Description
Cheesecake Stuffed Apples offer a delightful fusion of tart, tender baked apples filled with a rich, creamy cheesecake mixture. This easy-to-make dessert combines the crispness of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples with a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and spices, finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Perfect for a comforting and impressive treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing the baking dish)
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans)
- Milk (a splash, optional to loosen filling)
Topping
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the stuffed apples.
- Prepare Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry to remove any dirt and residues.
- Core Apples: Carefully remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom intact so the cheesecake filling can sit securely inside.
- Prevent Browning: Drizzle a little lemon juice inside each apple cavity to keep them from browning during baking.
- Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with butter and arrange the apples upright in the dish for even baking.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Additional Ingredients: Mix in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until well incorporated, adding layers of flavor to the filling.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Add sour cream to the mixture and blend thoroughly for a rich, smooth texture.
- Fold in Crunchy Elements: Gently fold in the crushed graham crackers and chopped nuts (if using) to add a delightful crunch to the filling.
- Adjust Consistency: If the filling is too thick, add a small splash of milk to loosen it slightly for easier stuffing.
- Fill Apples: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each apple with the cheesecake mixture, packing it gently but firmly up to the top, forming a slight mound.
- Optional Topping: Sprinkle extra crushed graham crackers on top of each filled apple if desired, for an added texture finish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the apples for 25-30 minutes, until they are tender yet still hold their shape.
- Test Doneness: Check by inserting a toothpick into the side of an apple; it should slide in easily indicating the apples are properly cooked.
- Add Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow it to warm and meld with the cheesecake.
- Cool: Remove the apples from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes before serving to set the filling slightly.
- Serve: Place each stuffed apple on a dessert plate and drizzle more caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Optional Serve With: For an indulgent finish, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side to complement the warm apples.
Notes
- Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape well during baking.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened before mixing to achieve a smooth filling.
- Using a piping bag makes filling the apples easier and tidier.
- Chopped nuts are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor depth.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown and granulated sugar according to your taste.
- Letting the apples cool slightly before serving improves texture and flavor cohesion.
- To make this dessert vegan, substitute cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free caramel sauce.
