Name: Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended).; 8 oz Cream cheese, softened.; 1/4 cup Sugar (adjust to taste).; 1 tsp Vanilla extract.; 1 tsp Cinnamon.; 1 tbsp Lemon juice.; 1/2 cup Graham cracker crumbs.; 2 tbsp Butter, melted.

Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples are the perfect blend of tangy, sweet apples and rich, creamy cheesecake filling. The graham cracker crumb topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender baked apples. This dessert is not only easy to make but also a fun twist on traditional cheesecake. The apples are cored and filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and cinnamon, then topped with graham cracker crumbs and baked to perfection. Drizzling lemon juice over the apples prevents them from browning too quickly and adds a touch of tartness to balance the sweetness. Serve these stuffed apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress.

Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples are a delicious twist on traditional apple desserts. With their creamy cheesecake filling and crunchy graham cracker topping, they bring together the best of both worlds—tart, baked apples and rich cheesecake flavor. These baked apples are perfect for fall gatherings or as a comforting treat at home, offering an indulgent dessert that’s easy to make but impressive enough for guests.

INGREDIENTS

Apples: 4 firm apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, provide the base for this dessert, holding up well during baking.
Cream Cheese: 8 oz of softened cream cheese creates the rich, creamy filling inside each apple.
Sugar: 1/4 cup of sugar sweetens the cheesecake filling, with the option to adjust based on your taste.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cheesecake mixture.
Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon of cinnamon is mixed into both the filling and the graham cracker topping for that classic warm spice flavor.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon of lemon juice adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning too quickly while baking.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: 1/2 cup of graham cracker crumbs mimic the crust of a traditional cheesecake, providing a crunchy topping.
Butter: 2 tablespoons of melted butter help bind the graham cracker crumbs, creating the perfect topping for the baked apples.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the apples bake evenly and the cheesecake filling sets perfectly.
Step 2:: Wash the apples thoroughly, then core them, leaving the bottom intact to create a well for the filling. Be sure to remove all the seeds and create enough space for the cheesecake mixture.
Step 3:: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon until smooth. This creamy filling will melt into the apples as they bake, giving each bite a rich flavor.
Step 4:: Fill each apple with the cream cheese mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the apples are well-packed. You want to get as much filling as possible into each apple for a satisfying dessert.
Step 5:: In a separate bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. This crumbly topping will add the perfect cheesecake crust-like texture on top of the stuffed apples.
Step 6:: Top each stuffed apple with the graham cracker mixture, pressing it lightly to adhere. The crumbs will toast as the apples bake, providing a nice crunch to contrast with the soft apple and creamy filling.
Step 7:: Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish, then drizzle them with lemon juice. This adds a refreshing brightness to balance the sweetness and helps prevent the apples from browning too quickly.
Step 8:: Bake the apples for 25-30 minutes or until they are tender but still hold their shape, and the cheesecake filling is set. The tops should be golden brown, and the apples should feel soft when pierced with a fork.
Step 9:: Let the apples cool slightly before serving to allow the filling to firm up. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent dessert.

Serving and Storage Tips

For the best results, serve Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples warm, straight from the oven. The creamy cheesecake filling and soft apples create a comforting, indulgent dessert.
Pair these baked apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
If you have leftovers, store the baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or oven before serving.
To prevent the apples from browning too quickly during baking, drizzle them with lemon juice right before placing them in the oven. This also adds a refreshing tartness to balance the sweetness of the filling.

Helpful Notes

If you're looking for a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the topping. The rest of the recipe remains naturally gluten-free.
For a healthier version, you can reduce the sugar in the cheesecake filling or use a sugar substitute to make the dessert more diabetic-friendly.
If you prefer a crunchier topping, toast the graham cracker crumbs separately before adding them to the apples.

Tips from well-known chefs

Chef Ina Garten recommends using firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as they hold their shape during baking and provide a great balance of sweetness and tartness.
Chef Martha Stewart suggests brushing the apples with a little melted butter before baking to enhance the flavor and ensure a golden-brown crust on top.
Chef Jamie Oliver recommends using a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg in the filling for a spiced twist, adding extra warmth to the flavor profile of the dish.