Description

Tender baked apples filled with a creamy cheesecake center and topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble. This easy fall dessert is naturally gluten-free, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 cup old-fashioned oats (optional)
1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
2 tablespoons chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Wash and dry apples. Slice off the top 1/2 inch of each apple and set aside. Hollow out the core and some flesh, leaving about 1/2 inch wall and base. Brush inside with lemon juice.
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Beat until fluffy and combined.
Spoon cheesecake filling into each apple, filling to just below the top.
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, oats, butter, and nuts (if using) until crumbly. Sprinkle topping over cheesecake filling.
Arrange apples upright in a baking dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons water to the bottom. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 12-18 minutes, until apples are soft and cheesecake is set.
Let apples cool in the baking dish for at least 10 minutes before serving. Optionally, dust with cinnamon or drizzle with caramel sauce.

Notes

Use firm, tart apples for best results. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats or omit. Prep apples ahead and store in lemon water. For a crispier topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end. Customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or caramel drizzle. Let apples cool before serving for best texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 32-38 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stuffed apple
Calories: 250300
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 180
Fat: 10
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 5
Protein: 4

Keywords: cheesecake stuffed apples, baked apples, fall dessert, gluten-free, easy apple dessert, cream cheese filling, autumn recipes