Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe
Ingredients:
- Apples: 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are great choices)
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Sugar: 1/4 cup
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, divided
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: 1/2 cup
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Apples: Wash and core the apples, leaving the bottom intact to create a well for the filling.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix until smooth.
- Fill Apples: Fill each apple with the cheesecake mixture, pressing down gently to ensure they are well filled.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Top Apples: Top each stuffed apple with the graham cracker mixture, pressing lightly to help it adhere.
- Bake Apples: Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and drizzle with lemon juice. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender and the cheesecake filling is set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the apples cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your decadent cheesecake stuffed baked apples!
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 280 per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
20 Most Popular Questions and Answers
- Can I use any type of apple?
- Yes, but firmer apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala hold up better when baked.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the apples and filling ahead of time and bake them just before serving.
- Can I use a different filling?
- Yes, you can experiment with other fillings like caramel, chocolate chips, or nuts.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
- Yes, low-fat cream cheese works fine, but the texture may be slightly different.
- What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs?
- You can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or even oats.
- Can I add other spices?
- Yes, nutmeg, allspice, or pumpkin spice can be added for extra flavor.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can I freeze these baked apples?
- It’s not recommended as the texture of the apples may become mushy upon thawing.
- What can I serve with these apples?
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- How do I know when the apples are done?
- The apples are done when they are tender but not falling apart, and the cheesecake filling is set.
- Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
- Yes, brown sugar can add a richer flavor.
- What if I don’t have lemon juice?
- You can use lime juice or even orange juice as a substitute.
- Can I use a sugar substitute?
- Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Splenda, but the taste and texture may vary.
- Can I add nuts to the filling or topping?
- Yes, chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch.
- How do I prevent the apples from collapsing?
- Make sure to leave the bottom of the apple intact when coring and don’t overfill them.
- Can I use pre-made cheesecake filling?
- Yes, but homemade filling often tastes fresher and can be adjusted to your liking.
- What size baking dish should I use?
- Use a baking dish that snugly fits the apples so they remain upright while baking.
- Can I bake these in an air fryer?
- Yes, adjust the baking time and temperature according to your air fryer’s instructions.
- Can I add a caramel drizzle?
- Yes, drizzling caramel sauce over the baked apples adds extra sweetness.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes to make this recipe dairy-free.
Secrets and Tips for the Perfect Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala to ensure they hold up during baking.
- Core Properly: Core the apples carefully, leaving the bottom intact to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Uniform Size: Use apples of similar size to ensure even baking.
- Soften Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to achieve a smooth filling.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring cream cheese, butter, and other refrigerated ingredients to room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the cream cheese filling before stuffing the apples and adjust the sugar level to your preference.
- Mix Thoroughly: Ensure the cream cheese mixture is well-mixed and smooth, with no lumps.
- Graham Cracker Topping: Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until they are evenly coated to create a delicious crumbly topping.
- Add Lemon Zest: Adding a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling can enhance the flavor.
- Drizzle Lemon Juice: Drizzle the apples with lemon juice to add a hint of tanginess and prevent browning.
- Fill Generously: Don’t skimp on the cheesecake filling; fill the apples generously for a rich, creamy center.
- Pack Topping Firmly: Press the graham cracker topping firmly onto the filled apples to ensure it stays put during baking.
- Baking Dish Size: Use a baking dish that snugly fits the apples so they remain upright during baking.
- Add a Water Bath: Pour a small amount of water into the bottom of the baking dish to help steam the apples and prevent them from drying out.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time and check for tenderness. The apples should be tender but not mushy.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the apples to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the filling set slightly.
- Garnish Creatively: Garnish with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Serve Warm: These apples are best served warm, straight from the oven for the best texture and flavor.
- Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to the filling or topping for a different flavor profile.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the texture.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly baked, deliciously creamy cheesecake stuffed apples every time.