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Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray Recipe

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray Recipe

4.7 from 32 reviews

This Cranberry Apple Sweet Potatoes recipe combines tender baked sweet potatoes with tart cranberries and crisp apples, all coated in a warm, spiced maple syrup glaze. It’s a vibrant and comforting side dish perfect for holiday dinners or any cozy meal, with the option to add crunchy nuts for extra texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & Fruits

  • 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 6 cups)
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

Nuts (Optional)

  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Sauce & Spices

  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup melted butter (or coconut oil for a vegan option)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of ground cloves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
  2. Prep Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
  3. Prep Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into pieces similar in size to the sweet potatoes for balanced texture.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cubed sweet potatoes, chopped apples, cranberries, and nuts if using, ensuring an even mix.
  5. Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together maple syrup, melted butter or coconut oil, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and cloves to create a flavorful glaze.
  6. Pour and Toss: Pour the sauce over the fruit and vegetable mixture and toss gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
  7. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the sweet potato mixture in an even layer in the prepared dish.
  9. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to begin softening the sweet potatoes.
  10. Uncover and Bake Longer: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  11. Let it Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes to settle the flavors.
  12. Serve Warm: Serve the Cranberry Apple Sweet Potatoes warm as a comforting and delicious side dish.
  13. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Notes

  • For a vegan option, substitute melted butter with coconut oil.
  • Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are preferred for their tartness, but any favorite apple variety works.
  • Lightly toasting nuts before adding will enhance their flavor and crunch.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra warmth and a subtle kick.
  • A tablespoon of orange zest or juice can brighten and elevate the dish’s flavors.
  • Experiment with different nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for varied texture and taste.
  • Incorporate dried fruits such as dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots for added sweetness and chewiness.
  • You can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry sweet potatoes, apple sweet potato bake, holiday side dish, baked sweet potatoes with cranberries, vegan sweet potato recipe, fall recipes