Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe

Dreamy Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe for Fall Nights

Crisp autumn nights call for a delightful cheesecake stuffed baked apples treat that promises pure comfort.

Sweet, ripe apples become magical vessels for creamy cheesecake filling in this simple dessert.

Biting through a tender, caramelized exterior into a rich, silky center bursting with flavor.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg dance alongside the tangy cream cheese, creating an irresistible combination.

Each apple transforms into a personal-sized dessert that looks impressive yet requires minimal effort to prepare.

The contrast between soft, warm fruit and smooth cheesecake makes this recipe a standout crowd-pleaser.

You’ll want to savor every single decadent bite of this innovative fall dessert.

Why Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Feel Like A Treat

  • Craft a Delightful Dessert Fusion: Combine the classic comfort of baked apples with the creamy richness of cheesecake, creating a mouthwatering treat that bridges traditional flavors in one elegant dessert.
  • Enjoy Hassle-Free Baking: Whip up this impressive dessert with minimal prep time and simple ingredients, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers who want a show-stopping sweet without complicated techniques.
  • Savor Irresistible Texture Contrast: Experience the magical combination of soft, tender baked apples filled with smooth, creamy cheesecake and topped with crunchy graham cracker crumble that delivers a delightful sensory experience in every bite.
  • Customize for Any Occasion: Dress up this versatile dessert for special events or keep it casual for family dinners, with easy options like adding ice cream or caramel sauce to elevate the presentation and flavor profile.

All You Need For Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples

Main Ingredients:

Apples: The star of the dish, providing a fresh and sweet base for the cheesecake filling. Choose firm, crisp baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape well.

Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy filling with a smooth texture. Full-fat cream cheese works best for maximum richness.

Filling Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Egg: Classic cheesecake ingredients that add sweetness, flavor, and help bind the filling together. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
Crumble Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs, Melted Butter, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Provide a crunchy, sweet topping with warm spice notes. Use fresh graham crackers for the best texture and flavor.
Finishing Touches:
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a subtle brightness. Fresh lemon juice is preferable.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice to both the apple interior and crumble topping.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream, Caramel Sauce: Optional accompaniments that enhance the dessert's richness and presentation.

How To Bake Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C), getting ready for a delightful dessert adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Apple Vessels

  • Grab fresh, crisp apples
  • Slice off the apple tops
  • Scoop out the core using a spoon or melon baller
  • Leave about 1/2-inch thick apple walls
  • Brush interior with
  • Lemon juice
  • Melted butter
  • Sprinkle ground cinnamon inside
  • Place apples in a baking dish

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Egg

Beat until silky smooth and fully combined. Carefully spoon the filling into apple centers, filling about 3/4 full.

Step 4: Create Crunchy Graham Cracker Topping

In a separate bowl, mix:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Cinnamon

Stir until the mixture becomes wonderfully crumbly. Generously sprinkle this topping over the filled apples.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

  • Cover baking dish with foil
  • Bake for 25 minutes
  • Remove foil
  • Continue baking 10-15 minutes
  • Check that apples are tender
  • Ensure cheesecake filling is set

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Let apples cool briefly. Serve while warm, optionally topped with:
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Caramel sauce drizzle

Savor each heavenly bite of this decadent dessert!

Tips That Help With Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples

  • Choose Firm Apples: Select crisp, sturdy varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a tart contrast to the sweet cheesecake filling.
  • Prevent Apple Browning: Immediately brush apple interiors with lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain a fresh, appetizing appearance.
  • Control Moisture Levels: Blot hollowed apples with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring the cheesecake filling stays creamy and doesn't become watery.
  • Customize Crumble Texture: Pulse graham crackers in a food processor for finer crumbs or crush them by hand for a more rustic, chunky topping that adds delightful crunch.
  • Make It Gluten-Free: Swap traditional graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.

