Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe

Picture this: a cozy evening at home, and I’m about to introduce you to the delightful hug-in-a-mug feeling that comes with my baked cream cheese-stuffed apples. It’s a sweet, cinnamon-kissed journey that will have you hooked from the first bite!

These Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples are a perfect treat for fall, combining the crisp sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with a creamy cheesecake filling. My love for the softened cream cheese that blends so seamlessly with sugar and vanilla, against a delightful contrast of the naturally tart flavor of apples, knows no bounds.

The touch of cinnamon and the sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs makes this recipe such a wonderful balance of flavors. I could drizzle some caramel sauce on top for an indulgent spin, or add a handful of chopped nuts.

Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples might just be the next best thing since sliced apples.

Ingredients

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Apples: Rich in fiber and antioxidants; natural sweetness and a subtle tartness.

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Cream Cheese: Adds creamy texture; provides calcium and protein; slight tanginess.

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Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling; balances the tartness of apples.

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Graham Cracker Crumbs: Adds texture; mild sweetness; source of carbohydrates.

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Ground Cinnamon: Aromatic spice; provides warmth; may have anti-inflammatory benefits.

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Caramel Sauce (Optional): Adds luxurious sweetness; contrasts with apple’s tartness.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional: caramel sauce for drizzling
• Optional: chopped nuts for topping

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to warm up.

2. Remove the tops of the apples and dig out the cores to make a space for the filling. Just be sure not to go all the way through the bottoms or you’ll have apple mush in your slow cooker.

3. In a blending bowl, whip the cream cheese until flawless. Toss in sweetener, vanilla essence, spice, and salt. Stir until all ingredients are in agreement.

4. The cream cheese mixture is to be spooned into each hollowed apple, filling them generously.

5. In a tiny dish, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, stirring until the crumbs are uniformly coated.

6. Evenly distribute the graham cracker mixture over the cream cheese filling in each apple.

7. Put the apples, filled with the mixture, into a baking dish and cover the dish tightly with foil.

8. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Arrange the apples in a single layer in a baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour the mixture over the apples; then, pour in the apple juice (or cider). Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover the dish and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender but not mushy.

9. Take off the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the top to brown and crisp up a bit.

10. Let it cool a bit before you serve. Drizzle with some sauce that is made from caramel, and if you like, sprinkle it with some chopped nuts. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Knife
3. Apple corer or spoon
4. Mixing bowl
5. Fork or hand mixer (for whipping cream cheese)
6. Small bowl (for graham cracker mixture)
7. Spoon (for filling and distributing mixtures)
8. Baking dish
9. Aluminum foil

FAQ

• Q: Can I use any type of apples for this recipe?A: You can use any apples, but for the best results, we recommend Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples for their excellent balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Q: How do I know if the apples are done baking?A: The apples need to be tender but not falling apart, usually requiring 25-30 minutes of baking time in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C).
• Q: Can this recipe be made ahead of time?A: Yes, you can prepare the apples stuffed the day before and place them in the refrigerator. You must ensure that they reach room temperature before baking.
• Q: Is there a substitute for graham cracker crumbs?You can use crushed digestive biscuits, gingersnaps, or any other cookie crumbs you like.
• Q: Can I make a lighter version of this recipe?A: You could use low-fat cream cheese and sugar, reduced a bit, but then you’d be compromising on flavor and texture.
• Q: How should leftovers be stored?Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. B: If they remain after that span, toss them.
• Q: Can I add different toppings?A: Without a doubt, toppings such as toasted coconut, chocolate chips, or a dash of sea salt can be delightful enhancements.

Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For cream cheese, replace it with mascarpone cheese for a texture and flavor that’s slightly different. This will yield a not-so-potent filling that’s a little more spreadable, not too fluffy, and altogether just very, very nice.
Use coconut sugar for a caramel-like sweetness instead of granulated sugar.
Almond extract can be used in place of vanilla extract for a nutty essence.
Substitute oat flour for graham cracker crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free. This works really well, but I have to tell you, it hardly qualifies as light.
Replace the unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Apple Preparation When hollowing out the apples, use a melon baller or a small spoon to carefully remove the core and some of the flesh, ensuring you leave about a ½-inch thickness around the edges to maintain structural integrity during baking.

2. Cream Cheese Mixture For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of lemon juice to the cream cheese filling. These subtle additions can enhance the taste without overpowering the main flavors.

3. Graham Cracker Crust Try adding a small amount of brown sugar to the graham cracker crumb mixture for a caramelized taste that complements the apples and cream cheese. Also, make sure the graham cracker crumbs are finely ground for a smoother texture.

4. Baking Tips To prevent the apples from tipping over in the baking dish, cut a small slice off the bottom of each apple to create a flat surface. This will help them stand upright as they bake.

5. Serving Suggestions For a beautiful and tasty presentation, drizzle with warm caramel sauce right before serving and sprinkle with toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor contrast.