There’s something magical about the aroma of roasted sweet potatoes filling the kitchen while cranberries pop in a caramelized apple glaze. This dish is more than a side it’s a showstopper that brings warmth, nostalgia, and that perfect sweet-tart balance to your holiday table.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!In this article, we’ll explore how to make Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes that feel festive yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. You’ll learn how to roast the potatoes, make the fruit filling, and turn them into a crowd-pleasing side that’s naturally sweet, creamy, and just indulgent enough to impress everyone at your Thanksgiving feast.
Table of Contents
The Story & Inspiration Behind the Dish
A Holiday Memory in Every Bite
Hi there! I’m Clara, the heart and soul behind RecipeByClara.com. One of my favorite holiday memories is helping my mom scoop out roasted sweet potatoes, mix in brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon, then refill them like tiny orange boats of joy. Years later, I decided to give that family classic a fresh twist adding tangy cranberries and caramelized apples for a pop of flavor and color.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes combine textures and flavors beautifully. The fluffy, buttery potato contrasts with juicy baked fruit and crunchy pecans. This side dish not only looks stunning but also tastes like fall in a bite sweet, tart, and toasty. And since each potato half serves as its own portion, cleanup is a breeze!
For another cozy comfort food dish, try my Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup.
Ingredients & Preparation Tips
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | 4 medium | The base for the dish |
| Apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji) | 2 | Adds sweetness and texture |
| Fresh or Dried Cranberries | ½ cup | Brings tangy flavor |
| Butter | 2 tbsp | For richness |
| Brown Sugar | 2 tbsp | Enhances caramelization |
| Cinnamon & Nutmeg | ½ tsp each | Warm spice aroma |
| Chopped Pecans | ¼ cup | Optional topping |
Baking and Scooping Made Easy
Start by baking the sweet potatoes at 400°F until tender (about 45 minutes). Once cool enough to handle, cut them in half and carefully scoop out the flesh. Mash it with butter, sugar, and spices. For a lighter version, swap butter for coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of sugar perfect if you’re leaning toward a healthy twice-baked sweet potato.
Assembling and Baking to Perfection
Bringing It All Together
Sauté apples in a skillet with butter and brown sugar until golden. Add cranberries and cook for a few minutes until they burst slightly. Fold this mixture into the mashed sweet potatoes, then spoon the filling back into the skins.
Bake and Serve
Bake again for 15–20 minutes, until the tops start to brown slightly. Sprinkle with pecans for crunch and serve warm. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or a cozy fall dinner, these Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes will steal the spotlight.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and fill the sweet potatoes up to 2 days ahead. Just refrigerate and bake them right before serving.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Fresh ones work best for texture, but canned sweet potatoes can be used in a pinch just drain them well.
Are these Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes vegan-friendly?
Absolutely! Use coconut oil instead of butter and maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a completely vegan dish.
What can I serve with this recipe?
They pair beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple lentil loaf for vegetarians.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes are proof that holiday sides can be comforting, colorful, and packed with flavor. Each bite brings together the cozy sweetness of roasted potatoes and the festive tang of cranberries and apples. It’s a recipe that looks elegant on your table but feels homemade in every way.
Craving even more magical meals? Browse Clara’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.
Print
Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes bring cozy holiday flavors together creamy roasted sweet potatoes filled with caramelized apples, tangy cranberries, warm spices, and a touch of brown sugar. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 apples (Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced
- 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp butter (or coconut oil)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Bake sweet potatoes for about 45 minutes or until tender.
- Allow to cool slightly, then cut in half and scoop out the flesh.
- In a bowl, mash the sweet potato flesh with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a skillet, sauté diced apples with butter and brown sugar until golden and caramelized.
- Add cranberries and cook for a few minutes until they begin to burst.
- Fold the apple-cranberry mixture into the mashed sweet potatoes.
- Spoon the filling back into the potato skins.
- Bake again for 15–20 minutes until slightly browned on top.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans before serving.
Notes
Make ahead tip: Prepare and fill the sweet potatoes up to 2 days in advance, then bake just before serving. To make vegan, use coconut oil and maple syrup instead of butter and brown sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American