Warm up your fall with a delectable dessert that combines the comforting flavors of maple, pecan, and cream cheese in a cozy, edible apple cup. This Maple Pecan Cheesecake Stuffed Apples recipe is a delightful twist on classic cheesecake, offering a satisfying, guilt-free indulgence that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Maple Pecan Cheesecake Stuffed Apples
Imagine sinking your spoon into a soft, baked apple filled with a creamy, maple-infused cheesecake and crunchy pecan topping. This recipe delivers a symphony of flavors and textures that will delight your senses. The juicy, caramelized apples perfectly complement the rich, velvety cheesecake, while the toasted pecans add a delightful crunch. Plus, it’s a visually stunning dessert that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a cozy autumn gathering or looking for a special treat, these Maple Pecan Cheesecake Stuffed Apples are sure to become a new seasonal staple.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a simple list of wholesome ingredients that come together to create a truly indulgent and flavorful dessert. You’ll need crisp apples, cream cheese, maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and chopped pecans. The combination of these ingredients results in a delightful balance of sweetness, tanginess, and nutty goodness.
- 4 medium apples – crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Gala
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Ingredient Substitutions
- Apples: You can try using different types of apples, such as Honeycrisp or Gala, to suit your preferences.
- Nuts: Experiment with other nuts, like walnuts or almonds, to change up the texture and flavor profile.
How to Make Maple Pecan Cheesecake Stuffed Apples
This recipe is easy to follow and delivers impressive results. Let’s walk through the steps together:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by selecting and washing your apples. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the tops off the apples and scoop out the cores, leaving a small well in the center. Set the apples aside while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, maple syrup, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. Spoon the cheesecake filling into the hollowed-out apple cups, being careful not to overfill them.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Sprinkle the tops of the filled apples with a generous amount of chopped pecans, pressing them gently into the cheesecake filling. Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and bake until the apples are tender and the cheesecake is set.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the Maple Pecan Cheesecake Stuffed Apples have baked to perfection, let them cool slightly before serving. Drizzle the tops with additional maple syrup for an extra touch of sweetness and cozy, autumnal flavor.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Toppings: For an extra special touch, you can add a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the top of each stuffed apple.
- Spices: You can experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg or allspice, to complement the maple and pecan flavors.
- Firmer Filling: If you prefer a firmer cheesecake filling, you can add a bit more cream cheese to the mixture.
- Flavor Variations: Regardless of any variations, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Maple Pecan Cheesecake Stuffed Apples are best served warm, straight from the oven. They make a lovely, cozy dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a cup of hot cider or coffee.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and can be reheated gently before serving.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the stuffed apples in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cheesecake filling and stuff the apples a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate the filled apples until ready to bake and serve.
Nutrition Information
Each Maple Pecan Cheesecake Stuffed Apple is a delightful indulgence, providing a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats. The combination of the baked apple, creamy cheesecake, and crunchy pecans makes for a satisfying and nutrient-dense treat. Enjoy these stuffed apples in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed apple
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbs: 35 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these stuffed apples in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheesecake filling and stuff the apples a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate the filled apples until ready to bake and serve.
Can I use a different type of nut besides pecans?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with walnuts, almonds, or even a mix of nuts to find your favorite combination.
How can I make these stuffed apples dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use maple syrup or a dairy-free sweetener in place of the brown sugar.
Can I make these stuffed apples gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you use, such as the pecans, are also certified gluten-free.
How do I know when the stuffed apples are done baking?
The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork, and the cheesecake filling should be set and slightly puffed. You can also check the internal temperature, which should reach around 165°F.
Try These Next
- savory maple pecan pumpkin muffins
- savory maple pecan pancakes for brunch bliss
- bacon maple cheesecake swirl bars
Indulgent Maple Pecan Cheesecake Stuffed Apples
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delicious apples are stuffed with a creamy maple pecan cheesecake filling and baked to perfection. A perfect dessert for fall!
Ingredients
4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup granola (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Core the apples, making sure to leave the bottom intact to hold the filling.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth.
5. Fold in the chopped pecans into the cream cheese mixture.
6. Stuff each apple with the cheesecake mixture, packing it in firmly.
7. Place the stuffed apples in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the tops.
9. Serve warm, topped with granola if desired.
10.
Notes
These can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less maple syrup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed apple
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: apple, cheesecake, dessert, pecan, maple