Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

Featured in: Sweet & Fruity Mixes

This dish features large sweet potatoes baked until tender, then filled with a warm mixture of diced apples, fresh cranberries, butter, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The filling is combined with mashed sweet potato flesh and sweetened with maple syrup, creating a vibrant balance of tart, sweet, and savory flavors. Optionally topped with chopped pecans and extra syrup for crunch and sweetness, the twice-baked halves are finished in the oven until heated through and golden-topped. Ideal for chilly days and festive gatherings, these sweet potatoes offer a comforting and colorful side that blends seasonal fruits and spices naturally.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 09:56:00 GMT
Golden-brown Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, bursting with fall flavors and topped with pecans. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, bursting with fall flavors and topped with pecans. | funcockts.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 staple in my household during the autumn months because of its vibrant flavors and comforting 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

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 apple-cranberry mixture and maple syrup. Stir gently until just combined—do not over-mash 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.
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This dish always brings the family together especially during the holidays where everyone enjoys its warm and comforting taste.

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

A close-up shot of the vibrant Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, a delicious vegetarian side. Save to Pinterest
A close-up shot of the vibrant Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, a delicious vegetarian side. | funcockts.com

This recipe is a simple yet flavorful side that enhances any meal especially during cooler seasons.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Simply thaw slightly and drain any excess liquid before cooking to avoid watery filling.

What type of apples work best for the filling?

Tart varieties like Granny Smith or crisp Honeycrisp bring a nice balance to the sweetness of the potatoes and maple syrup.

How can I prepare this dish vegan-friendly?

Replace butter with plant-based alternatives and omit pecans if desired to keep it allergy-friendly.

Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare through step 5 and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for convenience without sacrificing texture.

What is the best way to ensure the potato skins hold during baking?

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

Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

Twice-baked sweet potatoes with cranberry, apple, warm spices, and a touch of maple syrup.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Cook Duration
60 minutes
Overall Time
75 minutes
Authored by Funcockts Ethan Miller


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 8 Portions

Diet Facts Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You Need

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 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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Prepare Filling: Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add diced apple and cranberries, then sprinkle in cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 6 minutes until apples soften and cranberries begin to burst. Remove from heat.

Step 03

Scoop Potato Flesh: When potatoes are cool enough to handle, halve lengthwise. Carefully scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch border to maintain the skin's structure.

Step 04

Combine Filling: In a bowl, mash the sweet potato flesh. Fold in the apple-cranberry mixture and maple syrup gently, maintaining some texture without over-mashing.

Step 05

Fill and Top Potatoes: Spoon the filling back into sweet potato shells. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans and drizzle with extra maple syrup.

Step 06

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Details

Review all components for allergens and reach out to a health expert if needed.
  • Contains dairy (butter) and tree nuts (pecans, optional). Use plant-based butter for dairy-free or vegan options; omit pecans for nut-free.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrition details are just for reference and can't replace professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 240
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 2 g