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.