Stuffed Cheesecake Apples Caramel (Printable Version)
Tender apples stuffed with creamy cheesecake and caramel, topped with walnuts for a warm, sweet dessert.
# What You'll Need:
→ Apples
01 -
4 large red apples, such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, Jonathan, Cortland, or Braeburn
→ Cheesecake Filling
02 -
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
03 -
1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 -
1 large egg
05 -
2 tablespoons whole milk
06 -
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
07 -
1 heaping teaspoon lemon zest
08 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Additional Ingredients
09 -
Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling
10 -
Prepared caramel sauce, warmed
11 -
Toasted chopped walnuts, for garnish
12 -
Unsalted butter, for greasing baking dish
13 -
Parchment paper, optional for lining dish
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly butter an 8 x 8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
02 -
Slice about 1/4 inch off the top of each apple to create a lid. If needed, trim a thin piece off the bottom so each apple sits level. Using a spoon or melon baller, hollow out the stem, core, and some pulp, leaving approximately 1/4 inch of apple flesh and skin to form a sturdy shell. The remaining cavity should hold roughly 1/3 cup filling. Set hollowed apples aside.
03 -
In a mixing bowl fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. With mixer running, add the egg, then blend in the milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides as needed until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
04 -
Spoon about 1/3 cup cheesecake filling into each prepared apple cavity. Arrange the stuffed apples upright in the prepared baking dish. Generously sprinkle ground cinnamon over the tops.
05 -
Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set and firm to the touch. Filling may bubble and rise during baking but will settle upon cooling. Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow apples to cool to room temperature, resting for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
06 -
Before serving, drizzle each apple with warm caramel sauce and sprinkle with toasted chopped walnuts. Offer additional caramel sauce on the side if desired.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Test apple cavity by filling with water to ensure it holds about 1/3 cup filling without leaking. For a nut-free version, omit walnuts.