Okay, friends, get ready for this one! These Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples are seriously next-level comfort food. I mean, who doesn’t love a good baked apple? But imagine that cozy cinnamon-spiced apple filled with the creamiest, dreamiest cheesecake filling. It’s like apple pie and cheesecake had a delicious baby, and it’s *way* easier to make than either of them separately! These are perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. And the best part? They’re a total crowd-pleaser – my kids devour them, and I’ve even served them at Thanksgiving and gotten rave reviews.
What is Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples?
Think of these Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples as individual little apple pies, but instead of a traditional crust, you have a perfectly baked apple. It’s essentially a cored apple filled with a luscious cheesecake filling that bakes right inside. The apple becomes soft and tender, and the cheesecake filling turns golden brown and slightly caramelized. The combination of warm, spiced apple and creamy cheesecake is just divine. I got the idea from a recipe my grandma used to make for apple dumplings, but I wanted something even simpler, without all the dough work. So, I thought, why not stuff it with cheesecake? And let me tell you, it was a game-changer! They’re incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to throw together, making them the ideal dessert (or even breakfast – don’t judge!).
Why do I love this recipe?
Where do I start? What I love about these Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples is how easy they are to make. Is it possible to bake these in the oven in under 20 minutes? And the flavor? Forget about it! The cinnamon and nutmeg perfectly complement the tartness of the apples, while the cheesecake is delicious. What are some of the best fillings?Flavor:The combination of the soft, spiced apple and the creamy, tangy cheesecake filling is out of this recipe. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, warm and comforting. The slight caramelization on top of the cheesecake filling adds a beautiful depth of flavor.Simplicity:What are some of the easiest recipes to make? Just core the apples, mix the filling, stuff, and bake! What is a good beginner’s dessert recipe?Cost-Apple products are generally quite affordable, especially in the fall. What are the basic ingredients for cheesecake filling? What are some easy ways to make a delicious dessert without breaking the bank?Versatility:You can easily customize these to your liking. Use different types of apples, add nuts or dried fruit to the filling, or drizzle with caramel. What are some of the best ways to serve them warm or cold? If you like apple crisp or apple crumble, you’ll absolutely love these cheesecake stuffed cupcakes. They offer a similar cozy, comforting flavor profile, but with an added layer of creamy indulgence. What are some of the best foods to eat?
How do I make cheesecake stuffed baked apples?
Quick Overview
How do you make Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples? How do you give apples a little spice bath? What is the best cheesecake filling? Stuff the apples with the filling, bake them until tender and golden, and you’re done! What is the best part about making an apple pie? What is the best cheesecake flavor? Plus, individual portions are just so elegant!
Ingredients
For the Apples: What is your
• 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji work great!), cored.
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
What is the cheesecake filling?
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter. How do I clean my apples? I always do this before I even start prepping the ingredients – it just gets it out of the way!
Step 2: Core the Apples
Use an apple corer or a sharp knife to remove the cores from the apples, leaving about 12 inch at the top. How do I make a good cheesecake filling? If you don’t have an apple corer, just carefully cut around the core with a knife. How do you cut through the bottom?
Step 3: Spice the Apples
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Set aside. Brush this mixture all over the apples, inside and out. Why do apples caramelize in the oven? What are the nooks and crannies of life?
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat until just combined. Do not overmix filling as this can cause cracking during baking. How do you add salt to a recipe? I always use room temperature cream cheese for the smoothest filling – it makes a big difference!
Step 5: Stuff the Apples
If you have a cheesecake filling, pour it over the top of the apples and serve. If you have any leftover filling, you can spoon it around the apples in the baking dish – it will keep them moist. What are some tasty cheesecake bites? Don’t be afraid to pack the filling in there – it will shrink slightly as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are tender. The cheesecake filling is golden brown and set. How long will it take for apples to bake? If the tops start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with foil. You’ll know they’re done when a knife is easily inserted into the apple.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Remove the baked apples from the oven and let them cool before serving. Is it good to serve them warm or at room temperature? If you want to get fancy, you can drizzle them with caramel sauce or sprinkle with chopped nuts. What’s a good scoop of vanilla ice cream?
What is the best way to serve it?
These Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better when served with whipped cream. What is the right accompaniment?For Breakfast:Serve with Greek yogurt and granola for a hearty and satisfying snack. What is the perfect pairing of coffee and tea?For Brunch:What’s your favorite way to dress these up? Serve them with a mimosa or sparkling cider for an elegant brunch spread.As Dessert:What are some good side dishes to serve after dinner? Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What’s the best way to end a meal?For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy them warm with a blanket and good book. What is the best way to enjoy hot chocolate with chai latte? What are some good after school snacks for kids? What are some of my favorite family traditions? Making these on a cold winter evening and enjoying them by myself. What is the best way to spend quality time together? Is it true that the aroma of baking apples and cheesecake filling will fill your home with the most delicious flavors?
How do you make cheesecake stuffed baked apples?
How do I take Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples to the next level? What are some tips to perfect a recipe?Apple Selection: What isChoose apples that hold their shape well during baking, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn. Avoid apples that are mushy, like McIntosh.Cream Cheese:Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before you start making the filling. This will ensure a smooth and creamy texture. If you forgot to take it out of the fridge, you can microwave it in 15-seconds. Is it safe to eat a banana at regular intervals until softened?Filling Consistency: Don’t overmix the cheesecake filling, as this can cause it to crack during baking. Mix until just combined.
Spice it Up: Feel free to add other spices to the apples, such as ginger, cardamom, or cloves. A pinch of allspice is also a great addition.
Nutty Goodness: Add chopped nuts to the cheesecake filling for extra flavor and texture. Pecans, walnuts, or almonds work well.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle the baked apples with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence. You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own.
Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling for a chocolatey twist. White chocolate chips are especially delicious.
Baking Time: The baking time will vary depending on the size and type of apples you use. Keep an eye on them and adjust the baking time as needed. You’ll know they’re done when the apples are tender and the cheesecake filling is golden brown and set.
Serving Temperature: These are delicious served warm or at room temperature. If you prefer them cold, you can refrigerate them for a few hours before serving.
I’ve learned these tips over countless batches of these baked apples, and they’ve made a huge difference in the final result. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples (which is rare!), here’s how to store them:
Room Temperature: You can store these at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Cover them loosely with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before storing them. This helps to maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze these for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips:
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can make the apples mushy.
• Air Fryer: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. This method is great for getting a slightly crispy texture.
One thing I’ve found is that the texture of the cheesecake filling can change slightly after freezing and thawing. It might become a little less creamy, but it will still taste delicious. So, if you’re planning to freeze these, I recommend making a fresh batch of filling when you’re ready to serve them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples are truly a special treat. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dessert to enjoy on a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing treat to serve at your next gathering, these are sure to be a hit. The combination of warm, spiced apples and creamy cheesecake filling is simply irresistible. And the best part? They’re so versatile that you can customize them to your liking with different types of apples, fillings, and toppings.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other apple-themed recipes, such as Apple Crumble Bars and Caramel Apple Dip. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turned out! I can’t wait to hear your feedback and see your creations. Happy baking, friends!
Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 large apples Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs Eggs
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Core the apples, leaving about 1/2 inch at the bottom.
- In a bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Beat in vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time.
- Stir in lemon juice.
- Fill each apple with the cheesecake mixture.
- Bake for 40 minutes, or until apples are tender and filling is set.
