Transform ordinary baked apples into an extraordinary dessert with this Ultimate Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Applesrecipe. This innovative twist combines the warm, comforting flavors of traditional baked apples with the rich, creamy indulgence of cheesecake filling, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and surprisingly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These Ultimate Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples offer the perfect balance of healthy and indulgent. The natural sweetness of baked apples pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese filling, while the graham cracker crumb topping adds a delightful textural contrast. This recipe is ideal for fall entertaining, weeknight desserts, or whenever you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Plus, individual portions make serving a breeze, and the presentation is absolutely stunning on any dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apples:
- 6 large Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Pinch of cinnamon
How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Apples Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Using an apple corer or small knife, carefully remove the core from each apple, creating a cavity about 1 inch wide. Be careful not to cut through the bottom. Brush the inside and outside of each apple with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until well combined. Mix in the egg yolk, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Prepare the Graham Cracker Topping In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened and hold together when pressed.
Step 4: Stuff the Apples Using a small spoon or piping bag, fill each hollowed apple with the cheesecake mixture, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Gently tap the apples to settle the filling and remove any air bubbles.
Step 5: Add Toppings and Bake Sprinkle the graham cracker mixture over the top of each stuffed apple, pressing gently to adhere. Place the apples in a baking dish and drizzle with melted butter. Add about 1/4 inch of water to the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork and the cheesecake filling is set. The tops should be lightly golden. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips:
Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji that will hold their shape during baking. Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before mixing to avoid lumps in your filling. If you don’t have an apple corer, use a small knife and spoon to carefully hollow out the apples. For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cheesecake filling. To prevent apples from tipping over during baking, slice a small piece off the bottom to create a flat surface.
Details:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Notes:
These Ultimate Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples are best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature. The cheesecake filling will be slightly soft when warm and will firm up as it cools. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for half of the cream cheese. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, drizzle with caramel sauce or honey before serving. The recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the stuffed apples up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Q: What’s the best type of apple to use? A: Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples work best because they hold their shape well during baking. Avoid Red Delicious or other soft varieties that may become mushy.
Q: Can I freeze these stuffed apples? A: While possible, freezing isn’t recommended as the texture of both the apple and cheesecake filling may change. They’re best enjoyed fresh or stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: How do I know when they’re done baking? A: The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheesecake filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The tops should be lightly golden.
Q: Can I make these without eggs? A: Yes, you can omit the egg yolk, though the filling won’t be quite as rich. Add an extra tablespoon of cream cheese to compensate for the lost binding.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Ultimate Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for 30-45 seconds. The cheesecake filling may separate slightly when reheated, but the flavor will remain delicious. For best results, bring to room temperature before reheating to ensure even warming.
Related Recipes:
Looking for more delicious apple desserts? Try these favorites from RunOfLife.com:
- Classic Apple Crisp with Oat Topping
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Cinnamon Apple Coffee Cake
- Apple Pie Stuffed French Toast
Conclusion:
These Ultimate Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples represent the perfect marriage of comfort food and elegant dessert. The combination of tender, spiced apples filled with rich cheesecake and topped with buttery graham cracker crumbs creates a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating fall flavors, or simply treating yourself to something special, this recipe delivers impressive results with manageable effort. The individual presentation makes portion control easy while ensuring every guest feels special. Give this recipe a try, and watch as it becomes a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.