Description
Baked Apples with Feta, Honey, and Cranberries is a delightful and cozy dessert perfect for chilly evenings. This recipe combines the natural sweetness and tartness of firm apples with a savory-sweet filling of crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, cinnamon, and vanilla. Drizzled with honey and baked to perfection, these apples offer a comforting and elegant dish that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 4 pieces Firm Apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Filling
- 1 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled, or substitute with goat cheese)
- 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries (or raisins/chopped dried cherries)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (can substitute nutmeg)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla preferred)
Toppings
- 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 (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Core the Apples: Carefully core each apple, creating a pocket at the bottom without cutting through the base, to hold the filling securely.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, dried cranberries, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until evenly mixed.
- Stuff the Apples: Generously fill each cored apple with the prepared cheese and cranberry mixture, packing the filling tightly.
- Add Honey and Butter: Drizzle honey over each stuffed apple, then place a small pat of butter on top to add richness during baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the apples for 25-30 minutes, or until they begin to soften but still hold their shape.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the tops to brown slightly and caramelize.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the baked apples cool briefly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh mint for a refreshing contrast and visual appeal.
Notes
- Choose firm apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best texture.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese for a slightly different tangy flavor.
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan-friendly version.
- Plant-based butter can replace dairy butter for a lactose-free option.
- Ground nutmeg can be used in place of cinnamon for alternative spice.
- Ensure not to core apples completely through the bottom to retain filling.
- The dish is best served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
