These baked apples are filled with a rich cheesecake mixture and baked until tender. The result is a dessert that tastes like cheesecake and baked apple pie combined, with much less effort than making a full cheesecake.
Yield
- 4 servings
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Bake time: 35–45 minutes
- Total time: About 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Apples
- 4 large firm apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Braeburn)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 8 ounces (225 g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Pinch of salt
Graham Cracker Crumble (Optional)
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Optional Garnishes
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
- Chopped pecans or walnuts
- Extra cinnamon
- Vanilla ice cream
Equipment
- Baking dish (8×8-inch or similar)
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or whisk
- Melon baller, spoon, or apple corer
- Small bowl for crumble topping
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash and dry the apples thoroughly.
- Slice off the top ½ inch of each apple.
- Using a melon baller or spoon, carefully scoop out the core and some flesh, creating a cavity for the filling.
- Leave about ½ inch (1.25 cm) of apple flesh around the sides and bottom to prevent collapse during baking.
Important
Do not cut all the way through the bottom of the apple. If you do, the cheesecake filling may leak out during baking.
Step 2: Season the Apples
- Brush the inside of each apple with lemon juice.
- Mix together:
- Brown sugar
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg (if using)
- Sprinkle the mixture inside each apple.
- Brush lightly with melted butter.
The butter and sugar help create a delicious syrup as the apples bake.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a medium bowl combine:
- Softened cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolk
- Vanilla extract
- Sour cream
- Salt
Beat until completely smooth and creamy.
Texture Tip
If the cream cheese is cold, the filling may become lumpy. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before mixing.
Step 4: Fill the Apples
- Spoon or pipe the cheesecake mixture into the apple cavities.
- Fill almost to the top.
- Smooth the surface with the back of a spoon.
The filling will puff slightly during baking but should not overflow.
Step 5: Prepare the Graham Cracker Topping
In a small bowl combine:
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Melted butter
- Brown sugar
Mix until crumbly.
Sprinkle over the cheesecake-filled apples.
This mimics a traditional cheesecake crust.
Step 6: Bake
- Place the apples upright in a baking dish.
- Pour about ¼ inch (6 mm) of hot water into the dish.
- Cover loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes.
How to Know They’re Done
- Apples are fork-tender.
- Cheesecake filling is mostly set.
- Centers may jiggle slightly but should not look liquid.
Internal Temperature (Optional)
The cheesecake filling should reach about 160°F (71°C).
Step 7: Cool
- Remove from the oven.
- Let cool in the baking dish for 10 minutes.
- Transfer to a serving plate.
- Cool another 10–15 minutes before serving.
The filling firms up as it cools.
Serving Suggestions
Classic
Top with:
- Caramel sauce
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Cinnamon
Cheesecake Deluxe
Add:
- Whipped cream
- Crushed pecans
- Extra caramel drizzle
Restaurant Style
Serve warm with:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Salted caramel sauce
- Toasted walnuts
Make-Ahead Instructions
One Day Ahead
- Prepare and stuff the apples.
- Cover and refrigerate.
- Bake the next day.
Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Microwave: 30–45 seconds.
- Oven: 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes.
Variations
Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake Apples
Add:
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon to the filling.
- Crushed cinnamon cookies on top.
Pumpkin Cheesecake Apples
Mix into filling:
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree
- ¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Chocolate Cheesecake Apples
Add:
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- Chocolate drizzle before serving
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Apples
Place 1 teaspoon caramel sauce in the bottom of each apple before adding the cheesecake filling.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 300–350
- Protein: 5–7 g
- Carbohydrates: 35–40 g
- Fat: 15–18 g
- Fiber: 4–5 g
The contrast between the warm, cinnamon-spiced apple and the creamy cheesecake center is what makes this dessert especially appealing. For the best texture, use firm baking apples and avoid overbaking them.