If you love the cozy flavor of baked apples and the creamy richness of cheesecake, you’ll adore these Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples. This delicious treat is the perfect blend of warm, tender apples filled with a sweet and tangy cheesecake center. It’s an easy-to-make dessert that’s ideal for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or when you just want something special. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cook’s Notes and Tips
• Variations
• Keto and Low-Carb Versions
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work well)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (optional)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
• Chopped nuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Apples: Cut the tops off the apples and use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core and some of the flesh, creating a well in the center of each apple. Be careful not to scoop too much; you want the sides to remain intact to hold the filling.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until smooth and creamy.
4. Fill the Apples: Spoon the cheesecake mixture into each apple, filling them to the top. If desired, sprinkle a bit of graham cracker crumbs on top of the cheesecake filling for extra crunch.
5. Bake the Apples: Place the apples in the prepared baking dish. Brush the outside of the apples with melted butter. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still holding their shape.
6. Serve: Let the apples cool slightly before serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

• Apple Choice: Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala apples work well for baking as they hold their shape nicely and have a sweet flavor. Avoid using softer apples like Red Delicious as they may become too mushy.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar in the cheesecake filling based on your taste. You could also use brown sugar for a richer flavor.
• Baking Time: The baking time may vary depending on the size and type of apples you use. Check for tenderness by inserting a fork into the apple.

Variations

• Chocolate Cheesecake Filling: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cheesecake filling for a chocolatey twist.
• Cranberry Walnut Baked Apples: Add dried cranberries and chopped walnuts to the cheesecake mixture for added texture and flavor.
• Maple Cheesecake Filling: Replace the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the apples.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions

To make a keto-friendly and low-carb version of these Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples:

• Apples Substitute: Use halved and hollowed-out zucchini or small acorn squash as a lower-carb vessel.
• Sugar Substitute: Replace the granulated sugar with a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit.
• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Omit the graham cracker crumbs or use a keto-friendly substitute made from almond flour, cinnamon, and a bit of melted butter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make These Apples Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the apples and fill them with the cheesecake mixture in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.

Can I Use a Different Filling?

Absolutely! You can fill the apples with other flavors like cinnamon-sugar butter, oatmeal crumble, or even apple pie filling for a different take on this dessert.

What Should I Serve with Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples?

These apples are delicious on their own, but they’re even better served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce.

Can I Use Pears Instead of Apples?

Yes, you can use pears instead of apples for a slightly different flavor. Just be sure to use firm pears like Bosc or Anjou so they hold up during baking.

Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples are the perfect blend of classic baked apples and creamy cheesecake, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion. The warmth of the baked apples, combined with the sweet and creamy cheesecake filling, creates a flavor and texture combination that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday gathering or a cozy night in, these stuffed apples are sure to impress. So grab some apples, whip up the cheesecake filling, and enjoy this comforting and decadent treat!

Happy Baking!