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To make Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Apples, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 4 medium-sized apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji work best) - 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - Whipped cream for topping (optional) - Fresh strawberries for garnish These ingredients mix well to create a sweet and creamy filling. The apples add crunch, while the strawberries bring a fresh taste. Using the right apple type makes a big difference. Honeycrisp and Fuji are both sweet and crisp, perfect for baking. The cream cheese mixture gives a rich flavor. Mixing in strawberries brightens up the dish. The crushed graham crackers add a delightful crunch on top. Melting the butter helps to bind the crumbs. Ground cinnamon brings warmth and spice. Whipped cream adds a nice touch if you like. Fresh strawberries as a garnish make the dish look pretty and inviting. Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Being prepared helps you move smoothly through each step. Now you’re ready to create a delicious dessert that everyone will enjoy! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheating the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the apples bake evenly and come out tender. - Apple Preparation Take your medium-sized apples, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, for the best flavor. Core the apples to make room for the cheesecake filling. To help them stand up, slice a tiny bit off the bottom. - Making the Cheesecake Filling In a medium bowl, mix 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer and beat until smooth, with no lumps. - Stuffing the Apples Gently fold in 1 cup of finely chopped strawberries into the cream cheese mixture. Now, stuff each apple with this filling. Press down a bit to fit as much filling as you can. The top should form a nice dome. - Preparing the Topping In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers, 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir until it looks like moist crumbs. This topping adds a crunchy layer. - Baking the Apples Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish. Pour a small splash of water into the dish to keep them moist. Bake for 25-30 minutes. They should feel tender but still hold their shape. Once they are baked, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You can add whipped cream on top and fresh strawberries for a fancy touch. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Apples! Choosing the Right Apples I love using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. They are sweet and hold their shape well during baking. Look for firm apples with smooth skin. This choice makes a big difference in taste and texture. Keeping the Cheesecake Filling Smooth To get a smooth filling, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. Room temperature cream cheese blends well with sugar and vanilla. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it is creamy and free of lumps. This step is key for a great cheesecake flavor. Achieving the Right Texture for Topping For the topping, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and cinnamon until it looks like wet sand. This mixture should stick together but still crumble nicely. Press it lightly onto the apples to form a tasty crust that adds crunch. Baking Tips for Optimal Results When baking, keep an eye on your apples. They should bake for about 25-30 minutes. Check to see if they are tender but still firm. If they are too soft, they may collapse. Adding a splash of water to the baking dish helps keep the apples moist. This simple trick ensures your dessert is juicy and delicious. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: Opt for Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for their sweetness and firm texture, which holds up well during baking. Don’t Overmix: When folding in the strawberries, be gentle to maintain their shape and avoid a mushy filling. Moisture Matters: Adding a splash of water to the baking dish helps keep the apples moist while they bake, enhancing their flavor and texture. Serve Warm: These cheesecake apples are best enjoyed warm, topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for a delightful dessert experience. {{image_4}} Adding Nuts or Chocolate You can make your cheesecake apples more exciting by adding nuts or chocolate. Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the graham cracker topping for a crunchy texture. If you love chocolate, drizzle melted chocolate over the warm apples. You can even mix cocoa powder into the cheesecake filling for a chocolate twist. Using Different Fruit Fillings While strawberries are the star here, feel free to use other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches can all work great. Just chop them small and mix them into the cream cheese. Each fruit will change the flavor, giving you many dessert choices. Alternative Toppings Switch up the topping for different tastes. Instead of graham crackers, use crushed cookies like Oreos or vanilla wafers. You could also sprinkle some toasted coconut for a tropical vibe. For a fresh touch, use a dollop of yogurt or a scoop of ice cream on top. Each option brings its own unique flair to your dish. Refrigeration Tips You can keep leftover Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Apples in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to add whipped cream, do it just before serving. Freezing Instructions If you want to save them for later, freezing works too. Wrap each apple tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to two months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating Suggestions To enjoy these apples warm, reheat them in the oven. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. Check often to make sure they don't get too hot. You can also use the microwave. Heat for about 30-60 seconds, but keep an eye on them to avoid overheating. Yes, you can use different types of cream cheese. Softened, regular cream cheese is best for a smooth mix. You might also try flavored cream cheese, like strawberry or vanilla, for a fun twist. Just be sure it’s soft for easy blending. The apples are done when they are tender to touch but still hold their shape. You can gently poke them with a fork or knife after about 25 to 30 minutes of baking. If they feel soft but not mushy, they are ready to enjoy. You can make these apples ahead of time. Prepare the filling and stuff the apples, then store them in the fridge. Just bake them right before serving. This keeps them fresh and warm for your guests. Serve the apples warm for the best taste. You can top them with whipped cream for creaminess. Chopped fresh strawberries make a lovely garnish. Drizzling some strawberry sauce adds extra flavor and looks beautiful on the plate. This article covered how to make delicious stuffed apples. We detailed the key ingredients, like apples and cream cheese, and provided clear, step-by-step instructions for preparing and baking. You learned helpful tips for perfecting the recipe and explored tasty variations. Don’t forget about the storage info for your leftovers and answers to common questions. With these insights, you can create a sweet treat that will impress anyone. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Apples

Delicious baked apples filled with a creamy strawberry cheesecake mixture and topped with a crunchy graham cracker crust.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium-sized apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup crushed graham crackers
  • 1 4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 optional whipped cream for topping
  • 1 for garnish fresh strawberries

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's hot enough once you’re ready to bake.
  • Prepare the apples: Begin by coring the apples to create a deep cavity for your cheesecake filling. To help them stand upright during baking, you may slice a tiny portion off the bottom of each apple.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
  • Next, gently fold in the chopped strawberries into the cream cheese mixture. Make sure the strawberries are evenly distributed without overmixing, preserving their shape.
  • Generously stuff each apple with the cheesecake filling, pressing down gently to secure as much filling as possible. The filling should form a nice dome over the top of each apple.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers with the melted butter and ground cinnamon, mixing until the mixture resembles moist crumbs. This will create a delicious topping for your apples.
  • Sprinkle the graham cracker mixture evenly over the top of the cheesecake-filled apples, pressing down lightly to ensure it adheres well.
  • Arrange the stuffed apples in a baking dish and pour a small splash of water into the bottom of the dish. This helps to keep the apples moist while baking.
  • Bake the apples in your preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes. They should be tender to the touch but firm enough to hold their shape.
  • Once baked, remove the apples from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, and if you like, top with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with fresh strawberries for an elegant touch.

Notes

Serve warm with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for garnish.
Keyword apples, cheesecake, dessert, strawberries