Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Dessert (Print Version)

Tender apples filled with rich cheesecake, baked and finished with caramel for a comforting sweet treat.

# Ingredients:

01 - 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
02 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
05 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
06 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 tsp salt
08 - 1/2 cup sour cream
09 - 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
10 - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans)
11 - 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
12 - 1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning of apples)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
02 - Wash the apples thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry.
03 - Carefully remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom intact to create a cavity.
04 - Drizzle a little lemon juice inside each apple to prevent browning.
05 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
06 - Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well incorporated. Add the sour cream and mix until fully combined.
07 - Fold in the crushed graham crackers and chopped nuts (if using) with a spatula.
08 - Fill each apple with the cheesecake mixture using a spoon or piping bag, packing it gently but firmly.
09 - Place the filled apples upright in a baking dish. Spoon any leftover filling around the apples.
10 - Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
11 - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the apples are tender but not mushy.
12 - Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to brown the tops slightly.
13 - Let the apples cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
14 - Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with extra cinnamon if desired.
15 - Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast. Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

# Notes:

01 - For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts.
02 - Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties for varying sweetness and tartness.