Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

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These twice-baked sweet potatoes combine tender sweet potato flesh with a warm filling of diced apples and cranberries, enhanced by cinnamon and nutmeg. The mixture is gently folded with maple syrup and returned to the potato skins for a golden finish. Optional pecans add a crunchy top. This dish brings cozy, festive flavors and is ideal as a comforting fall or holiday side.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:39:00 GMT
Golden, bubbly Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, ready to serve with pecan topping. Save
Golden, bubbly Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, ready to serve with pecan topping. | freshyforks.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 became a family favorite quickly because of its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation. I love serving it during the holidays when everyone gathers around the table.

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 recipe always brings my family together, especially during chilly nights. Watching everyone enjoy these cozy potatoes makes all the prep worth it.

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 vibrant Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, showcasing sweet and savory flavors. Save
Close-up of vibrant Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, showcasing sweet and savory flavors. | freshyforks.com

Enjoy these twice-baked sweet potatoes warm for the best flavor and texture. They make a delightful addition to any holiday meal.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of apples work best?

Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples are ideal, providing a balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the cranberries.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare up to filling the sweet potatoes, refrigerate, and then bake just before serving for convenience.

Are pecans necessary for the topping?

Pecans are optional; they add a pleasant crunch but can be omitted for nut-free variations.

How do I make this dish vegan?

Substitute the butter with plant-based alternatives to keep this dish vegan-friendly without losing flavor.

What is the bake time for the sweet potatoes initially?

Sweet potatoes should be baked at 400°F for 45-50 minutes until fork-tender before scooping and filling.

Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

Sweet potatoes filled with spiced apples and cranberries, baked twice for warm, colorful flavor.

Prep time
15 minutes
Time to cook
60 minutes
Time required
75 minutes
Recipe by Freshyforks Lena Brooks


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 8 Number of servings

Diet Details Meatless, No 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 ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
03 2 tablespoons 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

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Scoop sweet potatoes: When potatoes are cool enough to handle, halve them lengthwise. Scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a ¼-inch border intact inside the skin.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy info

Review ingredients for allergens. Reach out to medical experts if you're not sure.
  • Contains dairy (butter) and tree nuts (pecans, optional). For dairy-free or vegan options, use plant-based butter. For nut-free, omit pecans.

Nutritional breakdown (each serving)

This nutritional data guides only—don't treat as medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 240
  • Lipids: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 45 grams
  • Proteins: 2 grams