Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe
If you’re craving a dessert that feels both cozy and sophisticated, look no further than Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries. This delightful treat combines the natural sweetness and warmth of baked apples with the tangy creaminess of feta, the jewel-like burst of dried cranberries, and the luscious drizzle of honey. Each bite offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a stunning yet simple dish to prepare anytime you want to impress or simply indulge yourself in something special and wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering straightforward, accessible ingredients is the secret to making these baked apples truly shine. Each one adds a unique layer of flavor and texture, turning humble apples into a memorable treat.
- 4 medium-sized apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): Firm apples with a good balance of sweetness and tartness are ideal to hold their shape during baking.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds a tangy, creamy contrast to the sweetness of the fruit and honey.
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries: These provide bursts of tart fruitiness and a chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup honey: The golden drizzle that complements the apples and cheese with natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty richness if you want extra texture.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Warms up the flavor profile and pairs beautifully with apples.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Used to grease the baking dish, ensuring those apples cook up smoothly without sticking.
How to Make Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready the moment your apples are stuffed and waiting. This temperature is perfect for baking the apples evenly without turning them mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Wash and dry your apples to ensure they’re clean and ready. Using a paring knife, carefully core each apple, making sure to leave the bottom intact so the filling stays put during baking. This step is crucial for keeping a nice shape and a neat presentation.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine the crumbly feta cheese, dried cranberries, optional walnuts, honey, and cinnamon. Stir well until the honey has coated everything evenly, bringing the ingredients together into a harmonious filling that’s both sweet and tangy.
Step 4: Stuff the Apples
Spoon your prepared mixture generously into each cored apple. Fill them right up to the brim to ensure every bite is bursting with that delightful blend of flavors.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Grease the bottom of your baking dish with butter to prevent sticking and place the stuffed apples upright in the dish. Pour a small amount of water into the bottom of the dish to keep the apples moist and juicy while they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for tender apples that are soft but still hold their shape nicely — not mushy. This time frame brings out the natural juices and melds the flavors beautifully.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once baked, remove the apples from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This brief rest helps the filling set slightly and makes them easier to enjoy.
How to Serve Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries
Garnishes
Top your warm baked apples with a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts for crunch or a light dusting of cinnamon for added aroma. A small drizzle of honey just before serving adds that final touch of sweetness and shine.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt to complement the tangy feta. For a savory twist, serve alongside roasted chicken or pork for a balanced meal where sweet and savory notes play off each other.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, place each baked apple in a small decorative bowl or nestle it on a bed of fresh greens. You can also serve them as individual portions on dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkling of toasted coconut to add unexpected flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep nicely for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this delicious dish even after busy days.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each baked apple tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the baked apples gently in a microwave or in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the apples tender and prevent the feta from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta adds a lovely tangy creaminess, goat cheese or ricotta can also work well if you want a milder flavor.
Are there alternatives if I don’t have dried cranberries?
Yes, dried cherries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots can be excellent substitutes that maintain the sweet-tart balance.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
You can make a vegan version by swapping the feta for a plant-based cheese alternative and using maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
What is the best apple variety to use?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold up best during baking and offer a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors ideal for this recipe.
Can I prepare the apples ahead of time before baking?
Yes, you can stuff the apples a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just bring them to room temperature before placing in the oven for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries a try because it’s one of those rare desserts that feels comforting yet sophisticated without much effort. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something uniquely delicious. Once you’ve tasted that magical blend of sweet, tangy, and warm spices wrapped inside tender baked apples, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. Enjoy!
Print
Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries combine the natural sweetness of baked apples with the tangy creaminess of feta cheese, the tartness of dried cranberries, and the warmth of cinnamon. Perfect as a comforting and elegant dessert or a unique side dish, this recipe is easy to prepare and offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4 medium-sized apples (Such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Filling
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Others
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- 2 tablespoons water (for baking moisture)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the apples evenly.
- Prepare Apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Carefully core each apple using a paring knife, making sure to leave the bottom intact to hold the filling securely.
- Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts (if using), honey, and cinnamon. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed and coated.
- Stuff Apples: Spoon the prepared filling mixture into the cored apples, filling them generously and packing gently to maximize the filling.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease the bottom of the baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. Arrange the stuffed apples upright in the dish.
- Add Moisture: Pour about 2 tablespoons of water into the bottom of the baking dish to keep the apples moist while baking and prevent drying out.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape and are not mushy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the apples cool slightly before serving to allow flavors to settle and prevent burns.
Notes
- You can use different varieties of apples depending on your flavor preference, but firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best to hold the filling.
- Walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch and extra flavor; pecans or almonds can be substituted.
- Adjust honey quantity to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet filling.
- Serve warm as a dessert or a unique side dish to savory meals.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed baked apple
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: baked apples, feta cheese, honey, dried cranberries, cinnamon dessert, healthy dessert, autumn recipes, vegetarian dessert
