A warm, cozy dessert with all the flavor of cheesecake and the charm of baked apples.
These Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples combine the tangy sweetness of baked apples with a rich and creamy cheesecake filling. Topped with a buttery graham cracker crumb, this easy-to-make dessert feels indulgent but is approachable enough for any skill level. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or simply craving something sweet and warm, these apples are the perfect treat.
🍏 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients – You probably already have most of them at home.
- Cozy flavors – Cinnamon, cream cheese, and baked apple create a comforting combo.
- Impressive presentation – A rustic yet elegant dessert that looks stunning on the table.
- Make-ahead friendly – Easily prep in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
📝 Ingredients
- 4 firm apples – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon, divided
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
🍽️ Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking.
2. Prepare the Apples
Wash the apples and core them, leaving the bottom intact to form a well. Remove seeds and enough flesh to hold the filling.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and ½ tsp cinnamon. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Fill the Apples
Spoon the cheesecake mixture into each apple, pressing gently to fill them completely.
5. Make the Crumb Topping
In a separate bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and the remaining ½ tsp cinnamon.
6. Top the Apples
Sprinkle the graham cracker topping over each stuffed apple, gently pressing it down so it sticks.
7. Add Lemon Juice
Place the apples in a baking dish and drizzle them with lemon juice. This helps prevent browning and adds a bright contrast to the sweet filling.
8. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the cheesecake filling is set. The crumb topping should be golden and slightly crispy.
9. Serve
Let the apples cool slightly before serving. For an extra indulgent touch, top with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
🍨 Serving & Storage Tips
- Best served warm, fresh out of the oven.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
✅ Helpful Notes
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
- Healthier version: Reduce sugar or use a sugar substitute.
- Crunchy topping tip: Pre-toast the crumbs before adding for extra crispness.
👩🍳 Chef Tips
- Ina Garten suggests using firm apples like Granny Smith for structure and balanced flavor.
- Martha Stewart recommends brushing apples with butter before baking for extra richness.
- Jamie Oliver likes adding a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy, spiced twist.
🍎 Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples (Recipe Card)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 stuffed apples
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 4 Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Core apples, leaving the bottom intact.
- Mix cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and ½ tsp cinnamon.
- Fill apples with cream cheese mixture.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, butter, and remaining cinnamon.
- Top apples with crumb mixture.
- Drizzle with lemon juice.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Let cool slightly and serve warm.
🍴 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 3g