These Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and cozy. Creamy mashed sweet potatoes are mixed with spiced apples, dried cranberries, and maple syrup, then baked again for that irresistible caramelized finish. Each bite tastes like fall on a plate — wholesome, colorful, and comforting. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or a simple weeknight dinner when you’re craving something warm and festive.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 apple (peeled and diced)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp butter or coconut oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: chopped pecans for topping
👩🍳 Instructions
- Bake potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and place on a baking sheet. Bake 45–50 minutes until soft and tender. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare filling: Slice each potato in half and scoop the flesh into a bowl, leaving a thin shell. Mash with butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- Add mix-ins: In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced apple and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir apples and dried cranberries into the mashed sweet potato mixture.
- Fill & bake again: Spoon the mixture back into the potato shells. Top with chopped pecans if desired and bake 10–15 more minutes until golden and slightly crisp on top.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a colorful holiday side dish alongside turkey, ham, or roasted chicken.
- Add a dollop of whipped Greek yogurt or honey butter for a creamy finish.
- Sprinkle extra cranberries or pecans on top before serving for presentation and texture.
🧊 Storage & Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven until warm — avoid microwaving to preserve texture.
- Substitute honey for maple syrup if you prefer a slightly lighter sweetness.
- These can be made a day ahead and baked before serving for easy entertaining.
Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and place on a baking sheet. Bake 45–50 minutes until soft and tender. Let cool slightly.
- Slice each potato in half and scoop the flesh into a bowl, leaving a thin shell. Mash with butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.
- In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced apple and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir apples and dried cranberries into the mashed sweet potato mixture.
- Spoon the mixture back into the potato shells. Top with chopped pecans if desired and bake 10–15 more minutes until golden and slightly crisp on top.
Notes
❓ FAQs
Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
Yes! To make this recipe completely dairy-free, simply use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute in place of regular butter. The texture stays rich and creamy, and the subtle coconut flavor pairs beautifully with the sweet potato and apple mixture. Use maple syrup instead of honey to keep it fully vegan.
Which apple variety works best for this recipe?
Sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji are ideal. They hold their shape well during baking and balance the sweetness of the potatoes and maple syrup. If you prefer a more tart flavor, Granny Smith apples also work well, adding a refreshing contrast.
Can I prepare these sweet potatoes ahead of time?
Definitely. You can bake and mash the potatoes, prepare the filling, and assemble everything up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate the filled potato halves, then reheat in the oven at 375°F for 15–20 minutes just before serving. It’s a perfect make-ahead option for holidays.
Can I make this recipe savory instead of sweet?
Yes, simply skip the maple syrup and cranberries, and instead mix in sautéed onions, rosemary, and a little goat cheese or feta. This version pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and offers a gourmet twist on classic sweet potatoes.
Can I freeze these twice-baked sweet potatoes?
You can! Once filled, allow them to cool completely, then wrap each half tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a 375°F oven until warm and slightly crisp on top.
📖 Recipe Card
Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 60 mins | Servings: 4
Creamy mashed sweet potatoes blended with maple syrup, apples, and cranberries, baked twice for a cozy, naturally sweet fall side dish.
🍂 Conclusion
These Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are sweet, spiced, and full of comfort — the perfect way to bring fall flavors to your table. The combination of creamy potato, caramelized apple, and tart cranberries makes every bite unforgettable. Easy to prep ahead and beautifully golden when baked, they’re ideal for holidays or weeknight dinners. Wholesome, colorful, and festive — 👉 make these once and they’ll become a seasonal favorite every year!
Sweet, creamy, and full of cozy fall flavor! These cranberry apple twice-baked sweet potatoes combine buttery mashed sweet potato with cinnamon-spiced apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans — a festive, comforting side dish for Thanksgiving or any fall dinner.