If you love the cozy comfort of baked apples and the rich indulgence of cheesecake, you are going to adore this Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples, warm from the oven, stuffed with a luscious, creamy cheesecake filling, topped with a crisp oat crumble that adds just the right amount of crunch. This recipe is a comforting dessert that feels fancy enough for guests but simple enough for any day you crave something sweet and satisfying. It brings together the best of fruit and dessert in one glorious bite, making it a personal favorite to share and enjoy with friends and family.

Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe is all about simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create magic. Each component plays a key role—fresh apples bring natural sweetness and texture, while the cheesecake filling adds a creamy, tangy richness, and the oat crumble topping gives a delightful contrast with a buttery crunch.

6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala): Choose firm apples that hold their shape well during baking for the perfect texture.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Prevents the apple cores from browning and adds a hint of brightness.
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness inside the apples and to the crumble topping.
2 tbsp granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the apples slightly.
1 tsp ground cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice that’s classic with apples.
8 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy base for the cheesecake filling; soften for smooth mixing.
1/4 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling without gritty texture.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances flavor with a fragrant vanilla note.
1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds tang and lightness to the filling’s richness.
1/2 cup whipped cream cheese or heavy cream (optional): For extra creaminess, whip this into the filling if desired.
1/4 cup rolled oats: Base for the crunchy crumble topping, providing heartiness.
2 tbsp granulated sugar: Sweetens the crumble for contrast against tart apples.
1 tbsp flour: Helps bind the crumble topping and create a crisp texture.
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon: A pinch of spice to tie the crumble into the flavor profile.
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Binds and crisps the topping as it bakes.

How to Make Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfectly even bake later on. Then slice the tops off each apple—think of it as creating a little “lid”—and carefully core them, leaving about half an inch of apple around the edges so they maintain their shape during baking. A corer works great, but a sturdy paring knife will do just fine if you’re feeling precise.

Step 2: Season the Apples

Place your cored apples in a baking dish. Brush the inside cavities with fresh lemon juice; this step stops them from turning brown and adds a subtle tang. Next, drizzle each apple with melted butter, then sprinkle with granulated sugar and cinnamon. This combo creates a lovely caramelized, spiced flavor in every bite once baked.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

Grab a medium mixing bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until wonderfully smooth. Then mix in the Greek yogurt or sour cream to balance the richness with a touch of tanginess. If you want to treat yourself, fold in whipped cream cheese or heavy cream for an even silkier finish. This blend is the heart of the dish, creamy and rich, nestled inside the baked apple.

Step 4: Stuff the Apples

Now the fun part—fill each apple cavity with the cheesecake mixture. Use a spoon to gently pack the filling into the apples, making sure they’re generously stuffed but not overflowing. This ensures every bite delivers that luscious cream cheese goodness along with the tender apple.

Step 5: Prepare the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, combine rolled oats, granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon. This mixture is the crunchy, nutty contrast to the creamy filling. Drizzle the melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until the mix reaches a crumbly texture. This crumble topping is the final detail that makes the dessert truly special.

Step 6: Bake the Apples

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over each filled apple in the dish. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The apples should be tender when you test them with a fork but still hold their shape. The topping will turn beautifully golden brown, adding a baked richness and crunch that’s simply irresistible.

Step 7: Let Cool and Serve

Once baked, allow the apples to cool for a few minutes. This rest helps the cheesecake filling firm up slightly while keeping it soft and creamy inside. Now they’re ready for serving—prepare to delight your taste buds with this sensational combination!

How to Serve Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe, consider finishing with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for a luscious sweet contrast. A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness, while a dusting of extra cinnamon enhances the comforting spices. Chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts can lend crunch and a nutty depth.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines as a stand-alone dessert, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a simple salad of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette creates a well-rounded meal. For a brunch twist, serve alongside cinnamon-spiced oatmeal or warm spiced tea to keep those cozy flavors flowing.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun—try serving each stuffed apple on a small dessert plate with a colorful napkin underneath for contrast. You can hollow out the cores fully and place the cheesecake mixture in decorative layers or swirl a bit of berry compote around the edges of the plate for a pretty pop of color and tartness. These small touches make the dessert feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (and at this rate, it’s unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days. Just cover them to prevent the apples from drying out and retain that cheesecake’s creamy texture.

Freezing

While this recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze baked apples individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month. To enjoy later, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover stuffed apples gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through but still firm. Avoid microwaving as it can make the apples mushy and compromise the texture of the cheesecake filling.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?

While you can use any apple, firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala are ideal. They hold their shape well during baking and offer balanced sweetness that complements the cheesecake filling beautifully.

Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt or sour cream in the filling?

The Greek yogurt or sour cream adds a slight tang that balances the richness of the cream cheese. However, if you prefer a purely creamy filling, you can omit it and replace the volume with extra cream cheese or a bit of heavy cream.

Can I prepare these cheesecake-stuffed baked apples in advance?

You can prepare the apples and stuffing up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate them for a few hours before baking. This saves time on the day you want to serve them but is best eaten the same day for optimum texture and flavor.

What can I substitute for rolled oats in the crumble?

If you don’t have rolled oats, you can use chopped nuts or crushed graham crackers as a topping alternative. Each will bring a different texture but add a lovely crunchy finish to the dish.

Can this dessert be made dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. Use vegan butter for the crumble to keep it dairy-free while maintaining delicious flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples Recipe is one of those delightful desserts that feels indulgent yet wholesome, perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests with minimal fuss. The blend of tender baked apples, creamy cheesecake filling, and crisp oat topping is a combo you’ll want to revisit again and again. So preheat your oven, gather your favorite apples, and dive into this delicious treat that’s sure to warm hearts and fill home with irresistible aromas.