Imagine biting into a warm, tender apple filled with creamy, decadent cheesecake - a dessert so irresistible it'll make your taste buds dance with joy! These Cheesecake Stuffed Apple Cups are about to revolutionize your dessert game, combining the classic comfort of baked apples with the rich, smooth texture of cheesecake. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a luxurious sweet escape, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that's both elegant and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Dessert
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large apples, cored
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your apples bake evenly and become tender.
- Prepare the apples by carefully coring them. Use a sharp knife or an apple corer to remove the core, creating a hollow space in the center of each apple. Be careful not to cut through the bottom of the apples to hold the filling.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add 1/4 cup of graham cracker crumbs to the cream cheese mixture. Gently fold the crumbs into the mixture until they are evenly distributed. This will give the filling a nice texture and flavor.
- Using a spoon, carefully fill each hollowed apple with the cheesecake mixture. Pack the filling in gently to ensure that each apple is filled to the top.
- Place the stuffed apples upright in a baking dish. If they do not stand up on their own, you can slice a small piece off the bottom of each apple to create a flat surface.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help the apples steam and become tender while baking. This will also prevent the tops from browning too quickly.
- Bake the apples in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the foil to allow the tops to brown slightly, but keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
- Once the apples are tender and the filling is slightly puffed, remove them from the oven. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the cheesecake stuffed apple cups warm or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed as is, or drizzled with caramel sauce or topped with whipped cream for added indulgence.
Tips
- Choose the right apples: Opt for firm, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that hold their shape well during baking.
- Ensure cream cheese is truly softened: Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Don't overfill the apples: Leave a small space at the top to prevent overflow during baking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of lemon zest to the cheesecake mixture.
- If you want a more decorative presentation, use a piping bag to fill the apples for a neater, more professional look.
- Experiment with toppings: Try toasted nuts, caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 45mg
