This cheesecake stuffed baked apples combine everything people love about classic cheesecake and baked fruit desserts into one simple, comforting dish. Whole apples are hollowed out and filled with a smooth cinnamon-scented cheesecake filling, then baked until the apples are tender and the centers are softly set. The result is warm, creamy, lightly spiced, and naturally portioned, making this dessert feel both indulgent and approachable. Finished with optional graham cracker crumbs, caramel sauce, or chopped pecans, these apples deliver big dessert flavor without the heaviness of a full cheesecake.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love this recipe because it delivers the richness of cheesecake in a lighter, fruit-forward way that feels cozy and satisfying rather than overwhelming. It’s easy to prepare, requires no water bath or crust, and uses everyday ingredients you likely already have. The apples soften beautifully in the oven, creating a natural contrast to the creamy filling inside. This recipe is perfect for fall baking, holiday dinners, or anytime you want a dessert that feels special but not complicated. It’s also naturally portion-controlled, customizable with toppings, and just as good served chilled as it is at room temperature.

Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples

Cheesecake stuffed baked apples are one of those desserts that instantly feel comforting. They combine familiar flavors in a way that feels nostalgic yet fresh, making them perfect for both casual family meals and holiday tables.

Baked apples have been around forever, but filling them with cheesecake takes them to another level. Instead of a crumbly filling, you get a smooth, creamy center that sets gently as it bakes.

Apples act as the natural “crust” in this recipe. As they bake, they soften just enough to become tender while still holding their shape, making them ideal vessels for the cheesecake filling.

Gala apples work especially well here because they’re naturally sweet and bake evenly. They soften without turning mushy, which keeps the dessert looking beautiful on the plate.

The cheesecake filling is intentionally simple. Cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla, and cinnamon create a classic flavor that doesn’t overpower the apple itself.

Cinnamon adds warmth and depth, tying the fruit and cream cheese together. It gives the filling that unmistakable cozy aroma as the apples bake.

This dessert is perfect for people who love cheesecake but don’t want to commit to baking an entire cake. There’s no crust to worry about and no slicing required.

It’s also a great make-ahead option. Once baked and chilled, the apples hold their shape and flavor beautifully, making them ideal for entertaining.

The texture contrast is part of what makes this recipe shine. You get soft baked apple, creamy cheesecake, and optional crunchy toppings all in one bite.

Graham cracker crumbs echo classic cheesecake flavor, while caramel sauce adds sweetness and richness. Chopped pecans bring a nutty crunch that balances the creaminess.

This recipe is incredibly flexible. You can dress it up for a dinner party or keep it simple for a weeknight dessert.

Because the apples are individually portioned, they’re easy to serve and feel naturally elegant without extra effort.

They’re also visually appealing straight out of the oven. The golden apple edges and creamy centers look inviting even before toppings are added.

For families, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser. Kids love the cheesecake center, and adults appreciate the balance of fruit and richness.

Once you try these cheesecake stuffed baked apples, they’re likely to become a repeat favorite whenever you want something warm, creamy, and comforting.

Servings & Time

• Servings: 6 stuffed apples

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes

• Cooling Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: About 1 hour 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples, such as Gala

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Toppings

• Graham cracker crumbs

• Caramel sauce

• Chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Cut the tops off the apples and use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core and seeds, creating a cavity while keeping the apple intact.

3. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.

4. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Mix until fully combined and silky.

5. Spoon the cheesecake mixture into each apple, filling them about two-thirds full to allow room for slight expansion.

6. Arrange the filled apples on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart so they don’t touch.

7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the apples are tender and the cheesecake filling looks set with a slight jiggle in the center.

8. Remove from the oven and transfer the apples to a plate.

9. Refrigerate until completely cooled, at least 1 hour, to allow the cheesecake to fully set.

10. Serve chilled or at room temperature, topped with graham cracker crumbs, caramel sauce, or pecans if desired.

Tips

• Apple Choices: Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well. Avoid very soft varieties.

• Make-Ahead: Bake the apples a day ahead and store covered in the refrigerator.

• Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days.

• Cleaner Filling: Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.

• Flavor Variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest to the filling for extra depth.