Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

Featured in: Seasonal Cooking

These twice-baked sweet potatoes offer a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, combining tender sweet potatoes with a filling made from diced apples and cranberries simmered in butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Enhanced with maple syrup and optional pecans for a crunchy finish, they deliver a cozy fall taste. Preparation involves baking the sweet potatoes until tender, mixing the filling, stuffing the skins, and baking again until golden and warm. Ideal as a comforting side for holiday gatherings or cool evenings.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:55:00 GMT
Golden, festive Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, a comforting fall side dish, ready to serve! Pin
Golden, festive Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, a comforting fall side dish, ready to serve! | potfuljoy.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 favorite for seasonal gatherings and always impresses guests with its balance of flavors.

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.
Vibrant image shows steaming Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, bursting with fall flavors and sweet goodness. Pin
Vibrant image shows steaming Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, bursting with fall flavors and sweet goodness. | potfuljoy.com

This dish always brings smiles to family dinners, especially when the warm flavors fill the home during fall evenings.

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

Close-up of baked Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, with a pecan topping and maple syrup drizzle. Pin
Close-up of baked Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, with a pecan topping and maple syrup drizzle. | potfuljoy.com

These twice-baked sweet potatoes bring a festive and comforting touch to any meal. Enjoy them warm with your favorite holiday dishes.

Recipe Q&A

What type of apples work best for the filling?

Firm and tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal as they hold their shape and complement the tartness of cranberries.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare up to stuffing the potatoes, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to save time.

How do I make a nut-free version?

Simply omit the chopped pecans used for topping while maintaining the other ingredients.

What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warm and the topping is slightly toasted.

Can I substitute butter for a dairy-free option?

Plant-based butter or margarine works well to keep the flavors rich without dairy.

Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

Sweet potatoes filled with apple, cranberry, spices, and maple syrup for a warm, festive side.

Preparation time
15 min
Cooking time
60 min
Total time
75 min

Category Seasonal Cooking

Difficulty Easy

Origin American

Yield 8 Servings

Dietary specifications Vegetarian, Gluten-free

Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes

01 4 large sweet potatoes

Filling

01 1 medium Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced
02 ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 2 tablespoons maple syrup
05 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 Salt, to taste

Optional Topping

01 ⅓ cup chopped pecans
02 Additional maple syrup, for drizzling

Instructions

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 medium skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced apple and cranberries, 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.

Step 03

Scoop Sweet Potato Flesh: Allow sweet potatoes to cool until manageable. Slice each in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out flesh, leaving a ¼-inch border to maintain skin structure.

Step 04

Combine Filling: Mash sweet potato flesh in a bowl. Stir in apple-cranberry mixture and maple syrup gently, preserving texture.

Step 05

Fill and Add Toppings: Spoon the filling back into the sweet potato skins. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped pecans and drizzle with extra maple syrup.

Step 06

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

Required equipment

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

Allergen information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens and if uncertain, please consult a healthcare professional.
  • Contains dairy (butter) and tree nuts (pecans, optional).
  • Use plant-based butter for dairy-free or vegan needs.
  • Omit pecans for nut-free.

Nutritional values (per serving)

These values are provided as a general guide only and shouldn't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 240
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Carbs: 45 g
  • Protein: 2 g