Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

Featured in: Sweet Cozy Bakes

This dish features large sweet potatoes twice-baked and filled with a blend of diced apples, fresh cranberries, butter, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The filling is gently mashed and spooned into the hollowed potato skins, then baked again until golden. Optional pecans add a crunchy topping, while maple syrup provides a sweet drizzle. Perfect for cozy fall meals, this easy-to-prepare side blends tart, sweet, and spiced flavors that complement holiday menus.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 08:47:00 GMT
Steaming Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, a perfect medley of fall flavors and textures. Pin this
Steaming Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, a perfect medley of fall flavors and textures. | plumoven.com

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

I first served these during a family gathering and everyone loved the balance of sweet and tart with a cozy warmth.

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

Preheat Oven:
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.
Prepare Filling:
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.
Scoop Potatoes:
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.
Mix Filling:
In a bowl mash the sweet potato flesh. Add the apple-cranberry mixture and maple syrup. Stir gently until just combined do not over-mash some texture is ideal.
Fill Potatoes:
Spoon the filling back into the sweet potato skins. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired and drizzle with a little extra maple syrup.
Bake and Serve:
Return the filled potatoes to the oven and bake for 10 12 minutes until heated through and tops are golden. Serve warm.
Golden, baked Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, an inviting vegetarian side dish ready to be served. Pin this
Golden, baked Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, an inviting vegetarian side dish ready to be served. | plumoven.com

This recipe always brings our family together around the table especially during the holidays.

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 per serving

Warm and filled Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, showing off a delightful mix of sweet and tart tastes. Pin this
Warm and filled Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, showing off a delightful mix of sweet and tart tastes. | plumoven.com

This dish adds a festive touch to any meal and is simple to prepare ahead.

Recipe FAQs

What type of apples work best?

Use crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for bright flavor and texture.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used; just thaw slightly before cooking for best results.

How do I prevent the sweet potato skins from breaking?

Choose medium to large sweet potatoes and leave a 1/4-inch border of flesh inside skins when scooping.

What is the purpose of twice-baking the potatoes?

The first bake softens the potatoes, and the second warms the filled skins and blends flavors.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare through filling, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.

Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

Sweet potatoes filled with apple, cranberry, and warm spices for a colorful fall side.

Prep time
15 min
Time to cook
60 min
Total Duration
75 min
Created by Plum Oven Sophie Warren


Level of challenge Easy

Cuisine type American

Servings made 8 Portions

Dietary details Meat-Free, Gluten-Free

Ingredient List

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 butter
04 2 tablespoons 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

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Prepare filling: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced apple and cranberries. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes until apples soften and cranberries start to burst. Remove from heat.

Step 03

Scoop sweet potato flesh: Once cooled enough to handle, halve the sweet potatoes lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch border inside the skins.

Step 04

Combine filling: Mash the sweet potato flesh in a bowl. Add the apple-cranberry mixture and maple syrup. Gently mix until combined, maintaining some texture.

Step 05

Fill and top potatoes: Spoon the filling back into the potato skins. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired and drizzle with additional maple syrup.

Step 06

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Advisories

Review each item for allergens and talk to your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter) and tree nuts (pecans, optional). For dairy-free or vegan, use plant-based butter. Omit pecans for nut-free. Verify ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutrition info (per portion)

This nutritional overview is meant for general information. For medical concerns, ask a professional.
  • Caloric Value: 240
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 2 g