If you’re craving a cozy, fall-inspired treat that’s both nutritious and comforting, these Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes will hit the spot. This easy recipe transforms simple ingredients—sweet potatoes, apples, maple syrup, and warm spices—into a wholesome dish that tastes like dessert but feels perfectly at home on your dinner table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
These stuffed sweet potatoes are the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and spiced. Roasted sweet potatoes become soft and caramelized, while the sautéed apples add a warm, cinnamon-laced flavor that feels like apple pie filling. Pecans and dried cranberries give every bite texture and a pop of color.
You’ll love this recipe because it’s:
- Naturally sweetened with maple syrup
- Perfect for holidays, brunches, or cozy dinners
- Easy to make ahead and reheat
- Gluten-free and easy to make vegan
- Packed with fiber, vitamins, and flavor
Easy Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate cozy, fall-inspired treat—sweet, creamy, and full of warm spice. Roasted sweet potatoes filled with sautéed apples, maple syrup, and pecans for a wholesome dish that tastes like dessert but doubles as a nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter (or coconut oil for vegan option)
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- Greek yogurt or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry sweet potatoes, pierce several times with a fork, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast 45–55 minutes until tender. Let cool slightly.
- While baking, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples and cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Cook 2 more minutes until tender and fragrant.
- Slice each sweet potato open lengthwise and gently fluff with a fork. Spoon in apple mixture and top with pecans and cranberries.
- Serve warm with Greek yogurt or whipped cream, and drizzle with maple syrup or sprinkle with cinnamon if desired.
Notes
Choose similar-sized sweet potatoes for even baking. Don’t overcook the apples—they should be soft but not mushy. Make ahead by baking the potatoes and preparing the filling separately, then assembling before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
For the Sweet Potatoes
- 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter (or coconut oil for vegan option)
For the Apple Filling
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- Greek yogurt or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Butter: Swap with coconut oil, vegan butter, or olive oil for a dairy-free twist.
- Apples: Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples work best for sweetness and texture.
- Maple Syrup: Substitute with honey or agave syrup if preferred.
- Pecans: Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds make great alternatives.
- Toppings: For a vegan finish, try coconut yogurt or cashew cream instead of dairy toppings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then pierce each one several times with a fork. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast for 45–55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2 – Prepare the Apple Mixture
While the potatoes roast, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
Stir in maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes, until the apples are tender and fragrant.
Step 3 – Assemble the Stuffed Potatoes
Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them open lengthwise. Use a fork to fluff the inside gently.
Spoon the warm apple filling evenly into each potato. Top with chopped pecans and dried cranberries for crunch and color.
Step 4 – Serve Warm
Serve immediately with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream on top. For a fancier presentation, drizzle with a touch of maple syrup or sprinkle with extra cinnamon.
Pro Tips for Success
- Choose similar-sized sweet potatoes so they bake evenly.
- Use a baking rack under your sweet potatoes for better airflow and caramelization.
- Don’t overcook the apples—they should be soft but not mushy.
- Add zest: A little orange or lemon zest brightens up the flavor beautifully.
- Make ahead: Bake the sweet potatoes and prepare the filling separately, then assemble before serving.
- Reheat with steam: Cover with foil and warm in the oven to keep the filling moist.
Flavor Variations
- Savory Twist: Add sautéed onions, a sprinkle of goat cheese, and toasted walnuts.
- Caramel Lovers: Drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top before serving.
- Nut-Free Option: Use pumpkin seeds or granola instead of pecans.
- Extra Creamy: Mix a spoonful of Greek yogurt directly into the apple filling.
- Holiday Special: Sprinkle with crushed ginger snaps or graham cracker crumbs for added crunch.
Serving Suggestions
These stuffed sweet potatoes can easily fit into any meal plan:
- As a Dessert: Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- As a Side Dish: Serve with roasted turkey, ham, or baked chicken.
- For Breakfast: Pair with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola.
- For Brunch: Serve alongside cinnamon rolls or a veggie frittata for a cozy spread.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap each stuffed potato tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 46g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
FAQ About Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the apple filling up to two days in advance. When ready to serve, reheat both, assemble, and top with pecans and cranberries for a fresh finish.
Are these suitable for a vegan or dairy-free diet?
Yes! Simply replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter and use a plant-based topping like coconut yogurt or cashew cream. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan.
Can I use different fruits instead of apples?
Definitely. Pears, peaches, or even diced pineapple can create a delicious variation. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since softer fruits cook faster.
Can I add protein to make it a meal?
Yes. Try adding a spoonful of Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or nut butter inside the potato before topping it with apples. This adds creaminess and makes it more filling.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Place them on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. This keeps the sweet potatoes fluffy and prevents the apple filling from drying out.
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Final Thoughts
These Apple Spiced Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are the ultimate comfort food—sweet, spiced, and satisfying. They make a beautiful addition to any fall or holiday table and are simple enough for an everyday treat. With their warm apple filling and naturally sweet base, they’re proof that healthy eating can be every bit as indulgent as dessert.