### Cheesecake Stuffed Apples Recipe

#### Description
Indulge in these delightful Cheesecake Stuffed Apples, where tender baked apples are filled with a creamy cheesecake mixture and topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Perfect for dessert or a sweet treat, these apples combine the flavors of fall with a rich, decadent twist.

—

### Ingredients
– **4 medium-sized apples** (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
– **8 oz cream cheese**, softened
– **1/2 cup granulated sugar**
– **1/4 cup brown sugar**
– **1 tsp vanilla extract**
– **1/2 tsp ground cinnamon**
– **1/4 tsp salt**
– **1/2 cup sour cream**
– **1/2 cup crushed graham crackers**
– **1/4 cup chopped nuts** (optional, walnuts or pecans are great)
– **1/4 cup caramel sauce** (for drizzling)
– **1 tbsp lemon juice**
– **1 tbsp butter** (for greasing the baking dish)

—

### Instructions

#### Preparing the Apples
1. **Preheat Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Wash Apples**: Wash the apples thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry.
3. **Core Apples**: Carefully remove the core from each apple, leaving the bottom intact to create a cavity for the filling.
4. **Prevent Browning**: Drizzle a little lemon juice inside each apple to prevent browning.
5. **Grease Baking Dish**: Lightly grease a baking dish with butter and arrange the apples upright in the dish.

#### Preparing the Cheesecake Filling
1. **Mix Cream Cheese**: 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.
2. **Add Sugars and Spices**: Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well incorporated.
3. **Incorporate Sour Cream**: Add the sour cream and mix until fully combined.
4. **Fold in Extras**: Fold in the crushed graham crackers and chopped nuts (if using).

#### Stuffing the Apples
1. **Fill Apples**: Using a spoon or piping bag, fill each apple with the cheesecake mixture, packing it gently but firmly.
2. **Top with Cracker Crumbs**: Sprinkle a little extra crushed graham cracker on top of each apple for added texture.

#### Baking the Stuffed Apples
1. **Cover and Bake**: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help the apples steam. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the apples are tender and the filling is set.
2. **Brown the Tops**: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to brown the tops slightly.
3. **Cool**: Let the apples cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

#### Serving the Cheesecake Stuffed Apples
1. **Plate and Drizzle**: Place each stuffed apple on a dessert plate and drizzle with caramel sauce.
2. **Optional Additions**: Optionally, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
3. **Garnish**: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed nuts for visual appeal.
4. **Enjoy**: Enjoy warm!

—

### Notes
– For a healthier option, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute.
– Feel free to experiment with different types of apples or add spices like nutmeg for extra flavor.

—

### Prep Time
– **20 minutes**

### Cook Time
– **40-45 minutes**

### Total Time
– **1 hour**

### Yield
– **4 servings**