Indulge in the delightful combination of tender baked apples and creamy cheesecake filling with this scrumptious recipe for Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples! A perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, these baked apples make for a cozy dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. Serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat!
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup crushed graham crackers
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- Whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Core the apples, creating a cavity for the filling. Leave the bottoms intact to hold the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in crushed graham crackers and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Spoon the cheesecake filling into each apple, packing it gently.
- Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes until apples are tender.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to lightly brown the tops.
- Let cool slightly, then drizzle with caramel sauce and serve warm with whipped cream.
Helpful Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best results, select firm apples that hold their shape well during baking. Granny Smith adds a tart contrast, while Honeycrisp provides a sweet flavor.
- Test for Doneness: Use a fork to check if the apples are tender. They should be soft but not falling apart.
- Serve Warm: These stuffed apples are best served warm, straight from the oven, topped with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra treat.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative such as cashew cream or a vegan cream cheese.
- Sugar Alternatives: For a lower sugar option, use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of powdered sugar.
- Flavor Additions: Mix in some lemon zest or almond extract for a unique twist on the flavor profile.
- Nut-Free: Omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
- Spice it Up: Add chopped dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to the filling for added texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I prepare these apples in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the stuffed apples ahead of time and refrigerate them. Just bake them when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I freeze the stuffed apples?
A: While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can freeze the uncooked stuffed apples. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Q: What can I use instead of graham crackers?
A: You can substitute graham crackers with crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even oatmeal cookies for a different flavor.
Q: Can I use other fruits for stuffing?
A: Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or even plums can be stuffed with the same cheesecake filling for a delightful variation.
More Relevant Recipes
Print
Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples: A Delicious Fall Dessert
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of tender baked apples and creamy cheesecake filling with this scrumptious recipe for Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples! A perfect balance of sweetness and warmth, these baked apples make for a cozy dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. Serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat!
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup crushed graham crackers
- ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- Whipped cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Core the apples, creating a cavity for the filling. Leave the bottoms intact to hold the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in crushed graham crackers and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
- Spoon the cheesecake filling into each apple, packing it gently.
- Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes until apples are tender.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to lightly brown the tops.
- Let cool slightly, then drizzle with caramel sauce and serve warm with whipped cream.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of nutmeg or allspice to the cheesecake filling.
- Experiment with different apple varieties for varying levels of sweetness and tartness.
- These stuffed apples can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed apple
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: baked apples, cheesecake, dessert, fall recipe