Description
Cheesecake Stuffed Apples offer a delightful twist on a classic dessert by combining tender baked apples with a creamy cheesecake filling. This easy-to-make recipe features tart Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples stuffed with a smooth mixture of cream cheese, sour cream, and spices, topped with caramel sauce and optional nuts for added texture. Perfect as an elegant yet comforting dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
																
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			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, if needed to loosen filling)
Topping
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed apples.
- Prepare Apples: Wash the apples thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry to remove any residue.
- Core Apples: Carefully remove the core from each apple, ensuring to leave the bottom intact to hold the filling.
- Prevent Browning: Drizzle a little lemon juice inside each cored apple to prevent them from browning during preparation and baking.
- Grease Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with butter and place the apples upright in the dish to keep them stable while baking.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Flavorings: Blend in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt until fully incorporated for a rich flavor base.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Add sour cream to the mixture and mix thoroughly until a smooth consistency is achieved.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the crushed graham crackers and chopped nuts (if using) with a spatula to maintain texture and structure.
- Adjust Consistency: If the filling is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it slightly for easier filling.
- Fill Apples: Using a spoon or piping bag, carefully fill each apple with the cheesecake mixture, packing it gently but firmly to the top, mounding slightly.
- Add Extra Topping: Optionally, sprinkle extra crushed graham crackers on top of each filled apple for added crunch.
- Bake Apples: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
- Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the side of an apple; it should slide in easily to confirm tenderness.
- Apply Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the tops of the apples during the last 5 minutes of baking for a glossy, sweet finish.
- Cool: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the apples cool for about 10 minutes before serving to set the filling.
- Serve: Place each stuffed apple on a dessert plate, drizzle more caramel sauce on top, and optionally add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an indulgent touch.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best contrast to the sweet cheesecake filling.
- If you prefer a nut-free dessert, simply omit the chopped nuts without affecting flavor.
- A splash of milk helps achieve the perfect creamy texture if the filling feels too dense.
- Watch the apples closely during baking to avoid over-softening and maintain a pleasant bite.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
 
