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
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the apples from sticking during baking.
- Core the apples: Carefully core each apple, making sure to leave about ½ inch intact at the bottom to hold the filling securely.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
