Ah, Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples! This delightful desert brings back the most heartwarming memories of family gatherings and cozy winter evenings spent in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made them; I wanted to impress my friends at a dinner party, and little did I know that these heavenly treats would steal the show! The combination of warm, spiced apples and creamy cheesecake filling is simply irresistible, making it a staple at my gatherings since then.
What I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily customize the filling with your favorite flavors or even swap out the apple variety based on what’s in season. Plus, they look so impressive, yet they’re easy enough to whip up. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into what makes these Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples a must-try!
What’s in Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples?
Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith. They hold their shape well while baking and provide a lovely contrast to the sweet cheesecake filling.
Cream Cheese: This is the star of the filling! Make sure it’s softened to make mixing easier. I usually go for Philadelphia brand because it’s creamy and blends beautifully.
Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way! Granulated sugar is used in the filling, but feel free to adjust according to your taste.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a rich flavor that beautifully enhances the cheesecake filling. Trust me; it makes all the difference!
Ground Cinnamon: This spice is used to complement the apples and add warmth to the dish. You know it’s not fall until you’ve had a sprinkle of cinnamon!
Old-Fashioned Oats (optional): If you want to take this dessert to the next level, adding oats to the topping creates a delightful crunch. I love my Quaker oats for this!
Is Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples Good for You?
Well, it’s a dessert, so let’s not kid ourselves here—but it’s definitely a more wholesome sweet treat compared to traditional cheesecake.
Apples: They are a fantastic source of fiber and vitamin C, making this dessert a bit more nutritious than most. Plus, have you ever heard of the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Well, at least we’re trying, right?
Cream Cheese: While delicious, keep an eye on the serving size. It does contain fats, but it also offers calcium and protein. Aim for light cream cheese if you’d like to cut back a smidge on calories.
Cinnamon: Not only does it taste great, but cinnamon is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its potential to help stabilize blood sugar levels. So you can feel a tad virtuous enjoying this dessert!
Ingredients
– 4 medium Granny Smith apples (serves 4)
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats (optional)
– 1 tbsp butter, melted
– 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
– Whipped cream (for serving, optional)
How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Start by washing the apples and cutting out the cores, leaving the bottoms intact. You want them to be little vessels of delight!
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until nice and smooth.
4. If you’re using oats, fold them into the cream cheese mixture now. This will add that glorious crunch!
5. Generously fill each apple with the cheesecake mixture, packing it down slightly.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using) to make the topping.
7. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of each stuffed apple.
8. Place the apples upright in a baking dish and add a splash of water (about 1/4 cup) to the bottom of the dish to help steam the apples while baking.
9. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender but still holding their shape.
10. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top if you’re feeling indulgent!
Sweet Treating Tips!
– Feel free to play around with flavors! You can add chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a splash of caramel sauce in the filling or on top.
– You can make these in advance! Just bake them a little less and then pop them into the oven for a few extra minutes when you’re ready to serve. Baking fresh, warm desserts is always a crowd-pleaser!
– Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of warm and cold flavors.
I can’t wait for you to try these Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples! I truly believe they’ll warm your heart and home just like they do mine. Be sure to share your experience and any variations you come up with! Happy baking!