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Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples

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Tender baked apples filled with creamy cheesecake and topped with a crunchy graham cracker crumble. This easy fall dessert is cozy, nostalgic, and sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 6 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 4 whole crackers, crushed)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • Warm caramel sauce, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Wash and dry the apples. Using an apple corer or small sharp knife, cut a wide opening at the top of each apple (about 1.5 inches in diameter). Scoop out the core and some flesh, leaving about 1/2 inch wall and base. If needed, slice a bit off the bottom to level.
  3. Brush the insides and tops of the apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
  4. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, egg yolk, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt. Beat until well combined and smooth.
  5. Spoon the cheesecake filling into the hollowed apples, filling each about 3/4 full.
  6. In another bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until clumpy and evenly moistened.
  7. Sprinkle the graham mixture generously over each stuffed apple, pressing gently to adhere.
  8. Arrange apples upright in the prepared dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of water to the bottom of the dish.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown. If apples are large or firm, bake up to 40 minutes.
  10. Let apples cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.

Notes

Choose firm apples for best results. For gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based cream cheese and butter. Add chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for variation. Let apples cool before serving for best texture. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked apples, cheesecake stuffed apples, fall dessert, easy dessert, apple dessert, graham cracker topping, stuffed apples, autumn recipe, holiday dessert

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/cheesecake-stuffed-baked-apples-recipe-easy-fall-dessert-with-crunchy-graham-topping/