Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to warm your home with the cozy, sweet aroma of fall? 🍂 Today’s recipe celebrates the heart of autumn with a dish that brings together the comforting richness of sweet potatoes, the tart pop of cranberries, and the crisp sweetness of apples. These Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are a rustic favorite — elegant enough for your Thanksgiving table yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight meal. 🥰

In many traditional kitchens, sweet potatoes have long symbolized warmth and hospitality. In this version, we gently bake them until soft, mash them with creamy butter and cinnamon, and then fold in tender apples and juicy cranberries for a burst of flavor in every bite. A second bake caramelizes the edges and deepens the sweetness, making each spoonful taste like a hug from Grandma’s kitchen. 💕

Whether you serve them as a wholesome side dish or a hearty vegetarian main, these twice-baked delights will fill your table with joy, color, and nostalgia. So preheat your oven, grab your favorite apron, and let’s get started on a dish that tastes like fall itself! 🍠🍏🍒

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🥕 Ingredients

For the Sweet Potatoes:

• 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (or coconut oil for vegan option)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

For the Filling:

• 1 small apple, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji work best) 🍎
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (or fresh cranberries, lightly cooked)
• 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch) 🌰
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For Topping (optional):

• A drizzle of maple syrup or honey
• Extra chopped nuts or a sprinkle of granola
• A touch of sea salt for balance

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat and prepare:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
2. Bake the sweet potatoes:
   Scrub the sweet potatoes clean, pierce each one several times with a fork, and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a knife.
3. Cool and slice:
   Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes until safe to handle. Slice each potato in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving a thin layer of potato inside the skin to help it hold its shape. Place the scooped-out flesh into a mixing bowl.
4. Mash the base:
   To the bowl, add butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mash until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as you like.
5. Prepare the filling:
   In a small skillet over medium heat, add the diced apple, lemon juice, and a splash of water. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until just tender. Add the cranberries and stir to combine.
6. Combine it all:
   Fold the apple-cranberry mixture (and nuts if using) into the mashed sweet potatoes. Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.
7. Fill and bake again:
   Spoon the filling back into the potato skins, mounding slightly on top. Return to the baking sheet and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until heated through and slightly golden on the edges.
8. Serve and enjoy:
   Drizzle with a touch of maple syrup, sprinkle extra nuts or granola, and serve warm. These are perfect alongside roasted turkey, a crisp green salad, or even as a standalone cozy meal. 🍽️

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🥗 Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Baking Time: 65 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: 250 | 🍽️ Servings: 4

Each portion offers a balanced mix of fiber, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants from the sweet potatoes, apples, and cranberries. Using maple syrup keeps it naturally sweet, and the nuts add healthy fats for extra satisfaction. It’s a heartwarming, wholesome dish that fuels both body and spirit. ❤️

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️