Name: Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 no. firm apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) (Use firm varieties for best texture); 1 cup Feta Cheese (Creamy, salty ingredient); 1 cup Dried Cranberries (Tartness needed to balance sweetness of honey); 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Can use pumpkin spice for variation); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Enhances sweetness); 1/4 cup Honey (Provides natural sweetness); 1 tablespoon Butter/Cooking Spray (Use for greasing the baking dish); optional Fresh Mint (For garnish)

As I sliced into a perfectly baked apple, the warm aroma of cinnamon and honey enveloped my kitchen, turning an ordinary day into something magical. This enticing transformation begins with my favorite Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries—an exceptionally satisfying dessert that marries savory and sweet. What makes this recipe a standout is its effortless preparation and ability to wow a crowd at any cozy gathering. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of soft, tender apple, creamy feta, and tart cranberries, ensuring that everyone leaves with a smile. Whether you’re looking for a new comfort food staple or an elegant finish to dinner, these baked apples will become a cherished favorite. Are you ready to savor this delightful combination?

Why are Baked Apples So Irresistible?

Easier than You Think: This recipe showcases the beauty of simple ingredients, transforming everyday apples into a gourmet dessert with minimal effort.

Sweet and Savory Harmony: The combination of creamy feta, honey, and tart cranberries creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible and perfect for any occasion.

Comfort Food Classic: Baked apples evoke feelings of nostalgia, making them an ideal dish for family gatherings or cozy nights in, just like my beloved Garlic Herb Country Soup.

Impressive Yet Simple: Serve them warm, perhaps with a scoop of ice cream, and watch as your guests rave about this unexpected delight!

Nutrient Packed: Each serving is not only delicious but also loaded with healthy fats and proteins from the feta, making it a feel-good dessert.

Get ready to fall in love with these Baked Apples, as they effortlessly bring warmth and joy to your table!

Baked Apples with Feta Ingredients

• Discover all the delightful components needed for this tasty treat!

For the Apples

Apples – Use firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and support during baking.

For the Filling

Feta Cheese – This creamy, salty ingredient contrasts beautifully with the sweetness, but feel free to substitute goat cheese or ricotta if desired.
Dried Cranberries – They add a necessary tartness to balance the sweetness of honey; fresh cranberries can work too, albeit with a bit of sweetness adjustment.
Ground Cinnamon – A dash of this spice warms up the filling’s flavor, and for a twist, consider using pumpkin spice for a seasonal variation.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances sweetness and depth; almond extract can be an intriguing alternative as well.

For Baking & Garnish

Honey – Provides natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully while baking; maple syrup is a great alternative if you’re looking for a different flavor.
Butter/Cooking Spray – Use to grease your baking dish and ensure a delightful caramelization; coconut oil is an excellent substitute for a dairy-free option.
Fresh Mint (optional) – This adds a refreshing touch as a garnish, elevating the presentation and flavor of your baked apples.

Enjoy crafting these Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries—they’re sure to become a favorite at your table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is perfect for ensuring an even bake, allowing the apples to soften beautifully while the filling caramelizes. While the oven heats, take the time to grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray, preparing it for the delightful Baked Apples that are about to come.

Step 2: Core the Apples
Carefully core the apples, making sure to leave about a half-inch base intact at the bottom to create a pocket for the filling. A sturdy apple corer works wonders for this task, helping you maintain the shape of the apples. Once cored, set the apples upright in the prepared baking dish, ready to be filled with deliciousness.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy feta, tart dried cranberries, a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are evenly blended, creating a rich filling that embodies the essence of your Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries. The contrasting flavors and textures will be a delight!

Step 4: Fill the Apples
Spoon the feta mixture into each apple, filling them generously while ensuring a snug fit. Press the filling down gently to pack it in, allowing each apple to hold as much delightful goodness as possible without overflowing. The sight of these filled apples is already tempting, promising a wonderful blend of flavors once baked.

Step 5: Drizzle with Honey
Once filled, drizzle each apple generously with honey, letting it weave through the feta mixture, enhancing the sweetness as it caramelizes in the oven. To elevate the flavor even further, add a small pat of butter atop each apple, enriching the dish and ensuring a tantalizing golden crust after baking.

Step 6: Bake with Love
Cover the baking dish with foil to retain moisture, and place it in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes. The apples are done when they are soft and tender, with a fork easily piercing through the skin. Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven, baking uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes until the tops are beautifully golden and slightly caramelized.

Step 7: Cool and Garnish
After baking, allow the apples to cool for a few minutes, letting the flavors settle and ensuring they are safe to handle. Before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves, adding a pop of color and a refreshing note. You’re now ready to share the enchanting Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries, delighting your guests with this warm, inviting dish!

What to Serve with Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

Indulging in warm, sweet baked apples creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for sharing with loved ones. Let’s explore the perfect companions for this delightful dessert!

