Name: Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced into 1-in cubes; 1/2 cup dried cranberries; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3 tablespoons coconut sugar (or brown sugar); 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 12 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, sweet, and slightly tangy side dish that feels like a warm hug, you’ve got to try this Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want something both simple and impressive, perfect for chilly evenings or holiday dinners. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain baked sweet potatoes!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Flavor: The tartness from cranberries perfectly cuts through the natural sweetness of the potatoes and apples.
Textural Delight: The softness of baked sweet potatoes blends beautifully with the slight chew of cranberries and crunch from pecans.
Easy Yet Elegant: This recipe shines for holiday tables or weeknight dinners with minimal fuss and big flavor.
Comfort Food Upgrade: Twisting the classic twice-baked approach adds depth and seasonal charm.

Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes, baked sweet potato side dish, holiday sweet potato recipes, tangy cranberry sweet potatoes, easy autumn vegetable side - Two baked sweet potatoes sit on a white plate with a slightly cracked texture. Each sweet potato is opened and filled with a colorful mix of diced golden apples, deep red cranberries, and slivered almonds. The filling looks moist and slightly shiny, with some of the mixture spilling around the plate. The sweet potatoes have a soft, wrinkled orange skin with dark spots, showing a cooked texture. The background shows a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe uses humble ingredients that complement each other like old friends. Sweet potatoes form a creamy, comforting base, while tart cranberries and fragrant spices bring brightness and warmth. Plus, the crunchy pecans add the perfect finishing touch.

Sweet potatoes: I prefer medium-sized ones for even roasting and easy handling.
Butter: It adds richness and helps mellow the tang from the cranberries.
Apples: Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape nicely when sautéed.
Dried cranberries: They give just the right chew and tart pop that balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warm spices that evoke fall and holiday vibes.
Coconut sugar (or brown sugar): Adds gentle sweetness without overpowering the natural flavors.
Chopped pecans: For texture and a subtle nuttiness that rounds out the dish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe is how easy it is to adapt. I often swap nuts or adjust spices based on what I have on hand or who I’m cooking for.

Variation: Sometimes I like to add a splash of maple syrup to the apple and cranberry sauté for extra depth—it’s amazing, especially in cooler months.
Nut-Free: If you’re nut-sensitive, simply leave out the pecans or substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Spicier Kick: Adding a pinch of ground ginger or a drizzle of hot honey balances sweetness with a subtle zing, which some family members adore.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Roast Your Sweet Potatoes to Perfection

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F. Give those sweet potatoes a good scrub, then dry them well to avoid steaming. Pierce the skins all over with a fork so steam can escape (this helps avoid bursting!). I like to place them straight on a baking tray or in a dish. Roast for about 40-45 minutes until they’re really tender—stick a skewer in to check. The softness here sets the stage for that creamy filling we’re after.

Step 2: Sauté Apples & Cranberries with Warm Spices

While those potatoes are roasting, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter is bubbly and fragrant, toss in your diced apples, dried cranberries, cinnamon, nutmeg, and coconut sugar. Stir occasionally and cook until the apples soften but don’t mush—about 5-7 minutes. Just before finishing, toss in the chopped pecans and cook for another minute to toast them lightly. This mixture is what truly transforms your sweet potatoes!

Step 3: Fluff, Fill & Bake Again

Once sweet potatoes are out of the oven and cool enough to handle, slice them open lengthwise and fluff the insides with a fork—this helps the filling nestle in well. Spoon the warm apple-cranberry mixture generously over each half. Pop them back into the 425°F oven for another 10 minutes, just until the topping bubbles and everything melds together. Now you’re ready to serve your masterpiece warm and watch people enjoy every bite.

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Choose Sweet Potatoes Evenly Sized: This ensures uniform roasting so one isn’t undercooked while the other gets mushy.
Dry Sweet Potatoes Before Roasting: Avoids steaming and helps create that fluffy texture inside.
Don’t Overcook the Apples: You want them tender but with a bit of bite, not mushy.
Use Fresh Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg lose potency fast, so fresh spices really pump up the flavor.

How to Serve Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes

I often finish these sweet potatoes with a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans on top for that fresh crunch. Sometimes a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds an amazing creamy tang, especially if you want a little contrast. Fresh thyme or rosemary also works wonders to add an herby aroma that complements the warm spices.

Side Dishes

Since these are rich and flavorful, I usually pair them with light, fresh sides. A crisp green salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even some simple steamed green beans are perfect. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken breast or pork chops make a lovely protein match.

Creative Ways to Present

I love serving this recipe in individual sweet potato “boats” for holidays—it looks festive and feels special. You could even scoop the filling into mini sweet potato halves as appetizers or pack them in pretty ramekins for a cozy dinner party vibe. The colors alone—deep orange, ruby red, and golden apples—make a striking presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover twice-baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the texture intact, separate the sweet potato flesh from the topping if you can, then reassemble before reheating. This keeps everything tasting fresh and not soggy.

Freezing

Freezing works well if you wrap each twice-baked potato tightly in foil and then place it in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat in the oven for best results. Avoid microwaving when frozen to preserve texture.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers in a 350°F oven wrapped in foil for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This gentle heat refreshes the texture and melds the flavors like they were just made. I usually add a few pecans on top before reheating to regain some crunch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in the Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh cranberries will give a tarter, juicier burst compared to dried ones. If using fresh, I recommend adding a bit more sugar to balance their tartness and cooking them slightly longer to soften.
What type of apples work best in this recipe?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape well when sautéed and provide a nice balance of tart and sweet that complements the sweet potatoes and cranberries.
Can I make Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the butter for a vegan butter or a good-quality coconut oil. The coconut sugar can remain the same, and all other ingredients are plant-based.
How long do these twice-baked sweet potatoes keep in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh for about 3 days. Beyond that, they may start to lose their texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Apple Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen — it’s like a comfort food upgrade with a burst of fall flavor that never fails to impress. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family dinner or a festive occasion, I promise it’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Give it a try and I bet it becomes one of your new favorites, too!