Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe
Cheesecake Stuffed Apples are a delightful dessert featuring baked apples filled with a creamy, cinnamon-spiced cheesecake mixture. This recipe combines the tartness of Granny Smith or the sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with a rich cream cheese filling, topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an irresistible treat perfect for cozy nights or special occasions.
- Author: lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Apples
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning of apples)
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans)
Finishing
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the apples evenly.
- Prepare Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly under cold water, then pat them dry with a towel to remove any moisture.
- Core Apples: Carefully remove the core from each apple using an apple corer or a sharp knife, making sure to leave the bottom intact to create a cavity for the filling.
- Prevent Browning: Drizzle about a teaspoon of lemon juice inside each cored apple to prevent them from browning during preparation and baking.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add Flavorings and Salt: Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt to the cream cheese mixture. Beat again until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream until fully combined, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Using a spatula, gently fold in the crushed graham crackers and chopped nuts (if using) to add texture and flavor to the filling.
- Fill Apples: Spoon or pipe the cheesecake mixture into each cored apple, packing it gently but firmly to fill the cavity completely.
- Arrange Apples: Place the filled apples upright in a baking dish. Spoon any leftover cheesecake filling around the apples in the dish for extra deliciousness.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
- Uncover and Brown: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes to brown the tops of the cheesecake filling slightly, adding a lovely golden finish.
- Cool: Remove the apples from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes, helping the filling to set and making them easier to serve.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle caramel sauce over the warm stuffed apples and sprinkle additional cinnamon if desired. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for contrast.
- Store Leftovers: Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and storing in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture that holds up during baking.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon based on your preference for spice.
- Optionally, you can omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier and the filling smoother.
- Serve with ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Leftover stuffed apples can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Cheesecake stuffed apples, baked apples dessert, cream cheese apple dessert, cinnamon apples, caramel apple dessert