Baked Apples with Feta, Honey & Cranberries
This dish is a beautiful combination of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors. Tender baked apples are filled with a warm mixture of feta, honey, cranberries, nuts, and cinnamon. As the apples bake, they become soft and caramelized while the feta becomes creamy and slightly golden.The result is a Mediterranean-inspired festive treat that works as a dessert, snack, or even a holiday breakfast. Perfect for fall, winter, or Christmas gatherings!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Serves: 4 people
Ingredients
For the Baked Apples
4 medium red apples (Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work best)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup dried cranberries (or raisins)
2–3 tbsp honey
¼ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla essence
Pinch of salt
For Serving
Extra honey drizzle
Extra feta
Toasted nuts
Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
1. Prepare the Apples
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Wash the apples and slice them in half vertically.
Use a spoon to remove the core and seeds, creating a small “cup” in each half.
Arrange the apple halves in a lightly greased baking dish.
2. Make the Feta-Cranberry Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine:
feta cheese
dried cranberries
honey
chopped nuts
cinnamon
nutmeg
vanilla
pinch of salt
Mix gently to keep the feta slightly chunky.
3. Fill the Apples
Spoon the filling into each apple cavity, pressing lightly.
Drizzle the apples with melted butter.
Add a tiny drizzle of honey on top for extra caramelization.
4. Bake
Cover the dish with foil.
Bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil.
Bake another 5–10 minutes uncovered until apples are soft and the tops turn golden.
Tip: For softer apples, bake 5–7 minutes longer.
5. Serve
Serve warm topped with:
Extra honey
More feta
Toasted nuts
A spoon of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream
Enjoy immediately while warm and soft!
Notes & Tips
For non-spicy preferences — this recipe is naturally mild and soothing.
Use firm apples, so they hold shape during baking.
Replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
Add orange zest for a bright, festive twist.
Make it ahead: Prepare apples + filling, refrigerate separately, and bake when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use green apples?
Yes, but they are more tart. Add 1 extra tbsp of honey to balance.
Q2: Can I make it without nuts?
Absolutely! Just skip nuts or use pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Q3: Can I use fresh cranberries?
Yes, but mix them with honey or sugar because they’re naturally more tart.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Keep refrigerated for 2 days. Reheat in oven or microwave before serving.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 9 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 23 g
Sodium: 140 mg