How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples (Step-by-Step Fall Recipe)

Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples are the ultimate cozy fall dessert — soft, warm apples filled with creamy cheesecake and sprinkled with cinnamon. Simple to make yet beautifully comforting, they bring together the best flavors of autumn in every spoonful. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any chilly evening, this dessert smells amazing and tastes even better — sweet, spiced, and totally irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples

These baked apples are quick, crowd-pleasing, and look impressive without effort. Each one is its own little cheesecake, baked inside a tender apple shell. The mix of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors makes them unforgettable. You can prep them ahead, serve them warm with ice cream, or customize them with nuts, caramel, or crushed graham crackers — cozy, simple, and guaranteed to delight.

What You’ll Need

You’ll only need simple ingredients for this cozy fall dessert — most are probably already in your kitchen:

• 4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work best)
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp graham cracker crumbs (optional for topping)
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for brushing)
• Caramel sauce or crushed nuts for serving (optional)

These ingredients come together to make a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and full of cozy fall flavor — perfect for a family treat or a holiday dinner.

How to Make Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the apples: Cut off the tops and carefully scoop out the centers with a spoon, leaving about ½ inch of apple around the sides.
3. Make the cheesecake filling: In a bowl, beat 8 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1 egg until smooth.
4. Fill each apple with the cheesecake mixture and place them upright in your baking dish.
5. Top and bake: Sprinkle with graham cracker crumbs, brush lightly with melted butter, and bake for 25–30 minutes, until apples are tender but hold their shape.
6. Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel or a spoonful of whipped cream.

The result? Soft, cinnamon-scented apples filled with creamy cheesecake perfection — a dessert that looks elegant and tastes like fall in every bite.

You Must Know

Before baking, there are a few key details to guarantee perfect results. Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji — they hold their shape during baking and balance the sweetness of the cheesecake filling. Avoid soft varieties like Red Delicious; they can turn mushy.

Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, creamy filling without lumps. Also, don’t overfill the apples — leave a little space at the top for expansion while baking.

If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar slightly or use maple syrup or honey for a natural flavor. You can also sprinkle a touch of salt in the filling — it enhances the sweetness beautifully.

Lastly, bake until the apples are tender but not collapsing. A gentle press with a spoon should meet slight resistance. Once baked, let them rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set perfectly.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve that ideal texture — tender apples with silky cheesecake inside — timing and temperature matter most. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25–30 minutes, but remember: apples vary in size and firmness. Check them at the 25-minute mark; they should be soft but still standing tall.

For even cooking, place the apples snugly in your baking dish and cover them loosely with foil for the first 15 minutes. Then uncover for the last 10–15 minutes to allow the tops to brown slightly.

If you love a golden top, give the cheesecake filling a light brush of melted butter before baking. Want extra flavor? Add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or crushed graham crumbs halfway through.

When done right, the apples turn juicy and caramelized, while the cheesecake center becomes creamy and slightly tangy — pure fall perfection in every spoonful.

Add Your Touch Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples

This recipe is delightfully flexible, giving you plenty of ways to make it your own. You can start by changing the cheesecake flavor — mix in a spoonful of pumpkin purée or apple butter for a festive twist, or add a dash of lemon zest for a brighter flavor.

Love crunch? Sprinkle crushed graham crackers, granola, or chopped pecans over the filling before baking. For a gooey finish, drizzle caramel or maple syrup right after they come out of the oven. You can even top them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream when serving warm.

To make it lighter, swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt or use low-fat cream cheese without losing creaminess. For a dairy-free version, coconut-based cream cheese and vegan butter work beautifully.

You can also play with the spices — a pinch of cardamom, ginger, or clove adds depth and warmth. Each variation brings its own charm, making this recipe one you’ll return to all season long.

Storing & Reheating

Warm up with more cozy desserts.

If you have leftovers (though they tend to disappear fast!), these baked apples store beautifully. Let them cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making them even more delicious the next day.

To reheat, place them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10–12 minutes, or warm them in the microwave for 30–40 seconds until soft and creamy again. Avoid overheating, as that can cause the cheesecake filling to separate.

If you’d like to make them ahead, assemble the apples and filling, refrigerate them unbaked, and then pop them in the oven just before serving. They’ll bake fresh and warm with minimal effort.

These stuffed apples also taste wonderful chilled, straight from the fridge — creamy, cool, and full of sweet fall flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples

More sweet and easy ideas here.

• Pick the right apples: Go for firm, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady. They hold up in the oven and balance the sweetness of the filling.
• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese and egg are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Scoop carefully: When hollowing the apples, leave a thick enough wall (about ½ inch) so they don’t collapse while baking.
• Don’t overbake: Check them at 25 minutes — the apples should be tender but still keep their shape.
• Enhance flavor naturally: Use pure vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt, or a drizzle of maple syrup for depth.
• Serving ideas: Pair warm apples with ice cream, whipped cream, or a light dusting of cinnamon sugar for the ultimate fall dessert moment.
• Make ahead: Prep them a few hours early and chill until ready to bake — perfect for dinner parties or holiday gatherings.

A little attention to detail turns this simple treat into a show-stopping dessert that feels homemade, comforting, and restaurant-worthy.

FAQ for Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples

Can I make these in advance?
Yes! You can fill the apples, refrigerate them overnight, and bake just before serving.

Try these cozy recipes next.

What’s the best way to hollow the apples?
Use a small spoon or melon baller, working slowly to avoid piercing the sides or bottom.

Can I use different apples?
Absolutely — just stick with firm ones. Softer types like McIntosh tend to collapse.

Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter for a fully dairy-free dessert.

How do I keep the apples from browning before baking?
Brush the insides lightly with lemon juice to slow oxidation.

Can I freeze them?
Freezing isn’t ideal — the texture softens too much after thawing. They’re best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

Conclusion

Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples capture everything we love about fall — warm, cozy, and full of sweet comfort. With tender apples, creamy cheesecake filling, and a hint of cinnamon, they’re simple to make yet taste like something special.

Perfect for holidays or any cozy evening, this dessert brings warmth to the table and smiles all around. Quick, elegant, and endlessly customizable — it’s a fall favorite you’ll come back to year after year.