Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors, the Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe is your new best friend. This delightful dish combines tender baked apples infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla, paired with the tangy creaminess of feta cheese and the chewy pop of dried cranberries, all drizzled with golden honey. It’s an inviting combination that feels both comforting and sophisticated, making it a wonderful treat for any occasion.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create complex flavors. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy apples providing a tender base to the feta offering a creamy tang, enriched by the sweet bursts of cranberries and the aromatic warmth of cinnamon and vanilla.

• 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala): Choose firm apples that hold their shape well during baking for the best texture.
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: The salty tang of feta balances the sweetness of the apples and honey perfectly.
• ¼ cup dried cranberries: These add a chewy texture and a fruity tartness that brightens the dish.
• 2 tablespoons honey: Use raw or mild-flavored honey to complement without overpowering the other ingredients.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided: Butter adds richness and helps caramelize the tops of the apples.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Cinnamon brings warm, cozy spice notes that savor the autumnal feel.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the natural sweetness and adds depth to the filling.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional, for garnish): Fresh mint adds a bright, herbaceous finish that livens up the presentation.

How to Make Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution for perfectly tender apples.

Step 2: Core the Apples

Carefully core each apple, leaving about half an inch at the bottom intact. This creates a perfect little bowl to hold the delicious filling without spilling.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta, dried cranberries, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is evenly mixed—the filling will be fragrant and ready to add a surprising burst of flavor inside the apples.

Step 4: Stuff the Apples

Place the cored apples upright in your baking dish, then stuff each cavity with the feta-berry mixture. Press gently to pack the filling securely so each bite has that perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Step 5: Add Honey and Butter

Drizzle two tablespoons of honey evenly over the apples, allowing the sticky sweetness to seep into every crevice. Then, place a small pat of unsalted butter on top of each apple to help create a beautifully caramelized finish during baking.

Step 6: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the apples for 25 to 30 minutes, until they are tender when pierced with a fork. This step allows the flavors to meld and the apples to absorb the warm spices and sweet notes.

Step 7: Brown and Finish

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 to 10 minutes so the tops brown slightly for a golden, inviting look that promises deliciousness with every bite.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the apples cool for a few minutes so they’re warm but not too hot to enjoy. Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh mint on top for a refreshing herbaceous touch that brightens this cozy dessert.

How to Serve Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh mint adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast that complements the sweet and savory notes beautifully. You might also consider a light dusting of cinnamon or a few extra dried cranberries for texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

These baked apples shine as a standalone dessert or alongside creamy Greek yogurt or a dollop of vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess alongside the warm, spiced apples creates an irresistible sensory experience. For an elegant brunch, serve with toasted nuts or crusty bread to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these apples in individual ramekins, or place them on a rustic wooden board arranged with fresh herbs and honey drizzles for a stunning centerpiece. Wrapping each apple with a cinnamon stick tied with twine also adds a charming, festive touch that’s perfect for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover baked apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the apples have cooled completely before covering to maintain their texture and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

The apples can be frozen, but the texture will change slightly after thawing. To freeze, wrap each cooled apple individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat baked apples gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the texture too soft or mushy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! While feta provides a nice balance of tangy and creamy, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor. Just keep in mind that the salty tang feta brings is quite unique and pairs wonderfully with the cranberries and honey.

What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. These varieties hold their shape well when baked and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the filling.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

The traditional recipe includes feta and butter, but you can adapt it for a vegan diet by using plant-based cheese alternatives and vegan butter or coconut oil. The honey can be substituted with maple syrup to keep it fully vegan.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the apples with the filling and keep them covered in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. However, best results come from baking just before serving to enjoy the fresh texture and warm aroma.

What’s the secret to perfectly baked apples?

The key is not overbaking so they remain tender yet still hold their shape, and covering them with foil during most of the baking process to lock in moisture. Also, using the right type of apple and adding butter and honey helps with caramelization and flavor depth.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend the Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe enough for anyone looking to impress with something a little different but completely irresistible. It’s simple to make, absolutely delicious, and a beautiful way to showcase the harmony of sweet and savory flavors that few other desserts offer. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!

Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors. Tender baked apples are filled with a spiced mixture of creamy feta cheese, tart dried cranberries, and a hint of vanilla, then drizzled with honey and topped with butter for a luscious finish. This elegant dessert combines comforting warmth with a refreshing twist, perfect for a cozy treat or special occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apples

• 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)

Filling

• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the apples from sticking during baking.
2. Core the apples: Carefully core each apple, making sure to leave about ½ inch intact at the bottom to hold the filling securely.
3. Mix the filling: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
4. Stuff the apples: Place the cored apples into the prepared baking dish. Gently stuff each apple with the feta mixture, pressing it down to fill fully.
5. Add honey and butter: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of honey evenly over the stuffed apples. Then, place a small pat of the unsalted butter on top of each apple.
6. Bake covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the apples become tender but still hold their shape.
7. Brown and finish: Remove the foil and continue baking the apples for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the tops to become golden and slightly caramelized.
8. Garnish and serve: Let the baked apples cool slightly. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh mint for a fresh touch. Serve warm for the best flavor experience.

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Notes

• Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Gala to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
• For a vegan version, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
• Dried cranberries can be swapped with raisins or chopped dried apricots for variation.
• Adjust honey quantity based on preferred sweetness level.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for an extra indulgent dessert.