Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples: Elegant Fall Dessert
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Bake Time: 35 minutes | Serves 6 | Gluten-Free
Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples
These stunning Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples combine the cozy comfort of traditional baked apples with the luxurious richness of cheesecake! Each tender, caramelized apple is hollowed out and filled with a creamy, spiced cheesecake mixture, then baked to golden perfection. This elegant dessert is naturally gluten-free, perfect for fall entertaining, and impressive enough for special occasions while being surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Apples:
- 6 large Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of salt
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
For Serving:
- Caramel sauce, warmed
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Extra chopped nuts
Instructions
Prepare the Apples:
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare apples: Wash and dry apples. Cut off the top 1/2 inch of each apple and set aside. Using a melon baller or small spoon, carefully hollow out the center of each apple, leaving about 1/2 inch of flesh on all sides. Be careful not to pierce through the bottom.
- Season apple cavities: Brush the inside of each apple with lemon juice to prevent browning. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle this mixture inside each apple cavity.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat cream cheese: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients: Beat in granulated sugar, egg yolk, sour cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, and salt until well combined and smooth.
Prepare Streusel Topping:
- Make streusel: In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Add cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter in until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped nuts.
Assemble and Bake:
- Fill apples: Divide the cheesecake filling evenly among the hollowed apples, filling each cavity completely.
- Add topping: Sprinkle streusel mixture over the top of each filled apple, pressing gently to adhere.
- Prepare for baking: Place filled apples in the prepared baking dish. Brush the outside of each apple with melted butter. Add about 1/4 inch of water to the bottom of the baking dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until apples are tender when pierced with a fork and tops are golden brown.
- Cool slightly: Let apples cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow filling to set.
Serve:
- Plate and garnish: Serve warm drizzled with caramel sauce and topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or extra chopped nuts.
Apple Selection Tips
Best varieties: Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn hold their shape well when baked Size matters: Choose large, uniform apples for even cooking and presentation Firm texture: Avoid overly soft apples that may collapse during baking Fresh quality: Look for apples without bruises or soft spots
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 3 days Reheating: Warm in 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through Make-ahead: Assemble up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate, add 5-10 minutes to baking time Freezing: Not recommended due to apple texture changes
Recipe Variations
Chocolate Cheesecake: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the filling Pumpkin Spice: Add 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice Berry Swirl: Swirl in 2 tablespoons berry jam before baking Maple Pecan: Use maple syrup in place of some sugar and extra pecans Lemon Cheesecake: Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the filling Vegan Version: Use vegan cream cheese and aquafaba instead of egg yolk
Nutritional Benefits
- Fiber: Apples provide excellent dietary fiber
- Antioxidants: Apple skin contains beneficial compounds
- Vitamin C: Supports immune system health
- Calcium: Cream cheese contributes to bone health
- Protein: Cheesecake filling adds satisfying protein content
Serving Suggestions
Elegant presentation: Serve on individual dessert plates with garnish Holiday dessert: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or autumn gatherings Dinner party finale: Impressive ending to special meals Comfort food: Cozy dessert for family dinners Potluck contribution: Transport easily and serves a crowd
Tips for Perfect Results
Room temperature cream cheese: Essential for smooth, lump-free filling Don’t overfill: Leave space at the top for streusel topping Water in pan: Helps steam apples and prevents drying out Check doneness: Apples should be tender but not mushy Cooling time: Allow filling to set before serving for best texture
Make-Ahead Options
Prep components: Make filling and streusel up to 2 days ahead Assemble early: Fill apples morning of serving, refrigerate until baking Partial baking: Bake 75% of the way, finish when ready to serve Individual portions: Perfect for preparing ahead for dinner parties
Dietary Modifications
Sugar-free: Use sugar substitute in both filling and topping Low-fat: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt Dairy-free: Substitute with cashew cream cheese and coconut cream Keto-friendly: Replace sugars with erythritol or stevia Paleo option: Use coconut cream and natural sweeteners
Perfect for These Occasions
- Thanksgiving and holiday dinners
- Fall dinner parties and entertaining
- Special date night desserts
- Apple picking celebration meals
- Cozy autumn family gatherings
- Elegant restaurant-style presentations
