Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples

Tender baked apples filled with a rich, silky cheesecake center and finished with a buttery graham cracker crumble. An elegant dessert that blends classic comfort with refined flavor, perfect for fall gatherings and holiday tables.

Ingredients

Apples

4 large baking apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Cheesecake Filling

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons sour cream or heavy cream

Graham Crumb Topping

1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
A pinch of ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Apples

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cut the tops off the apples and carefully scoop out the core to create a cavity, taking care not to pierce the bottom. Brush the inside of each apple with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Season the Apples

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon the mixture evenly inside each apple cavity.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, egg yolk, and sour cream, and continue mixing until creamy and fully combined.

Fill the Apples

Spoon the cheesecake filling into the prepared apples, filling them nearly to the top.

Add the Topping

Combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Sprinkle the topping generously over each filled apple.

Bake

Arrange the apples in a baking dish and pour 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the dish. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the filling is set.

Serve

Allow the apples to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm on their own or with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.