Cheesecake Stuffed Apples (Print Version)
Baked apples filled with creamy cheesecake and graham cracker mixture, topped with caramel for a delightful twist on classic desserts.
# Ingredients:
01 -
4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
02 -
8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 -
1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 -
1/4 cup brown sugar
05 -
1 tsp vanilla extract
06 -
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
07 -
1/4 tsp salt
08 -
1/2 cup sour cream
09 -
1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
10 -
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans)
11 -
1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
12 -
1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning of apples)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
02 -
Wash the apples thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry. Carefully remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom intact to create a cavity. Drizzle a little lemon juice inside each apple to prevent browning.
03 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well incorporated. Add the sour cream and mix until fully combined. Fold in the crushed graham crackers and chopped nuts (if using) with a spatula.
04 -
Fill each apple with the cheesecake mixture using a spoon or piping bag, packing it gently but firmly. Place the filled apples upright in a baking dish. Spoon any leftover filling around the apples.
05 -
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the apples are tender but not mushy. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to brown the tops slightly.
06 -
Let the apples cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with extra cinnamon if desired. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast. Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts.
02 -
Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties for varying sweetness and tartness.