Introduction

This Sweet Potato Apple Fresh Cranberry Bake with Walnuts is a cozy, vibrant dish perfect for autumn and holiday gatherings. Combining sweet potatoes, tart cranberries, and crisp apples, it offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. It’s easy to prepare and makes a delightful side or even a comforting dessert.

A white oval dish filled with three clear layers is placed on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. The first layer at the bottom consists of thinly sliced light yellow apples arranged evenly. On top of this is a thick layer of bright red whole cranberries mixed with a generous amount of light brown walnut halves scattered throughout. The cranberries and walnuts are dusted with a fine layer of cinnamon. Surrounding the dish are whole red and yellow apples, raw pale orange sweet potatoes, scattered walnuts, a small white bowl filled with more cranberries, and small piles of spices on measuring spoons. The scene is bright and fresh, showing a mix of textures and fall colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 medium-large sweet potatoes or garnet yams (about 2 pounds)
3-4 large apples – pink lady, fuji, or granny smith recommended (or 5-6 medium apples)
2 12-ounce bags fresh cranberries (just over 4 cups total)
1.5-2 cups walnuts, halves and pieces (for those with nut allergies, substitute with pumpkin seeds)
6 tbsp unsalted butter, or butter alternative (vegan butter or coconut oil)
5 tbsp light brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt (or just under)
1 pinch nutmeg and allspice each

Instructions

Step 1: Wash sweet potatoes, apples, and fresh cranberries. Discard and compost any mushy cranberries.
Step 2: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into medallion slices about ¼” thick. Slice the apples to about ⅛ to ¼” thickness, slightly thinner than the sweet potatoes.
Step 3: Lightly grease a baking dish. Arrange a single layer of sweet potato medallions at the bottom, filling as much space as possible. Next, add a layer of apple slices over the sweet potatoes.
Step 4: Evenly distribute about 2 heaping cups of fresh cranberries and ¾ cup of walnuts over the apple and sweet potato layers.
Step 5: Cut 3 tablespoons of butter into 8 to 9 small tabs and spread them evenly over the top. If using a butter alternative, follow the same method.
Step 6: Sprinkle about ⅛ teaspoon of salt evenly over the surface, then add a lighter pinch of nutmeg and allspice (less than ⅛ teaspoon each). Follow with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and 2.5 tablespoons of light brown sugar spread across the dish.
Step 7: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 8: Repeat layering the sweet potatoes, apples, cranberries, walnuts, butter, and seasonings to create a second tightly packed layer.
Step 9: Cover the dish with foil or an oven-safe lid. Bake at 400°F for 1 hour total—50 minutes covered, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to lightly toast the walnuts.
Step 10: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or cold.

Tips & Variations

Substitute walnuts with pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version that still adds crunch.
Use slightly tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
For a vegan option, use coconut oil or vegan butter as a substitute for butter.
Adding a splash of maple syrup or honey before baking can enhance natural sweetness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to warm through. This dish tastes great cold as well, similar to a fruit pie.

How to Serve

The image shows a white oval baking dish filled with a colorful baked fruit and nut mixture. The top layer is bright red cranberries scattered unevenly with chunks of brown walnuts. Beneath this layer, thin slices of orange sweet potatoes and pale yellow apple slices are visible, soft in texture and partially covered in a glossy sauce. A wooden spoon with some of the mixture rests inside the dish. Below and slightly to the right is a small white bowl with two handles, containing a smaller portion of the same dish, showing the distinct layers of cranberry, sweet potato, apple, and walnuts. Around the dish and bowl, walnut pieces and some cranberries are scattered on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the bake a day ahead, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it the next day for fresh warmth and flavor.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh cranberries?

Fresh cranberries are best for their tartness and texture, but if unavailable, frozen cranberries can be used without thawing. Avoid canned cranberries as they are much sweeter and softer.