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Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 23 reviews
  • 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

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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)

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.

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.