How To Save Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover cheesecake stuffed baked apples in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place them carefully in a single layer to prevent damaging the delicate filling.
  • Reheat in Oven: Warm refrigerated apples at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore their original texture and ensure the filling remains creamy. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
  • Microwave Option: Gently reheat individual apples for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating, which can make the filling rubbery.
  • Serving Tip: Add fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon after reheating to refresh the dessert's appearance and taste.

What To Serve With Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples

  • Pair with Warm Spiced Chai: Brew a rich, aromatic chai tea with cinnamon and cardamom to complement the warm spices in the baked apples. The creamy tea will enhance the dessert's comforting flavors and provide a cozy drinking experience.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Gelato: Scoop some smooth, creamy vanilla bean gelato alongside the warm cheesecake-stuffed apples. The cold, silky texture contrasts beautifully with the warm baked fruit and adds an extra layer of indulgence to the dessert.
  • Serve with Caramel Bourbon Sauce: Drizzle a homemade caramel bourbon sauce over the stuffed apples for a decadent touch. The rich, boozy caramel will accentuate the dessert's sweetness and add depth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Complement with Moscato Wine: Pour a chilled glass of sweet Moscato wine to accompany the dessert. Its light, fruity notes will harmonize perfectly with the apple and cheesecake flavors, creating a delightful end to the meal.

Different Takes On Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples

  • Nutty Caramel Crunch: Replace graham cracker crumbs with chopped pecans and add a caramel drizzle after baking for extra richness and texture.
  • Berry Cheesecake Fusion: Mix fresh raspberries or blueberries into the cheesecake filling for a burst of fruity flavor and vibrant color.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Fold melted dark chocolate into the cheesecake mixture and sprinkle cocoa powder over the top before baking for an intense chocolate experience.
  • Spiced Autumn Comfort: Add pumpkin pie spice to the cheesecake filling and top with toasted walnuts for a warm, seasonal variation that captures fall's essence.

Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Questions Answered

  • What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Choose firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance of flavor with the cheesecake filling.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed apples up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving. The filling and crumble can be prepared separately and kept refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble.

  • Is this dessert gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham crackers for the crumble topping. Check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have a strict dietary requirement.

  • How do I prevent the apples from getting too mushy?

Choosing firm apples and not overbaking is key. Check the apples at the 25-minute mark under the foil to ensure they maintain their texture. The goal is tender but not falling apart apples.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe

Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Succulent Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples blend classic autumn comfort with creamy indulgence, offering a perfect dessert fusion. Warm spices and rich cheesecake filling elevate simple apples into an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 large apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith)
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ½ cup (50 grams) graham cracker crumbs

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Butter Components:

  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare your culinary workspace by positioning the oven rack to the middle position and heating it to 350F (175C), ensuring an even cooking environment.
  2. Select ripe, firm apples and meticulously carve out their cores, creating delicate edible vessels. Gently brush the interior with citrus juice to prevent browning and coat with melted butter, then dust with fragrant cinnamon for added depth of flavor.
  3. Craft the luxurious cheesecake filling by whisking cream cheese until velvety smooth, incorporating sugar, vanilla, and egg. Blend until the mixture achieves a silky, consistent texture without lumps.
  4. Carefully spoon the creamy cheesecake mixture into the apple cavities, filling them approximately three-quarters full, allowing slight expansion during baking.
  5. Construct a crisp graham cracker topping by combining crumbs with melted butter, brown sugar, and a whisper of cinnamon. Crumble the mixture delicately across the filled apples, creating a rustic, textured crown.
  6. Shield the baking dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil to allow the tops to golden and crisp for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  7. Remove from the oven and let the apples rest briefly, allowing the filling to set and flavors to meld. Serve while warm, optionally accompanied by a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of rich caramel sauce.

Notes

  • Prevent apple browning by immediately brushing the inside with lemon juice after hollowing, which stops oxidation and maintains a fresh appearance.
  • Select firm, large baking apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best structural integrity and better holding the cheesecake filling.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free cookies or almond meal for a crunchy topping.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of bourbon to the cheesecake mixture for sophisticated depth and warmth.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 270
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star