Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: cheesecake stuffed baked apples! Just picture it—juicy, tender apples, perfectly baked and bursting with flavor, all encasing a rich and creamy cheesecake filling. It’s the best of both worlds, really! I remember the first time I made these; the aroma wafted through my kitchen, making my mouth water with anticipation. Trust me, the combination of the sweet apple and the luscious cheesecake is simply divine. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dessert to impress your friends or just a little treat for yourself, these cheesecake stuffed baked apples are sure to hit the spot!
Ingredients List
- 4 medium apples (I love using Granny Smith for that perfect tartness!)
- 8 oz cream cheese (make sure it’s softened for easy mixing)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to your taste, but this is a great starting point)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for that lovely hint of flavor)
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (these give that classic cheesecake crust vibe)
- 1/4 cup melted butter (this adds richness and helps the crumbs stick)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (because who doesn’t love a sprinkle of warmth?)
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your cheesecake stuffed baked apples cook evenly and thoroughly. You want all that delicious filling to meld perfectly with the tender apples, right? So, while your oven is warming up, you can get started on the fun part!
Prepare the Apples
Grab those beautiful apples and let’s get to work! Start by coring each apple carefully. I like to use a melon baller or a small knife to remove the core, but be gentle—you want to keep the apple intact! Once you’ve cored them, place the apples upright in a baking dish. If you’re using Granny Smith apples, their firmness will hold up beautifully during baking. Make sure they’re snug in the dish, so they don’t tip over while baking.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
Now for the creamy goodness! In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat it all together until it’s nice and smooth. Don’t worry if there are a few tiny lumps; we’re not looking for perfection here! Just make sure everything is well combined. And a tip: be careful not to overmix, or it might get a little too airy, and we want that rich cheesecake texture!
Stuff the Apples
Time to fill those apples with that luscious cheesecake mixture! Using a spoon, carefully stuff each apple with the filling. Don’t be shy—pack it in there! You want each bite to be bursting with that creamy goodness. Just make sure to leave a little space at the top, as the filling might puff up a bit while baking.
Add Toppings and Bake
Alright, let’s make these apples even more amazing! Drizzle the melted butter over the top of each stuffed apple, and then sprinkle that warm cinnamon goodness on top. It just adds the perfect touch! Pop the baking dish into the oven and let them bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re ready when the apples are tender and the filling is slightly golden.
Cool and Serve
Once they’re out of the oven, let those cheesecake stuffed baked apples cool slightly. The aroma is going to be heavenly, I promise! For a beautiful presentation, serve them warm on a plate, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel. Trust me, your friends and family will be raving about this delicious dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to prepare—perfect for those last-minute cravings!
- The combination of sweet baked apples and creamy cheesecake is simply irresistible.
- It’s a fun and unique twist on traditional desserts, sure to impress your guests.
- These stuffed apples are relatively healthy, making them a guilt-free treat.
- They can be customized with various toppings or fillings to suit your taste.
- It’s a cozy dessert that fills your home with an amazing aroma while baking.
- Perfect for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings!
Tips for Success
To truly nail these cheesecake stuffed baked apples, here are my top tips! First, pick firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold their shape beautifully when baked. If you prefer a sweeter apple, go for Fuji or Gala. Adjust the sugar in the filling to your taste; if you like it less sweet, just cut back a bit! Also, when mixing the cheesecake filling, aim for a creamy consistency without overmixing. A few small lumps are totally fine! And don’t forget to watch the baking time; every oven is different, so check for that tender texture around the 25-minute mark.
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness, let’s talk about the nutrition! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so they’re not set in stone. But here’s a rough estimate for each cheesecake stuffed baked apple:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
These stuffed apples can be a delightful treat that still feels a bit wholesome, thanks to the fruit! Just remember, if you adjust any ingredients, the nutritional values will change accordingly. Enjoy indulging in this sweet yet satisfying dessert without too much guilt!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While I love Granny Smith for their tartness, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor. Just make sure they’re firm enough to hold up during baking!
How do I know when the apples are done baking?
You’ll know they’re ready when the apples are tender and the cheesecake filling is slightly golden. A fork should easily pierce through the apple, but they shouldn’t be mushy. Keep an eye on them around the 25-minute mark!
Can I make the cheesecake filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just mix the filling and store it in the fridge for up to a day before you stuff the apples. This can save you some time, especially if you’re preparing for guests!
What can I serve with cheesecake stuffed baked apples?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! They’re fantastic on their own, but you can serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for some extra indulgence. Yum!
Can I freeze the stuffed apples?
While I recommend enjoying them fresh for the best texture and flavor, you can freeze the unbaked stuffed apples. Just wrap them tightly and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake, you can cook them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time!
Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples: 7 Steps to Sweet Perfection
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious dessert combining baked apples with a creamy cheesecake filling.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Core the apples and place them in a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add graham cracker crumbs and mix well.
- Stuff the apples with the cheesecake mixture.
- Drizzle melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon over the apples.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until apples are tender.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Choose firm apples like Granny Smith for the best texture.
- Don’t overmix the cream cheese filling.
- Adjust sugar according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed apple
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cheesecake stuffed baked apples, baked apples, dessert recipe
