Cozy, fruity, naturally sweet comfort
This Cranberry Apple Baked Sweet Potato is the perfect cozy side dish when you want something warm, wholesome, and bursting with natural sweetness. It blends tender roasted sweet potatoes with juicy apples and tart cranberries, creating a beautiful balance of flavors that feels festive yet comforting any time of year. Whether you’re planning a holiday spread or just need an easy weeknight side, this dish comes together effortlessly and adds a pop of color to any table. With simple prep and just a handful of ingredients, it’s a great go-to for busy cooks who want something delicious without extra fuss. A must-try if you love sweet-savory, fruit-forward sides!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients List
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 medium apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji)
- ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: chopped pecans or walnuts for topping
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon for mixing
- Fork for fluffing potatoes
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Wash sweet potatoes, pat dry, and poke each one 4–5 times with a fork to vent steam.
- Bake sweet potatoes for 40–45 minutes, until soft when gently squeezed.
- While they bake, dice the apple into small cubes and place in a bowl. Add cranberries, melted butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir until coated 🍎✨
- When potatoes are done, let them cool slightly, then slice each open and gently fluff the inside with a fork.
- Spoon the cranberry-apple mixture into each sweet potato. The heat will soften the fruit—if you prefer it warmer, microwave the mixture for 30 seconds before filling.
- Top with nuts if desired and serve warm 😌
💡 Pro Tips
- Make-ahead option: Bake sweet potatoes up to 2 days in advance and reheat before filling.
- Fruit swap: Pears or dried cranberries work great if fresh cranberries aren’t available.
- Add protein: Serve alongside roasted chicken or turkey for a complete meal.
- Boost sweetness: Add an extra drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar before serving.