairy-free cream cheese and coconut yogurt. The texture will vary slightly, but it’s a delicious option for those avoiding dairy.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, the cheesecake filling can be prepared up to a day in advance and kept refrigerated. This makes stuffing the apples quicker and more convenient when you’re ready to bake.
What if I don’t have graham crackers?
If graham crackers aren’t available, crushed digestive biscuits or even crushed shortbread cookies work well to add that crunchy texture and subtle sweetness to the filling.
How do I know when the apples are perfectly cooked?
Use a toothpick or a fork to gently pierce the apple’s side; it should slide through easily without the apple turning mushy. The apples should remain firm enough to hold the cheesecake filling without collapsing.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to share and enjoy. There’s something so comforting yet exciting about the marriage of creamy cheesecake and tender baked apples that feels like a warm hug on a plate. If you want to impress your friends or simply treat yourself to a dessert that’s both simple and spectacular, give this recipe a try — I promise you’ll be making it again and again!
Print
Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cheesecake Stuffed Apples offer a delightful twist on a classic dessert by combining tender baked apples with a creamy, cinnamon-spiced cheesecake filling, topped with crunchy graham crackers and drizzled with luscious caramel sauce. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for a cozy night or special occasion.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)
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)
- Milk, a splash (optional, if filling is too thick)
Topping
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- Optional: Extra crushed graham crackers for topping
Optional Serving
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the stuffed apples.
- Prepare apples: Wash the apples thoroughly under cold water, then pat dry with a towel.
- Core apples: Carefully remove the core from each apple, making sure to leave the bottom intact so the cheesecake filling doesn’t leak out.
- Prevent browning: Drizzle about a teaspoon of lemon juice inside each cored apple to keep them from browning and add a slight tang.
- Grease baking dish: Lightly butter a baking dish and arrange the apples upright in it, spacing them evenly.
- Make cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add flavorings: Mix in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate sour cream: Stir in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Fold in crumbs and nuts: Gently fold in the crushed graham crackers and chopped nuts (if using) using a spatula for texture.
- Adjust consistency: If the filling feels too thick, add a small splash of milk and mix until it reaches a spoonable consistency.
- Fill apples: Use a spoon or piping bag to evenly fill each apple with the cheesecake mixture, packing it gently but firmly and mounding it slightly above the rim.
- Add topping: Optionally, sprinkle extra crushed graham crackers on top of each filled apple for added crunch.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the side of an apple—it should slide in easily.
- Drizzle caramel: During the last 5 minutes of baking, drizzle the caramel sauce over the tops of the apples for a sticky, sweet glaze.
- Cool: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the apples cool for about 10 minutes to set and avoid burning when eating.
- Serve: Transfer each stuffed apple to a dessert plate, drizzle with more caramel sauce, and if desired, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- You can choose tart apples like Granny Smith or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp depending on your taste preference.
- Chopped nuts are optional; walnuts or pecans add nice texture and flavor.
- Be careful not to core the apples too deeply; keep the bottom intact to hold the filling.
- The cheesecake filling can be adjusted with milk to achieve the right consistency for easier filling.
- Letting the apples cool slightly after baking improves flavor and handling.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing, or enjoy plain for a lighter option.
