These Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are a festive, healthy twist on a holiday favorite. Packed with natural sweetness, warm spices, and a tangy cranberry-apple topping, they make the perfect side dish or light meal!
🍎 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you think sweet potatoes are just for casseroles, get ready for a delicious surprise!
These Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes combine the creamy texture of baked sweet potatoes with the bright flavors of apples, cranberries, and cinnamon for a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing.
They’re easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Perfect for holiday gatherings, meal prep, or a cozy fall weeknight dinner.
🧡 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 4 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for rubbing the skins)
- Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- 1 tablespoon butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 1 small apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Gala work great)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons milk or almond milk
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped pecans or walnuts
🔥 How to Make Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Bake the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Rub each sweet potato with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
While the potatoes bake, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add diced apple and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in cranberries, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 3: Scoop & Mash
When sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each in half lengthwise. Scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer inside the skins to help them hold shape.
Mash the sweet potato flesh in a bowl with milk, then stir in the apple-cranberry mixture (and nuts, if using).
Step 4: Refill & Bake Again
Spoon the filling back into the sweet potato shells. Place them back on the baking sheet and bake for 10–15 minutes, until warmed through and slightly caramelized on top.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
Drizzle with a touch more maple syrup, sprinkle with extra cranberries or nuts, and serve warm.
🌿 Healthy Highlights
- Nutrient-dense: Packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Naturally sweet: Sweet potatoes, apples, and maple syrup provide wholesome sweetness — no refined sugar needed.
- Gluten-free & easily dairy-free: Perfect for any diet.
- Beautiful presentation: A show-stopping side dish that looks as good as it tastes!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
- Freeze: Freeze the filled halves (before the second bake) for up to 2 months. Thaw and bake before serving.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Make it dessert-style: Add a sprinkle of brown sugar and mini marshmallows before the second bake.
- Boost the protein: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a handful of chopped nuts.
- Make ahead: Bake the sweet potatoes a day in advance and store in the fridge. Add filling and re-bake when ready to serve.
- For extra tartness: Mix in fresh cranberries instead of dried (just cook a bit longer to soften).
⭐ FAQs
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
It’s best to use fresh baked ones for texture and flavor — canned tends to be too soft.
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely! Just use coconut oil instead of butter and plant-based milk.
What’s the best apple to use?
Choose crisp, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji for the best flavor balance.
❤️ Final Thoughts
These Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are proof that healthy eating can be simple, colorful, and satisfying.
Each bite bursts with autumn flavor — creamy sweet potato, tart cranberry, and juicy apple in perfect harmony.
Serve them at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy fall dinner, and watch them disappear fast!