Description
These Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples offer a delightful combination of tender baked apples filled with a creamy, rich cheesecake mixture and topped with a crunchy cinnamon oat crumble. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat anytime, balancing tangy, sweet, and spiced flavors with a warm, golden finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples and Preparation
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work well)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese or heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
Crumble Topping
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice the top off each apple and carefully core the center, leaving about 1/2 inch of apple around the edges. Use an apple corer or a paring knife for precision.
- Prepare Apples for Baking: Place the cored apples in a baking dish. Brush the inside of each apple with lemon juice to prevent browning. Drizzle each with melted butter and sprinkle with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon evenly inside and around the tops.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the Greek yogurt or sour cream and mix well until fully combined. For a richer texture, fold in whipped cream cheese or heavy cream.
- Stuff the Apples: Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture into each prepared apple, gently packing it until fully stuffed but not overly filled to avoid overflow.
- Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine rolled oats, granulated sugar, flour, and ground cinnamon. Drizzle melted butter over the mixture and stir until crumbly and well coated.
- Top the Apples: Sprinkle the oat crumble topping evenly over each cheesecake-filled apple for texture and flavor contrast.
- Bake the Apples: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until apples are tender when pierced with a fork, yet holding their shape, and the crumble topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from oven and allow the apples to cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally drizzled with caramel sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkling of cinnamon for garnish.
Notes
- Choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala for best baking results.
- Lemon juice prevents the apple flesh from browning after coring.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese and yogurt with plant-based alternatives.
- If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
- This dessert can be prepared ahead by stuffing apples and refrigerating; add crumble topping just before baking.