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess adds richness, creating a luscious contrast to the warm apples while balancing the baking spices seamlessly.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzled atop the apples, caramel enhances their sweetness and offers an irresistible sticky decadence, taking your dessert to another level.
Roasted Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans provide crunchy texture that beautifully complements the soft apples and creamy feta, adding a nutty crunch to every bite.
Greek Yogurt: A dollop of tangy yogurt contrasted with the sweetness and warmth of the apples creates a delightful balance, turning it into a nourishing treat.
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A simple sprinkle adds a touch of extra sweetness and warmth, enhancing the comforting flavors of the dish in a familiar way.
Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing and tangy beverage like this cleanses the palate, perfectly balancing the richness of the Baked Apples experience.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Combining seasonal fruits adds a refreshing, juicy aspect, creating a colorful and nutritious addition to your dessert table.
Coffee or Chai Latte: The warm spices and rich flavors in these beverages complement the apple filling and soothe the senses, rounding off your cozy dessert perfectly.

These delightful pairings will elevate your Baked Apples experience and create a memorable gathering with every delicious bite!

Expert Tips for Baked Apples

Choose the Right Apples: Use firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to avoid mushiness. Softer apples can break apart during baking, ruining the dish.
Feta Alternatives: If you’re aiming for a dairy-free option, check the milk content in feta and consider plant-based feta instead. This keeps the essence of your Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries intact.
Fill in Advance: To save time, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and store it separately. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve!
Adjust Sweetness: If using fresh cranberries instead of dried, be mindful to adjust the amount of honey to balance the flavors. Fresh cranberries can be quite tart!
Blend Flavors: For added depth, feel free to mix in other spices like nutmeg or ginger, or even a splash of bourbon for an adult twist. These variations can elevate your Baked Apples experience!

Baked Apples with Feta Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing these delicious baked apples to suit your taste!

Pears Instead of Apples: Swap out the apples for ripe pears, which offer a softer texture and subtle sweetness. Adjust the baking time as needed for the perfect bite.
The transition from apple to pear creates a unique twist, enriching the dish with new flavors.
Different Cheeses: Try goat cheese for a tangier profile or use ricotta for a creamier filling. Each cheese brings a new dimension to this dessert.
Exploring various cheeses allows you to cater to your flavor preferences while keeping the essence of the dish intact.
Dairy-Free Delight: Replace feta with plant-based cheese, and use coconut oil instead of butter to make this a dairy-free option.
This twist ensures everyone can indulge, making it a great choice for gatherings with varied dietary needs.
Fruit Additions: Incorporate chopped nuts or other dried fruits like raisins for extra texture and flavor contrasts.
These additions offer delightful surprises in every bite, making the experience even more enjoyable!
Spice It Up: Add a hint of ginger or nutmeg to the filling for an added warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Spicy undertones can elevate your dessert into an extraordinary treat, impressing your guests further.
Maple Syrup Swirl: Substitute honey for maple syrup for a deeper, syrupy sweetness that creates a different flavor dimension.
The rich taste of maple syrup offers a wonderful alternative, perfect for those who enjoy its unique character.
Serve with a Twist: Enjoy your baked apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a refreshing contrast.
The creamy addition can turn this dessert into a comforting masterpiece that everyone will crave!
Seasonal Variations: Use seasonal spices or fruits, such as pumpkin spice in the fall or fresh peaches in the summer, for delightful adaptations.
This practice keeps your baked apples vibrant and exciting throughout the year, inviting different flavors to the table!

For more comforting recipes, don’t forget to check out my delicious Ponzu Chicken Rice or explore creative options with Sweet Potato Black dishes!

Storage Tips for Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries

Fridge: Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure they’re fully cooled before sealing to maintain moisture.

Freezer: If you need to freeze, wrap each apple individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 2 months, but the texture may soften upon reheating.

Reheating: To reheat, place the apples in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This will revive their delightful flavors, ensuring your Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries remain a comforting treat.

Make Ahead Options

These Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the apple filling, combining feta, cranberries, cinnamon, and vanilla, up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and flavor. To ensure the apples stay firm, core them just before baking. When you’re ready to serve, fill the apples with the prepped mixture, drizzle with honey, and proceed with baking as directed. This way, you’ll have a comforting, delicious dessert ready to impress with minimal effort after a bustling day!

Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries Recipe FAQs

What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Absolutely! Firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal as they hold their shape during baking and provide a lovely contrast to the creaminess of the feta. Avoid softer apples, as they can become mushy and affect the overall texture of your dish.

How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Baked Apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let them cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to sogginess.

Can I freeze baked apples?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap each baked apple individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, but be aware that the texture may soften.

What if my filling turns out too runny?
If you find your filling is a bit runny, you can thicken it up by adding a tablespoon of breadcrumbs or ground nuts to the mix before filling the apples. This addition will help absorb extra moisture and create a more stable filling as it bakes.

Are there any dairy-free options for this recipe?
Absolutely! For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the feta with plant-based cheese alternatives and use coconut oil instead of butter. Just be sure to check the labels to ensure there aren’t any hidden dairy ingredients, keeping your Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries truly dairy-free!