Cinnamon-Spiced Cheesecake Baked Apples

#### **1. Prepare the Apples**
Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. While the oven is heating up, prepare the apples by carefully coring them. You can use an apple corer or a paring knife to remove the seeds and create a hollow center. Be sure to leave the bottoms of the apples intact, as they will hold the cheesecake filling.

Once the apples are cored, use a small spoon to gently scoop out a little more of the flesh if necessary, creating enough space for the cheesecake filling. Lightly rub the cut edges of the apples with **lemon juice** to prevent them from browning.

#### **2. Make the Cheesecake Filling**
In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened **cream cheese** with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth. Add the **powdered sugar**, **vanilla extract**, **cinnamon**, and **nutmeg** (if using). Beat the mixture until it’s creamy and well-combined. The result should be a smooth, thick cheesecake filling.

#### **3. Stuff the Apples**
Now it’s time to stuff the apples with the cheesecake mixture. Spoon the cheesecake filling into each apple, packing it in carefully to ensure each apple is fully filled. If you’re using the **crushed graham crackers** or **digestive biscuits**, sprinkle some of them in the bottom of the apple before filling it with the cheesecake mixture to mimic a crust.

#### **4. Add Butter and Bake**
Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and drizzle each apple with a small amount of **melted butter**. This will help the apples caramelize as they bake and add extra flavor to the filling. Bake the apples in the preheated oven for **30-40 minutes**, or until the apples are tender and the cheesecake filling is set. The baking time will depend on the size and variety of your apples, so keep an eye on them.

#### **5. Serve and Enjoy**
Once the apples are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These Cinnamon-Spiced Cheesecake Baked Apples are delicious on their own, but you can also top them with a drizzle of **caramel sauce**, a dollop of **whipped cream**, or a scoop of **vanilla ice cream** for an extra indulgent treat.

### **Tips for Perfect Cinnamon-Spiced Cheesecake Baked Apples**

– **Choose the Right Apples**: Opt for apples that are firm enough to hold their shape while baking. Tart apples like **Honeycrisp** or **Granny Smith** work best, as they provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cheesecake filling.

– **Softening the Cream Cheese**: Be sure to soften the cream cheese before mixing it into the filling. This will make the mixture easier to combine and result in a smoother, creamier texture.

– **Customize the Spices**: Feel free to experiment with other spices like **allspice** or **cloves** for an even warmer flavor. A dash of **ginger** could also work well if you enjoy a bit of zing.

– **Check for Tenderness**: Since the baking time may vary depending on the size of the apples, check for doneness by gently inserting a fork into the side of the apple. The apple should be tender but not mushy.

– **Add Crunch**: For an added crunch, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) on top of the cheesecake filling before baking. These will toast and add texture to the dish.

### **Why This Dessert is a Must-Try**

– **Fall-Inspired Flavors**: If you love everything about fall—apples, cinnamon, and cozy desserts—this recipe is perfect for you. It brings all those comforting flavors together in one warm, sweet treat.

– **A Healthier Twist on Cheesecake**: While still indulgent, these baked apples are a lighter take on traditional cheesecake. The fruit acts as a natural, healthy base, and the cheesecake filling is rich but not overly heavy.

– **Easy to Make**: Despite its elegant presentation, this dessert is easy to prepare and doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s perfect for bakers of all levels.

– **Impressive Yet Simple**: Whether you’re serving this for a family dinner or a holiday gathering, Cinnamon-Spiced Cheesecake Baked Apples look impressive yet come together with minimal effort. They’re sure to wow your guests.

### **Final Thoughts**

**Cinnamon-Spiced Cheesecake Baked Apples** are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves a sweet, comforting treat with a bit of spice. With their warm, tender apples and creamy cheesecake filling, these baked apples are both decadent and light—perfect for cozy evenings, special occasions, or anytime you crave something indulgent yet simple.

So, grab some apples, whip up the cheesecake filling, and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aromas of cinnamon and vanilla. This easy, elegant dessert will quickly become a favorite for you and your loved ones!