Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

Featured in: Everyday Country Recipes

This dish features tender sweet potatoes baked twice and filled with a warm mixture of diced apples, tart cranberries, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The filling is gently mashed with a touch of maple syrup for sweetness and a smooth, textured bite. Optional pecans add crunch and a nutty finish, while baking again ensures a golden, heated-through top. Perfect as a comforting, colorful side for fall and festive meals.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:05:00 GMT
Golden, twice-baked Cranberry Apple Sweet Potatoes, overflowing with a spiced apple-cranberry filling, ready to serve. Save
Golden, twice-baked Cranberry Apple Sweet Potatoes, overflowing with a spiced apple-cranberry filling, ready to serve. | cloverhearth.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 family favorite during the holidays, bringing warmth and festive flavors to our 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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| cloverhearth.com

This dish always brings the family together, especially during chilly fall evenings filled with laughter and stories.

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

Deliciously sweet and tart Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, topped with pecans, are a beautiful holiday side dish. Save
Deliciously sweet and tart Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, topped with pecans, are a beautiful holiday side dish. | cloverhearth.com

These twice-baked sweet potatoes blend sweet and tart flavors beautifully making them an ideal cozy side dish.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of sweet potatoes work best?

Choose medium to large sweet potatoes with firm skins to hold the filling well during baking.

Can I substitute the apples with another fruit?

While apples provide a crisp, tart flavor, pears or pears may serve as a mild substitute that complements the spices.

How do I prevent the filling from becoming too mushy?

Gently mash the filling to retain some texture and avoid over-mashing to keep a pleasant consistency.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

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

What alternative toppings can I use instead of pecans?

Try toasted walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or skip nuts entirely for a nut-free option while keeping added crunch or texture.

Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked

Twice-baked sweet potatoes with apple, cranberry, cinnamon, and pecans for warm, festive flavor.

Prep duration
15 minutes
Cook duration
60 minutes
Overall time
75 minutes
Recipe by Clover Hearth Emily Dawson


Skill level Easy

Culinary roots American

Servings made 8 Portion size

Diet preferences 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 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

How to make it

Step 01

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

Step 02

Prepare Filling: Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apple and cranberries. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes until apples soften and cranberries start to burst, then remove from heat.

Step 03

Scoop Potato Flesh: When sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out flesh, leaving a 1/4-inch border to maintain skin structure.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Assemble Twice-Baked Potatoes: Spoon filling back into sweet potato skins. Optionally, top with chopped pecans and drizzle with extra 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.

Equipment needed

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

Allergy details

Be sure to review every ingredient for potential allergies, and talk to a medical expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter) and tree nuts (pecans, optional). Use plant-based butter for dairy-free and vegan alternatives; omit pecans for nut-free option.

Nutrition information (each portion)

Only use this data as a helpful reference—it’s not intended to replace professional health guidance.
  • Calorie count: 240
  • Fat content: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 45 grams
  • Proteins: 2 grams