1. Preheat oven to 375°. Slice ½ inch off the tops of apples, including stems. Set tops aside. Remove cores to within 1⁄2 inch from the bottoms of apples. Make holes 2 inches wide.

2. In the work bowl of a food processor, combine cream cheese, brown sugar, caramel sauce, pecans, dates, and apple pie spice. Pulse until combined. Stuff each apple with about 2 tablespoons cream-cheese mixture. Dot each apple with 1 teaspoon butter. Replace apple tops. Place apples in a cast-iron biscuit pan.

3. Bake until tender, approximately 25 minutes. Remove from oven. Remove apple tops; sprinkle with gingersnap crumbs, and replace tops. Drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving, if desired. Serve immediately.