Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

Featured in: Sunbeam Starts

This dish features large sweet potatoes baked until tender, then halved and filled with a warm mixture of diced apples, fresh cranberries, butter, maple syrup, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The filling retains some texture, blending soft and bursting fruit flavors. After filling, the potatoes are topped optionally with chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup before a final bake, creating a colorful, cozy side perfect for autumn and holiday meals.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 16:22:00 GMT
Golden, steaming Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, topped with pecans for a delightful fall side. Save
Golden, steaming Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, topped with pecans for a delightful fall side. | cheerfulchefs.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 this dish during the holiday season and it quickly became a family favorite due to its comforting flavors and easy preparation.

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.
Cook Filling:
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.
Prepare 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.
Mash 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 Again:
Return the filled potatoes to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and tops are golden. Serve warm.
A close-up of vibrant Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, with a sweet and tart holiday presentation. Save
A close-up of vibrant Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, with a sweet and tart holiday presentation. | cheerfulchefs.com

This recipe always brings my family together, especially during the holidays when everyone enjoys sharing stories over delicious food.

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, spiced Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes ready to eat, a perfect vegetarian American dish. Save
Warm, spiced Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes ready to eat, a perfect vegetarian American dish. | cheerfulchefs.com

These twice-baked sweet potatoes are a delightful addition to any meal and can easily be tailored to your dietary needs.

Recipe FAQs

What type of apples work best for this dish?

Medium varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith provide the right balance of sweetness and tartness, holding their shape well when cooked.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the filling up to the point of stuffing, then refrigerate. Bake again just before serving.

How can I make a nut-free version?

Simply omit the optional pecan topping or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for added crunch.

What spices enhance the filling’s flavor?

Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm, aromatic notes complementing the sweetness and tartness of the apples and cranberries.

Is plant-based butter a suitable alternative?

Yes, plant-based butter works well to maintain the buttery richness, making this suitable for vegan diets.

Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

Twice-baked sweet potatoes with tart cranberries and spiced apple filling for a cozy fall side.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
60 minutes
Overall Time
75 minutes
Creator Ruby Smiles

Recipe Type Sunbeam Starts

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Background American

Portions 8 Serves

Dietary Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, Gluten-Free Option

What You’ll Need

Sweet Potatoes

01 4 large sweet potatoes

Filling

01 1 medium Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apple, 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

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Bake Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F. Wash sweet potatoes, dry, and prick all over with a fork. Arrange on baking sheet and bake for 45–50 minutes until fork-tender.

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Combine Ingredients: Mash sweet potato flesh in a bowl. Fold in apple-cranberry mixture and maple syrup gently to retain texture.

Step 05

Fill and Top: Spoon filling evenly into sweet potato skins. If desired, sprinkle with chopped pecans and drizzle extra maple syrup.

Step 06

Final Bake: Return filled potatoes to oven and bake for 10–12 minutes until warmed through and tops are lightly golden. Serve warm.

Tools You’ll Need

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

Potential Allergens

Inspect ingredients for specific allergens and contact a professional for concerns.
  • Contains dairy (butter) and tree nuts (pecans, optional). Use plant-based butter for dairy-free or vegan diets. Omit pecans for nut-free needs.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

Provided as supportive info; always cross-check with your healthcare provider.
  • Calories: 240
  • Fats: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 45 grams
  • Proteins: 2 grams