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Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples with Crunchy Graham Cracker Topping: The Ultimate Cozy Dessert

Few desserts capture the comforting essence of fall quite like baked apples. Their natural sweetness intensifies in the oven, their texture softens into tender perfection, and their aroma fills the kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples with Crunchy Graham Cracker Topping take this classic idea to an entirely new level by combining the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the familiar flavors of apple pie and graham crackers.

This dessert feels indulgent yet balanced, sweet but not overwhelming, elegant enough for holidays yet simple enough for a casual weeknight treat. Each apple becomes its own perfectly portioned dessert, baked until just tender, filled with silky cheesecake, and finished with a buttery graham cracker crumble that adds texture and contrast.

Whether you’re hosting a fall dinner, planning a Thanksgiving dessert table, or simply craving something warm and satisfying, this recipe delivers comfort, flavor, and visual appeal in every bite.

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Why Cheesecake-Stuffed Baked Apples Work So Well

Apples and cheesecake are a surprisingly perfect match. The slight tartness of apples balances the richness of cream cheese, while warm spices like cinnamon enhance both flavors without overpowering them. Baking the apples creates a natural “bowl” that holds the cheesecake filling, making the dessert neat, elegant, and easy to serve.

The crunchy graham cracker topping brings everything together. Inspired by a classic cheesecake crust, it adds a toasted, buttery crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling and soft apples. This combination of textures is what makes this dessert truly memorable.

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Best Apples for Baked Apples with Cheesecake Filling

Choosing the right apple is essential. You want apples that hold their shape while baking and don’t turn mushy.

Best options include:

• Honeycrisp
• Fuji
• Pink Lady
• Braeburn
• Granny Smith (for a more tart contrast)

Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious, as they tend to collapse during baking.

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Ingredients

For the Apples

• 6 large baking apples
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt

For the Graham Cracker Topping

• ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Optional Garnishes

• Honey or caramel drizzle
• Powdered sugar
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the apples upright.
2. Prepare the apples by slicing off the top of each apple. Using a spoon or melon baller, carefully scoop out the core, creating a hollow cavity while leaving the bottom intact. Brush the inside of each apple with lemon juice and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon.
3. Make the cheesecake filling by beating the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Blend in vanilla extract, egg yolk, and sour cream until creamy and lump-free.
4. Fill the apples with the cheesecake mixture, spooning it evenly into each apple cavity without overfilling.
5. Prepare the graham cracker topping by mixing graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand.
6. Top each apple generously with the graham cracker mixture, gently pressing it onto the cheesecake filling.
7. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a knife and the topping is golden brown.
8. Cool slightly before serving. Garnish with honey, caramel drizzle, or whipped cream if desired.

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Texture and Flavor Experience

When served warm, the apples are soft yet structured, the cheesecake filling is creamy and lightly tangy, and the topping provides a crisp contrast. As the dessert cools, the cheesecake firms slightly, creating a texture similar to traditional baked cheesecake.

This dessert is rich without being heavy, sweet without being cloying, and perfectly balanced in every bite.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make ahead: Apples can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator before baking.
• Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently in the oven or microwave until just heated through.

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Variations to Try

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Apples: Add 2 tbsp pumpkin purée and pumpkin spice to the filling.
• Caramel Pecan Topping: Replace graham crackers with chopped pecans and drizzle with caramel.
• Chocolate Cheesecake Apples: Add mini chocolate chips to the cheesecake filling.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies.

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Serving Suggestions

These cheesecake-stuffed baked apples are perfect served:

• As a plated holiday dessert
• Alongside coffee or tea
• With vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence
• As a lighter alternative to traditional cheesecake

They also work beautifully as individual desserts for dinner parties, requiring no slicing or plating fuss.

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Cultural and Seasonal Appeal

Baked apples have been enjoyed for centuries across European and American kitchens, often associated with autumn harvests and colder weather. By combining them with cheesecake flavors, this recipe bridges traditional comfort food with modern dessert trends, making it ideal for today’s home bakers who want both nostalgia and creativity.