Description
Delight in these Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples, combining tender baked apples with a creamy, spiced cheesecake filling and a crunchy graham cracker topping. This comforting dessert blends warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla flavors, perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 4 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Topping
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Optional Toppings
- caramel sauce
- chopped pecans
- whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the stuffed apples evenly.
- Prep Apples: Slice off the tops of the apples and carefully hollow out the centers, removing the core and seeds while leaving approximately a 1/4 inch thick shell to hold the filling.
- Make Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fill Apples: Spoon the cheesecake mixture into each hollowed apple carefully, filling them without overstuffing to avoid overflow during baking.
- Prepare Topping: Mix the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the tops of the filled apples for a crunchy finish.
- Arrange and Cover: Place the stuffed apples into a baking dish and cover them loosely with aluminum foil to help the apples cook through without over-browning the topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping turns golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the baked apples to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, drizzle with caramel sauce, sprinkle chopped pecans, or add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples work best due to their sturdy texture and balanced sweetness.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for smooth filling and easier mixing.
- Do not overfill apples to prevent filling from spilling during baking.
- Optional toppings add extra flavor and texture but can be omitted for a simpler dessert.
- Use aluminum foil loosely to prevent the topping from burning while baking the apples thoroughly.
