Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

Featured in: Garden Comfort Meals

This dish features sweet potatoes baked until tender, then filled with a warm mixture of diced apple, cranberries, butter, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The filling is gently combined with mashed sweet potato, spooned back into the skins, topped with pecans, and baked briefly for a golden finish. The result is a cozy, colorful side rich in sweet and tart flavors—perfect for autumn meals and holiday feasts.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 09:30:00 GMT
Golden, bursting Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, a delightful side dish for any fall meal. Save
Golden, bursting Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, a delightful side dish for any fall meal. | basilhearth.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 quickly became a family favorite during our autumn gatherings because of its vibrant taste and easy prep.

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℉ (200℃). 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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My family eagerly anticipates these sweet potatoes during holiday dinners—it’s a moment of warmth and joy at our table.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter) and tree nuts (pecans optional). Use plant-based butter for dairy-free or vegan versions. Omit pecans for nut-free diets. 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 of delicious Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, warm and inviting with sweet, tart flavors. Save
A close-up of delicious Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, warm and inviting with sweet, tart flavors. | basilhearth.com

Enjoy these sweet potatoes warm for a comforting side dish that complements any main course beautifully.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this dish?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well and can be added directly to the filling mixture without thawing.

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are fully baked?

They are ready when a fork pierces them easily and the flesh feels soft inside.

What can I substitute for butter in this dish?

Plant-based butter or margarine can be used for a dairy-free version without compromising flavor.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prepare up to stuffing the potatoes, refrigerate, and then bake before serving.

How can I make this dish nut-free?

Simply omit the pecans from the topping to keep it nut-free.

Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

Twice-baked sweet potatoes filled with apple, cranberries, cinnamon, and maple syrup for a warm side.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
60 minutes
Total Duration
75 minutes
Recipe by Laura Bennett

Recipe Type Garden Comfort Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Details Meat-Free, Without Gluten

What You'll 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

How To Make It

Step 01

Bake Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F. Scrub sweet potatoes, 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 skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced apple, cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 6 minutes until apples soften and cranberries burst. Remove from heat.

Step 03

Scoop Sweet Potato Flesh: Allow sweet potatoes to cool until manageable. Cut lengthwise and scoop out flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch border inside the skins.

Step 04

Combine Filling: Mash sweet potato flesh in a bowl. Gently mix in apple-cranberry mixture and maple syrup, maintaining some texture.

Step 05

Fill and Top Potatoes: Spoon the filling into sweet potato skins. Sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired and drizzle additional maple syrup.

Step 06

Final Bake: 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 Warnings

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a medical expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (butter) and tree nuts (pecans, optional). For dairy-free or vegan, use plant-based butter. Omit pecans for nut-free.

Nutrition information (serving size)

These nutritional details are for reference. They're not meant as medical guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 240
  • Fat content: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 45 grams
  • Protein Amount: 2 grams