I absolutely love this Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe because it feels like a cozy hug in dessert form — the warm baked apple pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling, and that crunchy cinnamon-kissed graham cracker topping just seals the deal. Whenever I’m craving something comforting yet a little special, this recipe comes to the rescue, and I find it’s perfect for fall nights or when you want to impress guests with something homemade but not too complicated.

You’ll find that making these stuffed apples is surprisingly straightforward—no fancy equipment needed, just simple ingredients that come together to create something irresistibly delicious. Trust me, the moment you taste that balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy goodness, you’ll be glad you tried this Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe. Plus, it’s a fun way to enjoy fresh apples beyond the usual pie or crumble.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Delightfully Unique: It’s not just baked apples or cheesecake, but the perfect blend of both in one warm, comforting dessert.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples with fresh apples for an easy, approachable dessert.
  • Impress Without Stress: Looks restaurant-worthy but comes together without complicated steps.
  • Versatile for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, holiday treats, or a sweet snack anytime you need a cozy pick-me-up.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe lies in familiar ingredients working together—crisp apples for structure, creamy filling, and that buttery cinnamon topping that adds just the right crunch. Knowing which apples to choose and having your cream cheese softened upfront makes all the difference.

  • Large crisp apples: Choose firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to hold their shape during baking.
  • Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened, so it blends smoothly into the filling.
  • Caramel sauce: Adds a luscious sweetness that contrasts nicely with tart apples.
  • Vanilla extract: A little vanilla elevates the flavors, making the filling taste rich and inviting.
  • Cinnamon: Enhances the warm spice notes and complements the apple and caramel beautifully.
  • Egg: Helps set the cheesecake filling as it bakes, keeping it silky but firm.
  • Graham crackers: Crushed into crumbs, they create that irresistible crunchy topping.
  • Butter: Melted butter binds the graham cracker crumbs for a golden finish.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs, and you absolutely should feel free to tweak it too! Whether you want more spice or a nutty crunch, small changes can make it your own personal favorite.

  • Nutty Variation: I once added chopped toasted pecans to the cheesecake filling and topped the apples with extra nuts before baking – it added a wonderful texture and flavor boost.
  • Gluten-Free: Swap out graham crackers for gluten-free cookies or almond meal for a similar crunchy topping without the gluten.
  • Spiced Up: Toss in nutmeg or a pinch of ground cloves along with cinnamon for a deeper, cozy spice profile.
  • Fruit Mix: Try mixing diced pears or dried cranberries into the filling for a fun twist on fruitiness.

How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) — this warms things up while you prep your apples. Use a melon baller or a spoon to carefully scoop out the center of each apple, leaving a sturdy shell that won’t collapse during baking. Keep the scooped-out apple pieces aside because they’ll get chopped and stirred into the cheesecake filling to add a lovely fresh texture.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

In a stand mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese with caramel sauce, vanilla extract, egg, and one teaspoon of cinnamon until silky smooth. Once combined, fold in the chopped reserved apple pieces—you’ll love the way they add little bursts of freshness throughout the creamy filling.

Step 3: Stuff and Bake

Spoon the cheesecake mixture into each hollowed apple, packing it all the way to the top. Place your filled apples in a greased baking dish to catch any drips. Bake them for 30 minutes — this sets the filling while the apples begin to soften.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping

While your apples bake, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and the remaining cinnamon in a small bowl. After the initial 30 minutes, take the apples out and sprinkle this mixture generously over the top, then return to the oven for another 20-30 minutes. This gives you that golden, crispy finish everyone goes crazy for.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Once baked, let your cheesecake stuffed apples cool in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours—this step is key for the filling to set perfectly and for flavors to marry. Serve chilled with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce on top for that final touch of indulgence.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe

  • Use Firm Apples: I always pick apples that won’t turn mushy too quickly so they keep their shape and hold the filling nicely during baking.
  • Softened Cream Cheese Makes a Difference: Be sure to soften your cream cheese to room temperature for a smoother filling without lumps.
  • Don’t Skimp on the Cooling Time: I learned cooling the apples completely is crucial so the filling sets perfectly and slices cleanly.
  • Grease Your Baking Dish Well: Prevent sticking by greasing the dish — it helps when the caramel drips and makes cleanup easier too.

