Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

Featured in: Chili Infusions

This dish features large sweet potatoes baked until tender, then filled with a warm mixture of diced apples, tart cranberries, butter, maple syrup, and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. After mashing and mixing, the filling is spooned back into the skins, optionally topped with chopped pecans and more maple syrup, then baked again to golden perfection. It's a vibrant, comforting side ideal for autumn and holiday gatherings, offering a balance of sweet and tart flavors with a rich, spiced aroma.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 12:45:00 GMT
Golden, twice-baked Cranberry Apple Sweet Potatoes, bubbling with spiced fruit, ready to serve! Save
Golden, twice-baked Cranberry Apple Sweet Potatoes, bubbling with spiced fruit, ready to serve! | pepperplume.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 I enjoy making for family and friends.

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 often brings our family together during holidays creating warm and memorable moments.

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, sweet Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes; a vibrant autumnal side dish, topped with pecans. Save
Warm, sweet Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes; a vibrant autumnal side dish, topped with pecans. | pepperplume.com

These twice-baked sweet potatoes are the perfect finishing touch to any autumn meal.

Recipe FAQ

What type of apples work best for this dish?

Medium apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith provide the best balance of sweetness and tartness for this filling.

Can I prepare the dish in advance?

Yes, prepare up to filling the skins and refrigerate. Bake just before serving to warm through and brown the tops.

How can I make this dish nut-free?

Simply omit the chopped pecans topping to keep it free of tree nuts.

What spices are included in the filling?

The filling is seasoned with ground cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor profile.

Is there a vegan option?

Replace butter with plant-based alternatives to make the dish vegan-friendly.

How do I know when sweet potatoes are done baking initially?

Bake until they are fork-tender, usually about 45–50 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

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

Prep duration
15 min
Cook duration
60 min
Complete duration
75 min
Created by Isabella Flores


Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 8 Portions

Diet considerations Meat-free, No gluten

Components

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 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

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Cook Filling: Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add diced apple and cranberries, season with cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and cranberries start to burst. Remove from heat.

Phase 03

Scoop Potato Flesh: Once cool enough to handle, halve the sweet potatoes lengthwise. Scoop out most flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch border intact for structure.

Phase 04

Combine Filling: Mash the scooped sweet potato flesh in a bowl. Gently fold in the apple-cranberry mixture and maple syrup, preserving some texture.

Phase 05

Stuff Potatoes: Spoon filling back into the sweet potato skins. Optionally, sprinkle with pecans and drizzle extra maple syrup.

Phase 06

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and seek professional health advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and tree nuts (pecans, optional).

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 240
  • Fats: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 2 g