Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

Featured in: Sweet Escapes

This dish combines tender twice-baked sweet potatoes with a warm filling of diced apples and bursting cranberries, gently spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. The filling is mixed with maple syrup and butter, then returned to the potato skins and baked until golden. Optional pecan topping adds crunch and extra warmth. Perfect for fall or holiday meals, it balances sweet, tart, and spiced flavors in a comforting side.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 14:44:00 GMT
Steaming, flavorful cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes, a perfect vibrant autumn side dish. Save
Steaming, flavorful cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes, a perfect vibrant autumn side dish. | lickjoke.com

Cozy, colorful, and loaded with sweet, tart, and spiced flavors, these twice-baked sweet potatoes are a perfect fall and holiday side dish.

This recipe has become a family favorite every autumn; the warmth of the spices and the mix of cranberries and apples always delight everyone at the table.

Ingredients

  • Sweet Potatoes: 4 large sweet potatoes
  • Filling: 1 medium apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) peeled and diced, 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, Salt to taste
  • Optional Topping: 1/3 cup chopped pecans, Additional maple syrup for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 400° F (200° C). Scrub sweet potatoes, pat dry, prick all over with a fork, and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 50 minutes or until fork-tender.
Step 2:
Meanwhile, in a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced apple and cranberries. Sprinkle in cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 6 minutes until apples are softened and cranberries begin to burst. Remove from heat.
Step 3:
Once sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch border inside the skins for structure.
Step 4:
In a bowl, mash the sweet potato flesh. Add the applecranberry mixture and maple syrup. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmash some texture is ideal.
Step 5:
Spoon the filling back into the sweet potato skins. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired, and drizzle with a little extra maple syrup.
Step 6:
Return the filled potatoes to the oven and bake for 10 12 minutes until heated through and tops are golden. Serve warm.
Warm and spiced cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes, ready for enjoying a delicious harvest meal. Save
Warm and spiced cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes, ready for enjoying a delicious harvest meal. | lickjoke.com

This dish is always a highlight at family dinners, bringing everyone together with its wonderful aroma and comforting flavors.

Required Tools

Baking sheet, Skillet, Mixing bowl, Potato masher or fork, Spoon

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter) and tree nuts (pecans, optional). For dairy-free or vegan, use plant-based butter. For nut-free, omit pecans. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 240, Total Fat: 5 g, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Protein: 2 g

Golden-topped cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes, showcasing the sweet and tart filling within potato skins. Save
Golden-topped cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes, showcasing the sweet and tart filling within potato skins. | lickjoke.com

These sweet potatoes add a festive touch to any meal and are sure to impress your guests every time.

Recipe Guide

What type of apples work best?

Firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal for maintaining texture and adding tartness.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can complete the filling step in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

Is it possible to make this nut-free?

Simply omit the pecan topping to keep it free from nuts without sacrificing flavor.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying out?

Cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15 minutes.

Can I make this vegan-friendly?

Use plant-based butter alternatives to replace dairy butter while keeping the dish rich.

Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

Twice-baked sweet potatoes loaded with tart cranberries and sweet apples, enhanced with warm spices.

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
60 min
Complete duration
75 min
Created by Hannah Brooks


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition guidelines Meat-free, No gluten

Components

Sweet Potatoes

01 4 large sweet potatoes

Filling

01 1 medium apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and diced
02 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
05 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 Salt, to taste

Optional Topping

01 1/3 cup chopped pecans
02 Additional maple syrup, for drizzling

Method

Phase 01

Bake Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F. Scrub sweet potatoes, dry thoroughly, prick with a fork, and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork.

Phase 02

Prepare Filling: While potatoes bake, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apple and cranberries, sprinkle with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 6 minutes until apples soften and cranberries start to burst. Remove from heat.

Phase 03

Scoop Potato Flesh: When potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut lengthwise in half. Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch border intact within the skins.

Phase 04

Combine Filling: Mash the scooped sweet potato flesh in a bowl. Fold in the apple-cranberry mixture and maple syrup, mixing gently to retain some texture.

Phase 05

Stuff and Top: Spoon the filling back into the sweet potato skins. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans and drizzle with additional maple syrup.

Phase 06

Final Bake: Return filled potatoes to the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until heated through and tops turn golden. Serve warm.

Tools needed

  • Baking sheet
  • Skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Potato masher or fork
  • Spoon

Allergy details

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter) and tree nuts (pecans, optional). For dairy-free or vegan adaptations, use plant-based butter. Omit pecans for nut-free.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 240
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 2 g