Nothing brings that rustic charm to your dinner table quite like baked apples with feta, honey, and cranberries. This delightful dessert is a symphony of flavors, where the tender, oven-roasted apple serves as a warm vessel for a tangy feta filling that’s balanced by the natural sweetness of honey and the chewy burst of dried cranberries. With just a 15-minute prep, 35 minutes in the oven, and a brief 10-minute rest time, these stuffed apples are surprisingly easy to whip up—even if you’re new to the kitchen. At around 320 calories per serving, they offer a comforting treat that feels indulgent without going overboard, making them a perfect choice for anyone looking to impress guests or simply satisfy personal cravings.
Savor the warm, sweet, and savory blend of flavors in every bite. The apples soften beautifully, while the feta adds a creamy, slightly salty tang that keeps your taste buds on their toes. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon and nutmeg infuses the whole dish with cozy spice notes, evoking memories of holiday baking and crisp autumn afternoons. Drizzling melted butter and lemon-kissed honey over the tops creates a glossy finish that’s as beautiful as it is mouthwatering. Whether you’re serving these at a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, each stuffed apple feels like a heartfelt hug in dessert form.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BAKED APPLES WITH FETA, HONEY, AND CRANBERRIES
Before we roll up our sleeves, let’s take a closer look at the stars of the show. These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts, combining fresh fruit, creamy cheese, sweet honey, and tart cranberries. Each element plays a key role in delivering texture, flavor, and visual appeal.
- Apples
Firm, tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold their shape beautifully when baked, offering a crisp bite that contrasts with the soft filling.
- Feta Cheese
This tangy, crumbly cheese brings a creamy texture and savory edge that balances the natural sweetness of the fruit and honey.
- Dried Cranberries
Chewy and tart, cranberries add pops of bright flavor and a festive color that livens up each apple cup.
- Honey
A natural sweetener that melts into the filling, creating a luscious syrup that seeps into every crevice.
- Ground Cinnamon
A warming spice that infuses the dish with cozy, aromatic notes.
- Ground Nutmeg
Just a touch of nutmeg adds depth and a hint of earthy spice.
- Chopped Walnuts (optional)
Nutty crunch provides contrast to the soft apple and creamy cheese.
- Unsalted Butter
Melted into the honey mixture, butter enriches the dish and helps achieve a golden-brown finish.
- Lemon Juice
A splash of acidity brightens flavors and prevents the apples from browning.
- Fresh Mint Leaves (optional)
A pop of green for garnish, mint adds a refreshing herbal note to the warm dessert.
HOW TO MAKE BAKED APPLES WITH FETA, HONEY, AND CRANBERRIES
Let’s dive into the heart of this recipe. Follow these steps to transform humble apples into an elegant dessert that’s bound to become a favorite.
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the oven is fully heated will help the apples cook evenly and develop a lovely caramelization on the surface.
2. Wash the apples thoroughly and remove the cores, leaving about a half-inch at the bottom so each apple forms a neat cup for the filling. A small paring knife or melon baller works wonders here.
3. In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts if using. Mix well until all elements are evenly distributed. This filling provides tang, sweetness, and crunch in every bite.
4. Arrange the cored apples upright in a baking dish, spacing them evenly so hot air circulates around each one.
5. Spoon the feta and cranberry mixture into the center of each apple, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
6. In another bowl, mix the honey, melted butter, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until the ingredients form a smooth, fragrant syrup.
7. Drizzle the honey mixture over the stuffed apples, allowing it to seep into the filling and trickle down the sides for a caramelized finish.
8. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes. This final step lets the tops brown slightly and the syrup thicken.
10. Allow the apples to cool slightly on a wire rack or countertop. This resting time helps the filling set and makes them safer to handle.
11. Before serving, garnish each apple with fresh mint leaves if desired, adding a burst of color and a hint of refreshing aroma.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BAKED APPLES WITH FETA, HONEY, AND CRANBERRIES
Elevating your presentation can turn these stuffed apples into a showstopper that lives up to their flavor. Think about how you layer textures, colors, and complementary flavors on the plate. Use warm, shallow bowls or dessert plates to cradle each apple and capture any drips of honey syrup. A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of extra honey right before serving can heighten the visual appeal and add a sweet finishing touch. These apples pair beautifully with simple accompaniments that don’t compete but instead enhance the overall experience, offering contrast in temperature, texture, and taste.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream to introduce a cold, creamy element that melts into the warm apple.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, and add a light dusting of powdered sugar to evoke a festive snowfall look.
- Pair each serving with a hot cup of spiced tea or mulled wine to complement the cinnamon and nutmeg notes in the apples, creating a cozy flavor marriage.
- Present on a board of assorted cheeses and fruits for a dessert-and-cheese platter that invites guests to nibble and share, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
HOW TO STORE BAKED APPLES WITH FETA, HONEY, AND CRANBERRIES
Proper storage ensures that these baked apples maintain their delightful texture and flavor even after the first serving. Because the filling contains cheese, refrigeration is key to keep everything fresh. Let the baked apples cool completely at room temperature before packing them, as trapping heat can lead to unappetizing moisture buildup inside your storage container. When done correctly, these apples can be enjoyed later in the week or even brought to a festive potluck without losing their charm.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and keep the filling intact.
- To freeze, first cool the apples completely, then arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flash-freeze for about 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
- When reheating, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm the apples for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Uncover in the last few minutes if you’d like to re-crisp the tops.
- For quick single servings, use a microwave-safe plate and heat each apple for 30–45 seconds, checking to ensure the filling is warm but not overheated.
CONCLUSION
Crafting these baked apples with feta, honey, and cranberries is an invitation to explore the balance of sweet, savory, and tart in a dessert that feels both elegant and approachable. From selecting firm apples to mastering the blend of spices and honey, every step in this beginner-friendly recipe brings a sense of accomplishment and joy. With minimal prep time of just 15 minutes and a total turnaround of under an hour—including baking and resting—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe whenever you want to add a special touch to family meals, holiday feasts, or cozy evenings.
Feel free to print this article and save it in your favorite recipe binder for easy reference, and know that you can also find a FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions you might have. If you give this recipe a try or need help perfecting your stuffed apples, leave a comment with your experiences, ask questions about substitutions or techniques, or share your own twists on this sweet-and-savory classic. Your feedback and stories inspire fellow home cooks to get creative, so don’t hesitate to join the conversation!
Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Description
Imagine biting into a tender, baked apple filled with tangy feta, sweet honey, and chewy cranberries. Each bite is a delicious mix of flavors that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Wash the apples and remove the cores, leaving the bottom intact to form a "cup" for the filling.
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In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts if using. Mix well.
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Arrange the cored apples in a baking dish, ensuring they stand upright.
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Spoon the feta and cranberry mixture evenly into the center of each apple.
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In another small bowl, mix honey, melted butter, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg.
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Drizzle the honey mixture over the stuffed apples, ensuring it seeps into the filling and drizzles down the sides.
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Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
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Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to let the tops brown slightly.
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Allow the apples to cool slightly before serving.
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Before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Note
- Use apples that are firm and tart to complement the sweet and savory filling.
- Feta cheese adds a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the honey and cranberries.
- You can substitute pecans for walnuts if preferred.
- Serve the baked apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
- These baked apples make a great dessert for holiday dinners or festive occasions.
