Warm, tender baked apples filled with a creamy cheesecake center, topped with brown sugar crumble and a drizzle of caramel for the ultimate fall-inspired indulgence. This cozy dessert delivers the nostalgic essence of baked apples with a decadent twist — perfect for holidays, gatherings, or simply celebrating the flavors of the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples offer the perfect blend of textures and flavors: juicy baked apples, rich and smooth cheesecake filling, a buttery oat crumble topping, and a luscious caramel drizzle. They’re elegant enough for a dinner party yet easy enough for a casual family dessert. With minimal prep and all the comfort of autumn spices, these baked apples are a must-try seasonal treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- cream cheese, softened
- granulated sugar
- vanilla extract
- egg yolk
- ground cinnamon
Crumble Topping:
- brown sugar
- all-purpose flour
- rolled oats
- cinnamon
- cold unsalted butter, cubed
Optional Garnish:
- caramel sauce
- crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Slice the tops off each apple and hollow out the core and some of the interior flesh using a spoon or melon baller, creating a well for the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolk, and cinnamon until smooth and fluffy.
- Spoon the cheesecake mixture into the apples, filling each about three-quarters full.
- In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon. Add the cold butter cubes and cut into the mixture using a fork or pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Generously sprinkle the crumble topping over each filled apple.
- Place the apples in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the apples cool slightly. Drizzle with caramel sauce and top with crushed graham crackers or nuts before serving, if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories per serving: 320 kcal
Variations
- Mini Version: Use smaller apples for individual bite-sized servings, reducing the bake time by about 5–7 minutes.
- Add Spice: Add nutmeg or allspice to the filling or crumble for a deeper fall spice profile.
- Maple Crumble: Substitute maple syrup for brown sugar in the crumble for a richer flavor.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit nuts and replace with crushed graham crackers or seeds for crunch.
- Savory Twist: Add a touch of sea salt to the crumble and caramel to enhance the sweet-salty balance.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave individually for 30–45 seconds.
Avoid adding caramel before storing; drizzle just before serving for best results.
FAQs
What kind of apples are best for baking?
Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Braeburn are ideal because they hold their shape while baking and offer natural sweetness.
Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can prep and fill the apples ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and bake just before serving.
Do I need to peel the apples?
No, keeping the skin on helps maintain the structure of the apple during baking.
Can I use a whole egg instead of just the yolk?
Using the yolk alone creates a richer filling, but you can substitute with a whole egg if preferred.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free oats and a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute in the crumble.
How do I know when the apples are done?
The apples should be fork-tender and the topping golden brown; test by gently piercing with a knife.
What’s the best way to core the apples?
A melon baller or sturdy spoon works well to scoop out the core and a bit of flesh without tearing the apple.
Can I add nuts to the filling?
Yes, finely chopped pecans or walnuts can be folded into the cheesecake filling for extra texture.
What can I use instead of caramel?
Maple syrup or a dollop of whipped cream also make delicious finishing touches.
Are these best served warm or cold?
They’re best enjoyed warm, but can also be served chilled as a rich, creamy treat.
Conclusion
Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples are a beautifully balanced dessert that marries classic fall flavors with a luxurious cheesecake filling. From the tender baked apple to the golden oat crumble and caramel drizzle, every bite is a celebration of warmth and indulgence. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this easy yet elegant dessert is sure to impress.
PrintCheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples
Warm, tender baked apples filled with a creamy cheesecake center, topped with brown sugar crumble and a drizzle of caramel for the ultimate fall-inspired indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 large apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji work well)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Crumble Topping:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
- Optional Garnish:
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
- Crushed graham crackers or nuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- Slice the tops off apples and scoop out the core and some flesh to make room for filling.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, egg yolk, and cinnamon until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon the cheesecake mixture into the hollowed apples, filling about 3/4 full.
- In another bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle crumble over each filled apple generously.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until apples are tender and the topping is golden brown.
- Let cool slightly, then drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
- Choose firm apples to maintain shape during baking.
- Do not overfill to prevent spillage while baking.
- Can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Top with ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg