Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe
When the air turns crisp and apples are in peak season, there’s no better way to embrace fall flavors than with a batch of Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples. This recipe marries the creamy decadence of cheesecake with the natural sweetness and warmth of baked apples, finished off with a buttery graham cracker topping for a satisfying crunch.
This dessert is ideal for cozy evenings, holiday dinners, or as a crowd-pleasing finale to any family meal. It’s simple enough for beginner bakers, yet elegant and impressive enough for special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this baked apple recipe is bound to become a seasonal favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples recipe is:
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Easy to make with minimal prep and accessible ingredients.
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Gluten-adaptable (swap graham crumbs for gluten-free alternatives).
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A perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tart.
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Customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs.
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Naturally portioned—perfect for serving guests or meal prepping dessert.
The fusion of creamy cheesecake filling and the warm, spiced apple is simply magical. And let’s not forget the graham cracker topping—it adds that nostalgic cheesecake flavor and a satisfying texture contrast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Make sure to gather the following before you begin:
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4 Apples – Choose firm, baking-friendly varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
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8 oz Cream Cheese – Softened to room temperature.
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1/4 cup Sugar – Adjust to taste.
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1 tsp Vanilla Extract – For warm, aromatic flavor.
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1 tsp Cinnamon – Divided between filling and topping.
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1 tbsp Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and keeps apples from browning.
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1/2 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs – For that signature cheesecake “crust”.
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2 tbsp Butter – Melted, to hold the crumb topping together.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To make these baked apples, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
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Oven (preheated to 375°F / 190°C)
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Mixing bowls (small and medium)
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Spoon or small scoop
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Apple corer or paring knife
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Baking dish
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Rubber spatula or hand mixer (for mixing the cheesecake filling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Apples
Start by washing and coring your apples. Be sure to leave the bottoms intact to form a natural “cup” for the cheesecake filling. Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core and a bit of the flesh, creating enough space for the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and half the cinnamon until smooth and creamy. A hand mixer works well here, but a rubber spatula will do just fine.
3. Stuff the Apples
Fill each cored apple generously with the cream cheese mixture. Press down slightly to ensure the filling is packed and fills the apple cavity completely.
4. Prepare the Crumb Topping
In a separate small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and the remaining cinnamon. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
5. Top and Assemble
Sprinkle the crumb mixture on top of each stuffed apple, gently pressing so it adheres well. Place the apples in a baking dish and drizzle with lemon juice.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the cheesecake center is set. You’ll know they’re ready when the tops are golden and the apples give slightly when pressed.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the apples to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This rest time helps the filling set and makes the apples easier to handle.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed apples are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate your dessert experience:
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Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast and creaminess.
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Drizzle with caramel sauce for a luxurious finish.
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Garnish with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
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Serve with warm spiced cider or mulled wine for the perfect fall pairing.
Tips for Success
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Choose firm apples. Softer apples like Red Delicious may collapse during baking.
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Don’t overbake. You want the apples tender, not mushy.
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Room-temperature cream cheese mixes smoother and gives a silkier texture.
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Make ahead tip: You can core and prep the apples and filling a few hours in advance. Store in the fridge separately, then assemble and bake when ready.
Recipe Variations
Feel like getting creative? Here are a few delicious twists:
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Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Apples: Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar to the filling and top with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze post-bake.
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Pumpkin Spice Version: Replace half the cream cheese with pumpkin puree and add a pinch of nutmeg and cloves.
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Chocolate Lover’s Delight: Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake mixture or drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving.
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Nutty Crust: Mix chopped pecans or almonds into the graham cracker topping for texture and flavor.
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Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia in the filling and topping.
Storage and Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
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Freezer: Not ideal, as the texture of the apple and filling may change. Fresh is best!
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Meal prep tip: These make a lovely next-day dessert. Warm them slightly and top with a fresh scoop of ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the apples and cheesecake filling in advance. Store separately and assemble just before baking.
What apples are best for baking?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are top choices for their firmness and balance of tart and sweet flavors.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter. Just make sure your graham cracker crumbs are also dairy-free.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes. Simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or crushed gluten-free cookies for the topping.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Definitely. Maple syrup, honey, or sugar substitutes like erythritol work well. Just be sure to adjust the consistency of your filling as needed.
Can I use different fruit?
Pears make a lovely substitute, though they are softer and bake quicker. Keep a close eye on them in the oven.
Final Thoughts
Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples are the ultimate comfort dessert—easy to make, fun to serve, and a beautiful blend of classic flavors. Whether you’re impressing guests or just satisfying your own sweet tooth, this recipe is one you’ll reach for again and again.
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Happy baking!
