Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I pulled the sweet potatoes from the oven, the smell was nothing short of magical. The combination of warmly roasted sweet potatoes mingling with the tart cranberries and sweet apples created an inviting aroma that beckoned everyone to the kitchen. My Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes not only bring a festive flair to the table but are also incredibly satisfying—making them a versatile side dish perfect for any holiday feast. They are not only gluten-free but also easy to adapt for vegan diets, ensuring everyone at your gathering can enjoy them. With their creamy, rich filling and crisp skins, these sweet potatoes are a warm embrace on chilly nights. How could anyone resist taking a forkful of this comforting delight? Let’s dive in and create this unforgettable dish together! Why Are These Sweet Potatoes Irresistible? Comforting Warmth: These Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are more than just a side dish; they are a hug on a plate! The balance of flavors between the sweet potatoes, tart cranberries, and crunchy apples creates an unforgettable taste experience that’ll have your guests coming back for seconds. Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for Thanksgiving and other festive gatherings, this dish enchants everyone—vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Easy to Customize: Enjoy experimenting with nut alternatives or making this dish vegan-friendly by swapping in coconut oil and plant-based milk. Unique Presentation: The twice-baked method gives a delightful crispness to the skin while the creamy filling bursts with flavor. Quick Prep Time: Despite its impressive appearance, making these sweet potatoes is simple and efficient, allowing you more time to enjoy with loved ones. With this delicious recipe, you won’t just serve a dish; you’ll create cherished memories! Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Ingredients For the Sweet Potatoes • Sweet Potatoes – The soul of this dish, providing creamy sweetness when baked. • Brown Sugar – Enhances natural sweetness and caramelizes the filling beautifully. • Butter – Adds richness; replace with coconut oil for a vegan option. • Milk – Lightens the mash; swap for any non-dairy milk for a vegan twist. • Salt – Balances the sweetness and elevates the overall flavor. For the Fruit Compote • Cranberries – Fresh cranberries provide a delightful tartness; canned versions may require less sugar. • Apple – Finely chopped for texture; Granny Smith is great for balancing sweetness. • Cinnamon & Nutmeg – These warm spices amplify the autumn flavors without being overpowering. • Vanilla Extract – Introduces depth to the sweet potato filling; perfectly complements the fruits. For the Topping • Pecans – Add a crunchy texture; walnuts work as a great substitute or omit for nut allergies. • Honey/Maple Syrup (optional) – Drizzle on top before serving for an extra touch of gloss and sweetness. Get ready to experience the irresistible taste of these Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes; they’ll surely be a crowd-pleaser at your next festive gathering! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, wash three medium sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Pierce each sweet potato multiple times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch any drips and ensure easy cleanup. Step 2: Bake Sweet Potatoes Bake the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, until they are tender and easily pierced with a fork. You’ll know they’re ready when the skin is slightly wrinkled and the flesh feels soft. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes before handling. Step 3: Make the Fruit Compote While the sweet potatoes cool, prepare the cranberry-apple compote. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of fresh cranberries, 1 finely chopped apple, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of water. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the mixture becomes syrupy. Once done, set it aside to cool. Step 4: Hollow the Sweet Potatoes Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Carefully slice each sweet potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out most of the sweet potato flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving a thin layer inside each skin to maintain its shape. Try to avoid tearing the skin, as it will hold the filling. Step 5: Mash the Filling To the bowl with the sweet potato flesh, add the remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, 1/4 cup of milk, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mash the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well combined for a delightful filling for your Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes. Step 6: Combine and Fill Gently fold the cooled cranberry-apple compote and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans into the sweet potato mixture. This will add delightful flavor and texture to your filling. Spoon the filling back into each sweet potato skin, mounding it slightly for an appealing presentation. Step 7: Bake Again Place the filled sweet potatoes back onto the baking sheet. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 20-25 minutes. You want the tops to become golden brown and the filling to heat through. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook, and enjoy the wonderful aromas filling your kitchen. Step 8: Serve and Enjoy Once baked, remove the Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If desired, drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness before serving. These delightful sweet potatoes are now ready to grace your holiday table! What to Serve with Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes As you prepare these heavenly sweet potatoes, consider what delicious accompaniments will elevate your meal and create a beautifully balanced feast. Roasted Turkey: The savory flavors of herb-seasoned turkey pair beautifully with the sweet and tart notes of the potatoes, making it a holiday classic. Honey Glazed Carrots: The vibrant sweetness of honey-glazed carrots complements the richness of the sweet potatoes, creating a delightful contrast on the plate. ** Brussels Sprouts with Bacon:** Crispy, salty bacon adds a savory crunch, enhancing the complex flavors of the creamy potato filling and fruit compote. Cranberry Sauce: A traditional side during the holidays, tart cranberry sauce echoes the cranberries in the potatoes, bringing an extra zing to your meal. Maple Glazed Ham: The sweetness of the glaze on the ham pairs perfectly with the flavors of the sweet potatoes, making for a festive flavor profile. Quinoa Salad: A fresh, protein-packed salad with herbs and citrus adds a lightness to your spread, balancing the hearty sweetness of the dish. Chardonnay: A glass of crisp Chardonnay will enhance your festive meal, as its fruity notes echo the apple and cranberry within the sweet potatoes. Pumpkin Pie: For dessert, a slice of creamy pumpkin pie provides a satisfying finish, tying in the seasonal flavors of autumn beautifully. Warm Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra juices on your plate, adding comfort to your hearty main course. Storage Tips for Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. Freezer: These sweet potatoes can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: Thaw frozen sweet potatoes in the fridge overnight, then re-bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes for optimal texture. Make Ahead: Prepare the filling a day in advance and stuff the sweet potato skins right before serving for a quick, festive side dish. Expert Tips for Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes • Piercing is Key: Always pierce sweet potatoes to avoid bursting during baking; this allows steam to escape and ensures even cooking. • Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor in your Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, opt for fresh cranberries and tart apples like Granny Smith. • Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on your potatoes during the second bake; overcooking can result in a mushy filling, while underbaking may leave them cold inside. • Customize Wisely: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or omit completely for nut allergies, ensuring everyone can enjoy this festive treat. • Cool Carefully: Allow sweet potatoes to cool slightly before handling; this makes scooping the flesh easier without tearing the skins. Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Variations Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine and customize these delightful sweet potatoes to your liking! Nut-Free: Omit pecans entirely or replace them with pumpkin seeds for a satisfying crunch suitable for those with nut allergies. Try mixing in a little toastiness from the seeds while keeping the filling creamy and delectable. Vegan-Friendly: Use coconut oil instead of butter and swap out regular milk for almond, soy, or oat milk. This simple tweak ensures that everyone at your gathering can savor this tasty dish without compromise. Sweet Potato Alternatives: Explore different varieties like purple or Japanese sweet potatoes for unique flavors and added color to your dish. Each type brings a subtle twist—adapt the taste while keeping the festive spirit alive! Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the sweet potato filling for a surprising kick. A splash of heat complements the sweetness perfectly, tantalizing those who crave excitement in their palate. Dried Fruit Twists: Consider incorporating raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped apricots into the fruit compote for added texture and a natural sweetness. This variation introduces new flavors, giving your dish a whole new layer of enjoyment. Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Maple Drizzle: Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for the filling and extra drizzle prior to serving. The warmth of maple complements the sweet potatoes and fruit beautifully, enriching the overall flavor experience. Savory Spin: Incorporate sautéed onions or garlic into the mashed sweet potatoes or fruit compote for a savory touch. This delightful twist transforms your dish into a hearty, layered side that pairs well with various main courses. Creamy Cheese Addition: For an extra indulgence, mix in some cream cheese or goat cheese with the sweet potato flesh before baking. The creaminess adds depth, creating a rich and sumptuous filling that’s hard to resist! Explore these variations to craft your perfect version of Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes that your family will adore! Make Ahead Options These Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a festive dish with minimal last-minute effort! You can prepare the sweet potatoes and their filling up to 24 hours in advance. Simply bake the sweet potatoes, scoop out the flesh, and mix it with the cranberry-apple compote. Store the filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to impress your guests, just spoon the filling back into the potato skins and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through. You’ll save time and still serve a dish that’s just as delicious as if it were freshly made! Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe FAQs What is the best way to select ripe sweet potatoes? Absolutely! Look for sweet potatoes that are firm, with smooth skin free from dark spots or blemishes. Smaller to medium-sized sweet potatoes are often sweeter than larger ones, so keep that in mind while selecting. How should I store leftover Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to maintain the best flavor and texture, reheat them gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Can I freeze Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes? Very! To freeze, ensure the sweet potatoes are completely cool. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and re-bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes. What should I do if my sweet potatoes are too watery or mushy after baking? If you find that your sweet potato filling is too watery, try draining any extra liquid before mixing in the other ingredients. You can also add a little more mashed sweet potato or some breadcrumbs to absorb moisture. This will help achieve a creamier, more textured filling. Are there any dietary considerations for pets or allergies with this recipe? Certainly! While sweet potatoes are generally safe for pets in small amounts, it’s essential to avoid any added ingredients like butter or sugar. For allergies, make sure to substitute pecans with seeds or simply omit them entirely for nut-free diets. Always check with a medical professional if you have concerns about specific food allergies. Can I make these sweet potatoes vegan? Yes, you can! Substitute the butter with coconut oil and the milk with any plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk. The flavors will still sing, and everyone at your gathering will enjoy this delicious vegetarian-friendly dish! Enjoy these Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes knowing they are not just a recipe, but a warm embrace on chilly evenings and a delightful centerpiece on your festive table. Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes for Cozy Feasts This Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe combines sweet potatoes, cranberries, and apples for a festive and satisfying side dish. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Sweet Potatoes3 medium Sweet Potatoes1/4 cup Brown Sugar Enhances natural sweetness2 tablespoons Butter Can be replaced with coconut oil for vegan option1/4 cup Milk Replace with non-dairy milk for vegan option1/2 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetnessFor the Fruit Compote1 cup Cranberries Fresh or canned1 medium Apple Finely chopped, Granny Smith preferred1/4 cup Brown Sugar1/2 cup Water1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg1 teaspoon Vanilla ExtractFor the Topping1/4 cup Pecans Can substitute with walnuts or omitHoney/Maple Syrup Optional for drizzling Equipment OvenSaucepanMixing BowlBaking SheetForkSpoon Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash sweet potatoes and pierce them with a fork. Place on a foil-lined baking sheet.Bake the sweet potatoes for 45-60 minutes until tender and easily pierced. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.Prepare the fruit compote by combining cranberries, chopped apple, brown sugar, and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Slice each sweet potato in half and scoop out the flesh into a bowl, leaving a layer inside the skin.Mash the sweet potato flesh with brown sugar, melted butter, milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until smooth.Fold in the cranberry compote and chopped pecans into the sweet potato mixture, then fill each sweet potato skin with the mixture.Bake the filled sweet potatoes at 350°F (175°C) for an additional 20-25 minutes until golden brown on top.Remove from oven, cool slightly, and drizzle with honey or maple syrup before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sweet potatoCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 10000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesPiercing sweet potatoes prevents bursting during baking. Use fresh ingredients for best flavor. Watch baking time closely to prevent mushy filling. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