How to Serve Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe

A white plate holds three round yellow apples, each topped with a layer of creamy white filling that spills slightly over the edges. Over the filling, there is a drizzle of amber-colored caramel sauce and a sprinkle of light brown crushed nuts scattered around and on top of the apples. One apple is being scooped with a silver spoon. The plate is placed on a dark surface with a blurred green and white container in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping these apples with a little extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts for crunch and visual appeal. Sometimes, a dusting of powdered sugar or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns it into a showstopper dessert instantly.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee to balance the richness. For a fuller meal, my family often enjoys it after a light autumn salad or a savory pork dish, which complements the apple’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these on pretty individual plates with a drizzle of caramel and a sprig of fresh mint, making each serving feel elegant. You can even set them in a shallow bowl with a little warmed caramel sauce pooling at the bottom—it looks stunning and tastes amazing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheesecake stuffed apples keep really well in the fridge. I cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent drying out. They’re best eaten within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these apples before by wrapping each one individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. When thawed in the fridge overnight, they still taste delicious, though I recommend eating them chilled rather than reheated for best texture.

Reheating

If you prefer your stuffed apples warm, I usually pop them in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat or the cheesecake filling can dry out. Serving with a scoop of ice cream can help add back that creamy element.

FAQs

  1. What type of apples work best for the Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe?

    Firm and slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji are ideal because they hold their shape well during baking and offer a nice balance to the sweet cheesecake filling.

  2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

    Yes! You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and swap the egg with a flax egg or another egg replacer. Just be mindful that baking times and textures might shift slightly.

  3. How long should I chill the Cheesecake Stuffed Apples before serving?

    Chilling for at least 2-3 hours in the fridge helps the cheesecake filling firm up properly, making it easier to slice and enhancing the flavor meld.

  4. Can I prepare these stuffed apples ahead of time?

    Absolutely! You can prepare and stuff the apples a day in advance, keep them covered in the refrigerator, and then bake them fresh right before serving for the best taste and texture.

  5. What should I serve alongside Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe?

    They pair nicely with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fuller meal, serve them after light, savory dishes like roasted chicken or pork.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe has become one of my go-to ways to enjoy apples beyond the ordinary. It feels a little indulgent but is easy enough to make on a weeknight or for a special weekend treat. I hope you give it a try, and when you do, share it with someone you love—you’ll be rewarded with big smiles and requests for seconds. Trust me, once you taste this cozy dessert, it’ll be a recipe you cherish just like I do.

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Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 75 reviews
  • Author: Alvarez
  • Prep Time: 1 hour
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 3 hours 1 hour and 5 minutes including cooling and active prep
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delightful Cheesecake Stuffed Apples combine crisp baked apples with a luscious cream cheese and caramel filling, topped with cinnamon graham cracker crumbs for a warm, comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Apples

  • 6 large crisp apples

Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 6 tbsp caramel sauce, plus more for serving
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (divided)
  • Reserved apple flesh from cored apples

Topping

  • 5 sheets graham crackers, crushed into crumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the apples.
  2. Prepare Apples: Use a melon baller or spoon to carefully scoop out a cavity in the center of each apple, leaving a thick shell intact. Discard the cores but keep the scooped apple flesh aside for the filling.
  3. Make Filling: In a stand mixer, beat together softened cream cheese, caramel sauce, vanilla extract, egg, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Filling Ingredients: Chop the reserved apple flesh into small pieces and gently fold them into the cream cheese mixture to evenly distribute the apple chunks.
  5. Stuff Apples: Spoon the cheesecake filling into each hollowed apple, filling them all the way to the top.
  6. First Bake: Place the stuffed apples in a greased baking dish and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
  7. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and remaining 1 1/4 teaspoons of cinnamon until crumbs are well coated.
  8. Add Topping & Final Bake: Remove apples from the oven after the initial bake, sprinkle the cinnamon-graham cracker topping evenly over each apple, then return to the oven and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until the filling is set and topping is golden.
  9. Cool & Serve: Allow baked apples to cool completely in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours. Serve chilled with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.

Notes

  • Use firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best texture after baking.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened to prevent lumps in the filling.
  • The refrigerated cooling time helps the filling set firmly for cleaner slices.
  • You can substitute caramel sauce with dulce de leche or maple syrup for different flavor profiles.
  • Graham cracker crumbs add a crunchy topping; optional to add chopped nuts for extra texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed apple
  • Calories: 367
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 306mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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