When you want a dessert that feels both cozy and a little unexpected, this Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe is a total winner. It’s perfect for fall evenings or whenever you crave something sweet and savory combined in one beautiful bite. I love how the apples turn tender and toasty, while the salty feta and tart cranberries make every mouthful pop with flavor. You’ll notice it’s surprisingly simple, yet elegant enough to share with guests or enjoy as a special solo treat.
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Why You’ll Love This Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe
This recipe nails the balance of creamy, tangy feta with the natural sweetness of baked apples and the vibrant pop of tart cranberries. It’s an inviting dessert that doesn’t feel heavy or overly sweet. You get that warm cinnamon aroma filling your kitchen right as it’s baking, plus it comes together quickly with pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
- Texture you want: Tender, juicy apples with a creamy, crumbly filling.
- Flavor that pops: Sweet honey meets tangy feta and tart cranberries for a flavor trio you won’t forget.
- Everyday ingredients: Uses simple, accessible items — no fancy shopping needed.
- Works for any night: Easy weeknight dessert or a charming weekend treat.
Ingredient Spotlight
Key to this Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe is using apples that hold their shape but get tender when cooked. The balance of feta and cranberries in the filling creates the signature sweet-savory flavor combo. Don’t be shy about swapping similar fruits or cheeses if that’s what you have.
- Apples: I prefer Honeycrisp or Gala for their balance of sweetness and firmness.
- Feta cheese: Choose a creamy, good-quality feta for the best melt and tang.
- Dried cranberries: Tartness here is key; fresh berries can work if dried aren’t available.
Seasonality & Sourcing
Apples shine in fall and early winter, so that’s your prime season to make this Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe. Look for firm, unbruised apples at farmers markets or grocery stores. Quality feta is best sourced from specialty or well-stocked supermarkets—avoid overly dry or crumbly brands. Dried cranberries are easy to keep on hand year-round, making this dish a go-to whenever you need a quick, comforting dessert.
Step-by-Step: How to Make It
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and catches any delicious drips. When coring the apples, leave about half an inch at the bottom so the filling stays put—don’t go all the way through! I’ve made that mistake before, and the filling just oozed right out during baking, which is a bit of a mess and less tasty.
Step 2 — Cook & Build Flavor
Mix the feta, cranberries, cinnamon, and vanilla in a small bowl until evenly combined. Stuff each apple gently but firmly with this mixture. Drizzle honey over and top with a small pat of butter. Cover the dish with foil to keep the apples moist and bake for 25-30 minutes until they’re just tender. Uncover and continue baking 5-10 more minutes so the tops brown nicely. You want a golden finish without drying them out—if you notice the apples still feel too firm, pop the foil back on and bake a few more minutes.
Step 3 — Finish & Rest
Once the apples are baked, let them rest a few minutes to let the sweet, savory flavors meld and for them to cool slightly so you don’t burn your tongue. If you add fresh mint as a garnish, the cool brightness contrasts beautifully with the warm filling. Resting also keeps the apple texture intact—hot apples right from the oven can sometimes feel mushy.
Troubleshooting Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe
If the apples come out too dry, check your oven temperature – it might be running hot. A quick fix is to add a splash of water or apple juice to the baking dish before covering with foil. If the filling tastes bland, boost the honey or vanilla slightly next time, or add a pinch more cinnamon for warmth. Overly soggy apples mean they baked too long or began releasing too much juice; try a shorter bake time or a firmer apple variety.
Pro Tips
From my time making this recipe, controlling heat and timing really helps the filling shine without turning the apples mushy. Don’t rush the resting step either—it really lets everything come together perfectly.
- Heat control: Use a reliable oven thermometer to avoid overheating, which can dry out apples.
- Timing window: Bake covered first to keep moisture, then uncover just at the end for that golden finish.
- Make-ahead move: Prepare apples stuffed and chilled a few hours in advance, then bake just before serving.
- Avoid this pitfall: Don’t core too deeply, or the filling will leak and the texture suffers.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to mix it up? Swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta if you prefer a milder tang. You can try dried cherries or raisins instead of cranberries for a different berry twist. For a vegan take, skip the butter and use coconut oil, and substitute a plant-based cheese. Cinnamon is classic, but a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom can bring an unexpected warmth that’s delightful.
Great Debates
There’s always chatter about whether to add butter or just rely on honey’s sweetness here. I find a touch of butter on top creates that luscious mouthfeel and helps the tops brown gorgeously, but if you want to keep it lighter, honey alone works too. Some folks debate stuffing the apples more loosely or packing them tight—looser filling means a lighter bite, but tighter means every forkful is loaded with flavor. I like a gentle press myself for the perfect balance.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing
You can prepare the apples stuffed with the filling a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. Bake fresh when you’re ready to serve. Leftover baked apples keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. For freezing, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently in an oven or microwave—avoid the microwave too long or the apples might get soggy.
Yield & Conversions
This recipe serves 4 as a dessert. To double, just increase all ingredients twofold and use a larger baking dish. Halving is just as easy. For metric converts: 4 medium apples (~800g), 120g feta, 40g dried cranberries, 30ml honey, 15g butter, 5ml vanilla extract, and 2 grams cinnamon.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This dessert shines on its own, but I enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. A drizzle of extra honey or a sprinkle of toasted nuts adds nice texture. Pair it with a cup of spicy chai or a bold black coffee to complement the warm cinnamon and tangy feta notes.
FAQs
Yes, but firmer apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Pink Lady hold their shape better during baking and offer the best texture and flavor balance.
Feta gives a nice tang and creaminess, but you can substitute goat cheese or ricotta if you prefer a milder flavor.
Be sure not to core the apples all the way through; leaving about half an inch at the base keeps the filling contained.
Absolutely! Stuff the apples ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving to preserve the fresh-baked texture.
Notes, Tools & Special Equipment
A medium-sized baking dish with a cover or foil works best here to keep moisture in. A small melon baller or apple corer is ideal for hollowing the apples without breaking the bottom. An oven thermometer ensures your baking temperature stays steady. No need for mixers—just simple bowls and spoons for combining the filling ingredients make this an easy recipe to tackle.
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Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe
Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries combine the natural sweetness of apples with a savory feta filling, enhanced by the tartness of cranberries and warm cinnamon. This easy-to-make dessert offers a delightful balance of flavors, perfect for a cozy treat or elegant dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Apples and Filling
- 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Core the apples: Carefully core each apple, leaving about ½ inch intact at the bottom to hold the filling securely inside.
- Mix the filling: In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is evenly combined.
- Stuff the apples: Place the cored apples upright in the prepared baking dish and fill each apple cavity with the feta and cranberry mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling.
- Add honey and butter: Drizzle honey evenly over the top of each stuffed apple. Then place a small pat of unsalted butter on top of each apple for richness.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the oven for 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Brown and finish: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the tops of the apples are golden and slightly caramelized.
- Garnish and serve: Let the baked apples cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh mint if desired for a burst of freshness, then serve warm to enjoy the perfect sweet and savory flavors.
Notes
- Choose firm, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Gala to maintain shape and provide natural sweetness.
- For a vegan alternative, substitute feta with a vegan cheese and use a plant-based butter option.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey according to taste preference.
- Make ahead and refrigerate the stuffed apples, then bake just before serving to save time.
- Fresh mint garnish adds color and a refreshing flavor contrast but can be omitted.
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