Description
Welcome to a delightful fusion of flavors that will surely become a favorite in your dessert repertoire! Whether you’re a fan of traditional cheesecake or love the crisp freshness of baked apples, this Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples recipe offers the best of both worlds. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in, these stuffed apples are not only easy to make but also offer a warm, comforting treat that’s hard to resist. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients
- 4 Apples – Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results.
- 8 oz Cream cheese – Softened to room temperature.
- 1/4 cup Sugar – Adjust according to your taste preference.
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract – Adds a rich, warm flavor to the cheesecake filling.
- 1 tsp Cinnamon – For that classic, warm spice that complements the apples.
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice – Helps to balance the sweetness and adds a hint of tartness.
- 1/2 cup Graham cracker crumbs – For that essential cheesecake crust flavor.
- 2 tbsp Butter – Melted, to bind the graham cracker crumbs.
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to swap out ingredients to suit dietary restrictions or personal preferences. For instance, you can use a sugar substitute to make it diabetic-friendly or gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your apples bake evenly and the filling sets perfectly.
- Wash and core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to create a well. This will hold the creamy cheesecake filling without it spilling out during baking.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth. This is your luscious cheesecake filling that will melt into the apple as it bakes.
- Fill each apple with the cheesecake mixture, pressing down gently to ensure it’s well-packed. You want to get as much of that creamy goodness into the apple as possible!
- In a separate bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This mixture will give you that classic cheesecake crust texture on top of your stuffed apples.
- Top each stuffed apple with the graham cracker mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. The crumbs will toast as the apples bake, adding a delightful crunch.
- Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and drizzle with lemon juice. The lemon juice not only adds flavor but also prevents the apples from browning too quickly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender and the cheesecake filling is set. You’ll know they’re ready when the apples are soft to the touch but still hold their shape.
- Let the apples cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to firm up a bit and makes them easier to eat.
- Enjoy your decadent Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgence!
Notes
- Choosing the Right Apples: Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because they hold their shape during baking and have a nice balance of tartness that complements the sweet filling.
- Preventing Overfilling: When filling the apples, don’t overstuff them. Leave a little room at the top for the graham cracker topping to sit snugly.
- Checking for Doneness: The apples are ready when they are tender but not mushy. You can test this by inserting a toothpick into the side of the apple; it should slide in easily.