Description

This recipe for Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries combines tart, firm apples with a savory-sweet filling of crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, fragrant cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Baked gently until tender and topped with honey and butter, these cozy baked apples make a perfect comforting dessert or snack for chilly evenings. Garnished with fresh mint, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

4 firm apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

Filling

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (or goat cheese as a substitute)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (or raisins/chopped dried cherries)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or nutmeg as a substitute)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (preferably pure)

Topping

1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for vegan alternative)
2 tablespoons butter (or plant-based butter for dairy-free option)
2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking during baking.
Core the Apples: Carefully core each apple to create a hollow pocket at the center and bottom, leaving the base intact to hold the filling.
Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix well until evenly incorporated.
Stuff the Apples: Generously fill each cored apple with the cheese and cranberry mixture, pressing gently to pack the filling inside.
Add Honey and Butter: Drizzle honey evenly over each stuffed apple. Place a small pat of butter on top of each apple to enrich the flavor and assist in browning.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the apples in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the apples have softened but still hold their shape.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 to 10 minutes to slightly brown the tops of the apples.
Garnish and Serve: Allow the baked apples to cool briefly, then garnish with freshly chopped mint before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Notes

Choose firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture after baking.
For a vegan version, substitute butter with plant-based butter and honey with maple syrup.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey or use tart dried cherries instead of cranberries.
Nutmeg can be used instead of cinnamon for a slightly different warming spice profile.
Goat cheese is a good alternative to feta if you prefer a milder cheese flavor.