Description

Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries combine sweet, savory, and tart flavors in a warm, comforting dessert. Juicy baked apples are filled with a flavorful mixture of creamy feta cheese, dried cranberries, cinnamon, and vanilla, then drizzled with honey and enriched with butter. This delightful treat is perfect for cozy evenings or special occasions and can be garnished with fresh mint for a refreshing finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

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

Toppings

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 remove the cores from each apple, leaving about a 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 incorporated.
Stuff the apples: Place the cored apples upright in the greased baking dish. Gently spoon the feta and cranberry mixture into each apple cavity, pressing lightly to fill completely.
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 to enhance browning and flavor during baking.
Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 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 5 to 10 minutes to allow the tops of the apples to turn a beautiful golden brown.
Garnish and serve: Allow the baked apples to cool slightly before sprinkling with fresh chopped mint if desired. Serve warm for a delicious sweet and savory delight.

Notes

Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Gala that hold their shape well when baked.
Adjust the amount of honey according to your preferred sweetness level.
For a nuttier flavor, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling.
This dessert can be prepared in advance and baked just before serving.
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Fresh mint garnish is optional but adds a nice herbal contrast to the sweet and savory flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 apple with filling
Calories: 220 kcal
Sugar: 24 g
Sodium: 140 mg
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 12 mg

Keywords: baked apples, feta cheese, honey, cranberries, cinnamon, sweet and savory dessert, autumn dessert, healthy baked fruit