Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples

If you’ve ever wished you could combine the sweetness of baked apples with the indulgence of cheesecake, then you’re going to love these Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples! Think of tender, juicy apples baked to perfection, stuffed with a creamy, rich cheesecake filling, and topped with a sweet crumble. It’s like having two desserts in one, and each bite is a little piece of cozy, comforting heaven. The warm cinnamon and vanilla aromas will fill your kitchen, making these baked apples the perfect dessert for a chilly evening or a special treat. Trust me, you’re going to be hooked from the first bite!

Why You’ll Love Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples

These Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples are a match made in dessert heaven. Here’s why they’re bound to become your new favorite treat:

A Cozy Fall Vibe

These baked apples have all the flavors of fall—cinnamon, apples, and a buttery crumble topping. It’s like biting into the warmth and comfort of a cozy autumn day, no matter the season.

The Best of Both Worlds

Why choose between cheesecake and baked apples when you can have both? The cheesecake filling is smooth and rich, complementing the tender, juicy apples beautifully.

Easy to Make

Despite looking like something you’d find at a fancy bakery, these stuffed apples are surprisingly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that will wow your guests.

Perfect for a Crowd or Solo Indulgence

Whether you’re serving a crowd or enjoying a quiet evening on your own, these baked apples are the perfect portion. You can easily make as many or as few as you like, and they’re just as satisfying on their own or paired with a scoop of ice cream.

Customizable

You can easily tweak the recipe based on your tastes. Want a little extra crunch? Add some nuts to the cheesecake filling. Prefer a lighter version? Swap in Greek yogurt for the cream cheese. The options are endless!

Ingredients in Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples

These Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples are made with simple ingredients that come together to create a dessert that’s anything but basic. Let’s break it down:

Apples

The apples are the star of the show, so pick a variety that’s firm and sweet-tart, like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. They’ll hold up well during baking and offer a nice contrast to the creamy filling.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese creates that rich, velvety cheesecake filling. It’s what makes these apples so indulgent and creamy. Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.

Sugar

Sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to the cheesecake filling, balancing out the tartness of the apples.

Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake filling, making every bite even more delicious.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon brings that warm, cozy spice to both the apples and the cheesecake filling. It’s the perfect complement to the natural sweetness of the apples.

Butter

Butter is key for making the crumble topping crisp and golden. It also adds richness to the apples as they bake, making them soft and juicy.

Graham Crackers

Crushed graham crackers are the base for the crumble topping. They add a lovely crunch and sweetness to contrast the creamy cheesecake filling.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness to the crumble topping, making it extra flavorful.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above!)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Here’s how to make these irresistible Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples:

Prepare the Apples

Start by preheating your oven and lining a baking dish with parchment paper or greasing it lightly. Core the apples to create a nice hollow center for the cheesecake filling, making sure not to pierce the bottom of the apple. A melon baller or apple corer works great for this!

Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. You want the filling to be thick and rich, just like a classic cheesecake batter.

Stuff the Apples

Carefully spoon the cheesecake filling into each cored apple, filling it generously. Don’t worry about getting it perfect—just make sure the filling is evenly spread inside the apple.

Prepare the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add in the melted butter and stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should be crumbly.

Top the Apples

Sprinkle the crumble topping over the cheesecake filling in each apple, pressing it gently into the filling. The crumble will become golden and crispy as it bakes, adding the perfect crunch.

Bake the Apples

Place the stuffed apples in the prepared baking dish and bake them for about 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the crumble topping is golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when the apples are soft but still hold their shape.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the apples cool slightly before serving. For an extra touch, you can drizzle some caramel sauce over the top, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy the perfect combination of warm, tender apples, creamy cheesecake, and crunchy topping!

How to Serve Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples

These Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples are a treat on their own, but here are a few ways to make them even more indulgent:

With a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce

For that extra sweetness, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top of each apple. The caramel and cheesecake flavors together are absolutely heavenly.

Top with Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm apples and creamy cheesecake filling. It adds a cold and creamy contrast to the warm dessert.

Garnish with Nuts

If you love a little crunch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the crumble for added texture and flavor.

Serve with Whipped Cream

A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of these stuffed apples makes them extra creamy and indulgent. Plus, it’s the perfect finishing touch!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to ensure these Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples turn out perfectly every time:

Pick the Right Apples

Choose apples that are firm and hold their shape when baked. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji are perfect because they’re sweet, crisp, and won’t fall apart in the oven.

Don’t Overstuff the Apples

While it’s tempting to fill the apples all the way to the top, be careful not to overstuff them, or the filling might spill out while baking. Aim for a generous but not overflowing amount of cheesecake filling.

Add a Dash of Nutmeg

If you love warm spices, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheesecake filling or crumble topping for an extra cozy flavor.

Make Ahead

You can prepare the apples ahead of time by stuffing them with the cheesecake filling and topping them with the crumble. Just cover them and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Then, bake them right before serving!

Adjust the Sweetness

If you prefer a less sweet filling, you can reduce the sugar in the cheesecake filling by a tablespoon or two. Taste as you go to ensure it’s to your liking.

Freezing Tips

These Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples can be frozen before baking! Just stuff and top the apples, then freeze them on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven from frozen (you may need to add a few extra minutes to the bake time).

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?

A1: You could try using mascarpone cheese for a slightly different flavor and texture, but cream cheese works best for the rich, creamy filling.

Q2: Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

A2: While apples work wonderfully for this recipe, you can try pears or even peaches for a twist! Just make sure to choose fruits that hold their shape when baked.

Q3: Can I make these without the crumble topping?

A3: Yes, if you prefer a simpler version, you can skip the crumble topping. The cheesecake-stuffed apples will still be delicious on their own.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or oven before serving.

Q5: Can I make these in advance?

A5: Absolutely! You can stuff and top the apples the day before, refrigerate them, and then bake them just before serving.

Q6: What type of apples should I use for this recipe?

A6: Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji are ideal because they hold their shape well during baking and provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Conclusion

Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples are the ultimate comfort dessert that combines the warmth of baked apples with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. With a sweet and crunchy crumble topping, each bite is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or enjoying them on a cozy night in, these stuffed apples are guaranteed to be a hit. So, grab your apples, get baking, and enjoy the perfect fall-inspired treat!

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