Description
This delightful recipe features medium-sized apples hollowed out and filled with a creamy, smooth cheesecake mixture, topped with a buttery oat crumble, then baked to tender perfection. The combination of tart apples with a sweet cinnamon-spiced cheesecake filling and crunchy topping creates a comforting and elegant dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work well)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese or heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
Crumble Topping
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get ready for baking.
- Core the Apples: Slice the top off each apple and carefully core out the center, leaving about a 1/2 inch thick shell to hold the filling. Use an apple corer or a paring knife for precision.
- Prepare the Apples for Filling: Place the hollowed apples in a baking dish. Brush the inside with lemon juice to prevent browning, then drizzle the melted butter over them and sprinkle with granulated sugar and cinnamon to enhance flavor and add sweetness.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Creaminess: Mix in the Greek yogurt or sour cream until fully combined. For a richer texture, optionally fold in whipped cream cheese or heavy cream.
- Stuff the Apples: Fill each prepared apple with the cheesecake mixture, gently packing it in to fully stuff the apples without overflowing.
- Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine rolled oats, granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
- Add Butter: Pour the melted butter into the oat mixture and stir until crumbly and evenly incorporated.
- Top the Apples: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping on top of each cheesecake-filled apple.
- Bake the Apples: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the stuffed apples for 25-30 minutes until the apples are tender and the crumble topping turns golden brown.
- Check Doneness: Test by inserting a fork gently into the side of an apple—apples should be soft but still hold their shape, not mushy.
- Serve: Let the baked apples cool for a few minutes to allow flavors to settle, then serve optionally drizzled with caramel sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and sugar to your taste preference.
- The optional whipped cream cheese or heavy cream in the filling adds extra richness but can be omitted for a lighter dessert.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently warmed before serving.
