Rustic Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe

Autumn’s crisp charm meets unexpected flavor when making baked apples with feta, honey, and cranberries.

Sweet meets savory in this delightful twist on classic desserts.

Creamy cheese and tart berries dance alongside warm, caramelized fruit.

Nordic traditions inspire this elegant dish that surprises with each bite.

Comfort arrives in a simple yet sophisticated package, promising warmth and excitement.

Seasonal ingredients come together to create something magical on your plate.

Baked Apples with Feta and Cranberries Ingredients

• Apples: Crisp and slightly sweet base for the baked dish.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy and creamy filling component.

• Cranberries, Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract: Adds sweet-tart and warm spice notes.
• Honey: Natural sweetener to complement the apples.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps with browning.

• Fresh Mint: Optional herb for a bright finishing touch.

Roasting Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 375°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Hollow Out the Apples

Take your apples and carefully remove the core, leaving a sturdy bottom so the filling won’t leak out. Think of it like creating a cozy little pocket inside each apple.

Step 3: Create the Delicious Filling

• Crumbled feta cheese
• Dried cranberries
• Ground cinnamon
• Vanilla extract

Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and look wonderfully tempting.

Step 4: Load Up the Apples

Arrange the hollowed apples in your prepared baking dish. Gently stuff each apple with the feta-cranberry mixture, pressing down softly to ensure a snug fit.

Step 5: Add Moisture and Sweetness

Drizzle golden honey over each stuffed apple. Place a small dollop of butter on top to help create a gorgeous golden finish.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The apples should become tender and soft.

Step 7: Achieve Golden Perfection

Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tops turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the apples cool for a few minutes. If you want an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle some chopped mint leaves on top. Serve while still warm and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Baked Apple Tips That Blend Honey, Feta, and Cranberries

• Choose Ripe Apples: Select firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweet honey.
• Prevent Browning: Brush cored apples with lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain their fresh appearance before stuffing.
• Adjust Filling Variations: Swap feta for goat cheese or add chopped nuts like pecans for extra crunch and protein in the filling.
• Control Sweetness Level: Reduce honey amount for a less sweet dessert or use maple syrup as an alternative natural sweetener.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace feta with dairy-free cheese alternatives or use toasted breadcrumbs mixed with herbs for a similar texture and flavor profile.

Store Baked Apples and Reheat Them Gently

• Store baked apples in a sealed container for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and preventing flavor loss.
• Wrap each apple tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, storing for up to 2 months without losing texture.
• Warm individual apples on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds, ensuring even heating and maintaining original taste.
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve delicious moisture.

Baked Apples with Feta Pairing Guide

• Pair with Sparkling Wine: Choose a crisp, slightly sweet prosecco or champagne to complement the honey and feta's richness, cutting through the dessert's sweetness with refreshing bubbles.
• Enhance with Nutty Side: Serve alongside toasted almonds or walnuts to add a crunchy texture that balances the soft baked apples and provides a complementary earthy flavor profile.
• Match with Creamy Accompaniment: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or Greek yogurt to create a cool, smooth contrast against the warm, spiced apple and create a luxurious dessert experience.
• Create Herbal Tea Pairing: Brew a light chamomile or mint tea to echo the dish's subtle herbal notes and provide a soothing, warm beverage that enhances the apples' delicate flavors.

Baked Apple with Feta Sweet Takes

• Vegan Apple Delight: Replace feta with dairy-free almond cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Apple Feast: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and swap vanilla extract for pure vanilla bean paste.
• Low-Sugar Apple Treat: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of honey and reduce cranberry quantity for a diabetic-friendly option.
• Nutty Apple Variation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra crunch and protein boost, creating a more textured dessert.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

• Are there any alternatives for cranberries?

Dried cherries or chopped dried apricots work well as a replacement for cranberries in this recipe.

• How do I choose the right apples for baking?

Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn that hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweet honey.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The recipe can be easily adapted for vegetarians. For gluten-free diets, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Baked Apples That Stuff in Feta, Honey, and Cranberry Sweetness

• Quick and Easy Prep: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Flavor Combination: Unexpected pairing of sweet honey, tangy feta, and tart cranberries creates a unique taste experience that surprises and delights the palate.
• Healthier Dessert Option: Baked apples offer a nutritious alternative to traditional heavy desserts, packed with fruit and manageable portions that satisfy sweet cravings without guilt.
• Elegant Yet Approachable: This dish looks impressive enough for dinner parties but remains simple enough for everyday enjoyment, bridging the gap between gourmet and home cooking.

Baked Apples With Feta, Honey, And Cranberries Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Warm baked apples with feta, honey, and cranberries combine sweet and savory flavors in a delightful autumn-inspired dish. Rustic charm meets elegant simplicity, ensuring you savor each balanced, comforting bite of this Mediterranean-style dessert.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Gala)
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

Sweeteners and Flavorings:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by warming the oven to 375°F (190°C) and coating a baking vessel with a light protective layer.
2. Transform whole apples into delectable vessels by carefully extracting their cores, maintaining a sturdy base to cradle the forthcoming filling.
3. Craft a harmonious mixture by blending crumbled feta, vibrant cranberries, aromatic cinnamon, and smooth vanilla extract until ingredients intertwine seamlessly.
4. Nestle the hollowed apples within the prepared baking dish, gently filling each cavity with the tantalizing feta medley, ensuring a snug and even distribution.
5. Enhance the flavor profile by generously drizzling golden honey across the apple surfaces and crowning each with a delicate butter medallion.
6. Envelop the baking dish in aluminum armor, allowing the apples to steam and soften in the oven’s gentle embrace for approximately 25-30 minutes.
7. Unveil the apples by removing the foil shield, returning them to the oven to achieve a gloriously caramelized and golden exterior during a brief 5-10 minute transformation.
8. Allow the baked apples a momentary respite to cool slightly, optionally adorning with fresh mint leaves for a vibrant finishing touch before presenting these aromatic treasures to eager diners.

Notes

• Choose crisp, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best texture and shape retention during baking.
• Soften feta slightly at room temperature before mixing to create smoother, more evenly distributed filling.
• Adjust sweetness by using different honey varieties like lavender or wildflower for unique flavor profiles.
• For gluten-free or vegan options, replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free feta alternatives.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 203
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 174 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 16 mg