Indulge in Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes This Fall!

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavor-packed dish to warm your heart and table this season, let me introduce you to the ultimate comfort food: le Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes This Fall! This recipe combines the natural sweetness of tender baked sweet potatoes with a vibrant, tart cranberry and apple filling, all kissed by fragrant spices and a hint of maple syrup. Every bite bursts with autumn’s best flavors, making it a perfect centerpiece or side dish that’s sure to impress at your next family gathering or casual dinner. Trust me, once you try these twice-baked sweet potatoes, they’ll become a beloved tradition you’ll want to make again and again.

le Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes This Fall! Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients sets the foundation for a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, tartness, spice, and creaminess, creating that irresistible flavor harmony you crave this fall.

  • 2 large sweet potatoes: The star of the show, providing creamy sweetness and a perfect vessel for all the tasty fillings.
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries: Adds a bright, tart pop that contrasts beautifully with the mellow sweet potato.
  • 1 juicy apple, diced: Brings natural sweetness and a tender texture that complements the cranberries perfectly.
  • 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps cook the fruit filling to a luscious softness.
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Infuses warm, nutty depth to the mixture, enhancing the fall vibe.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: A classic spice that wraps the dish in cozy warmth.
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Provides a natural sweetener with a subtle caramel note.
  • Salt to taste: Balances all the flavors and brings out the best in every ingredient.

How to Make Indulge in Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes This Fall!

Step 1: Baking the Sweet Potatoes

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce each sweet potato several times with a fork—this lets steam escape as they bake and ensures they soften evenly. Place them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when you can easily insert a knife or skewer with little resistance. This slow roast brings out their natural sweetness and gives them that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 2: Preparing the Cranberry Apple Filling

While your sweet potatoes are roasting, it’s time to make the irresistibly fragrant filling. Heat a skillet on medium and melt the butter until it’s bubbly and fragrant. Toss in the diced apple, cranberries, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook this mixture for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the fruit softens and the cranberries begin to pop, releasing their juicy goodness. Stir in the maple syrup and cook for another two minutes to meld all those flavors together perfectly.

Step 3: Scooping and Mixing

Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice each one lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out most of the flesh, being careful to leave a thin layer to keep the skins sturdy. Mash this sweet potato flesh in a bowl, then fold in half of the luscious cranberry apple filling. This step infuses the creamy mash with bursts of bright fruitiness and cozy spices, creating the luscious base for your twice-baked treat.

Step 4: Stuffing and Final Bake

Spoon the mashed sweet potato and filling mixture back into the skins, smoothing it out nicely. Top each potato half with the remaining cranberry apple mixture for added texture and flavor contrast. Return your filled sweet potatoes to the baking sheet and slide them back into the oven for a final 10 to 12 minutes. This step warms everything through and allows the flavors to marry beautifully, creating a sensational, inviting dish.

How to Serve Indulge in Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes This Fall!

le Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes This Fall! Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To elevate your presentation and taste even more, consider topping these twice-baked sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of Greek yogurt adds a creamy tang that balances the sweetness beautifully. Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs can lend an aromatic touch and make your dish look as gorgeous as it tastes.

Side Dishes

These sweet potatoes are versatile enough to star alongside hearty dishes like roasted turkey, pork chops, or grilled chicken. Pair them with a crisp green salad or sautéed kale to introduce some fresh greens and balance the richness. For a plant-based meal, serve with smoky roasted chickpeas or a vibrant quinoa salad, making your fall feast both wholesome and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your guests? Hollow the sweet potatoes into smaller bite-sized portions and serve them as elegant appetizers in mini pumpkin gourds or on a wooden board for a rustic aesthetic. Or transform this recipe into a warm salad by mixing the filling with roasted nuts and seeds, then topping a bed of baby spinach for a fusion of textures and flavors that’s truly unforgettable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of these delicious Indulge in Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes This Fall! left over, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining their wonderful flavors and texture without drying out.

Freezing

To enjoy this dish later, wrap the fully assembled and cooled twice-baked sweet potatoes tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, a microwave can be used for a quicker option—heat on medium power in short bursts to avoid drying out the sweet potatoes. Either method will revive the comforting flavors you loved the first time around.

FAQs

Can I use canned cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Fresh or frozen cranberries work best for their natural tartness and popping texture. Canned cranberries are sweeter and softer, which might make the filling less vibrant. If using canned, reduce the maple syrup slightly to balance sweetness.

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Choose crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best contrast and texture. These varieties hold their shape well when cooked and add a refreshing bite to the filling.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine. Make sure your maple syrup is pure and not processed with animal products, and you’ll have a perfectly cozy vegan version.

Is it okay to prepare these sweet potatoes entirely ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and bake the sweet potatoes a day in advance, then stuff and bake them right before serving. This makes the meal less stressful and keeps the flavors fresh and vibrant.

Can I add other spices to customize the flavor?

Definitely! Ginger, allspice, or cloves can add exciting new layers of warmth and complexity. Just start small with additional spices to ensure they complement, not overpower, the cranberry apple mixture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about Indulge in Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes This Fall! They bring together the best seasonal flavors in one luscious, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re serving them at a festive dinner or enjoying them as a cozy treat any night of the week, they’re bound to become a favorite. So go ahead, give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you, and your family will keep asking for more!

Print

Indulge in Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes This Fall!

Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall with these Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes. This delightful recipe features tender sweet potatoes filled with a sweet and tangy mixture of fresh cranberries and apples, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and sweetened with maple syrup. Perfect as a festive side dish or a cozy snack, these twice-baked sweet potatoes offer a delicious balance of natural sweetness and warm spices.

  • Author: mia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes

  • 2 large sweet potatoes

Cranberry Apple Filling

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 juicy apple, diced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the sweet potatoes.
  2. Bake Sweet Potatoes: Pierce the sweet potatoes several times with a fork and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork.
  3. Cool Sweet Potatoes: Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly so they can be handled safely.
  4. Prepare Cranberry Apple Mixture: While the sweet potatoes bake, heat a skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, then add the diced apple, cranberries, nutmeg, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
  5. Cook Fruit Filling: Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit softens and the cranberries begin to pop, releasing their juices.
  6. Add Maple Syrup: Stir in the maple syrup and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the syrup to thicken the filling slightly.
  7. Slice Sweet Potatoes: Once cooled enough to handle, slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise.
  8. Scoop Flesh: Carefully scoop out most of the sweet potato flesh into a bowl, leaving a thin layer inside the skins to help them maintain their shape.
  9. Mash and Mix: Mash the scooped sweet potato flesh until smooth and then fold in half of the prepared cranberry apple mixture.
  10. Refill Sweet Potato Skins: Spoon the mashed sweet potato and cranberry apple mixture back into the potato skins until fully filled.
  11. Top with Remaining Filling: Spoon the remaining cranberry apple mixture evenly over the filled sweet potatoes for a layered burst of flavor.
  12. Final Bake: Place the twice-stuffed sweet potatoes back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until heated through and the tops are slightly caramelized.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of milk or cream to the mashed sweet potato mixture.
  • Use fresh cranberries for better texture and flavor, but frozen cranberries work well too.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the maple syrup to 1 tablespoon or omit it entirely.
  • The recipe can be prepared in advance up to the point of the final baking and then reheated before serving.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 stuffed sweet potato
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 14g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 39g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: twice-baked sweet potatoes, cranberry apple sweet potatoes, fall side dish, holiday recipe, baked sweet potato recipe

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