Cranberry Baked Apples: The Perfect Giftable Holiday Treat

An Easy and Delicious Dish for Stress-Free Gifting

Looking for a dish to bring to gatherings that’s equal parts impressive and easy? These Cranberry Baked Apples are your answer. Warm, fragrant, seasonal and festive, it’s the kind of dish that makes any holiday gathering feel special. They travel well, making them ideal for bringing to parties or gifting to neighbors and friends.

The best part? They taste even better the next day, so you can make them ahead and deliver them with confidence. Pack them in a pretty dish with a ribbon, and you’ve got a thoughtful, delicious gift that shows you care.

Why These Make a Great Party Dish

• Make-ahead friendly: They keep for several days in the refrigerator

• Serve any temperature: Delicious hot, room temperature, or cold

• Easy to transport: Sturdy apples that hold their shape beautifully

• Naturally elegant: No fancy plating required—they’re stunning as-is

• Dietary-friendly: Naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

• 4 firm baking apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work wonderfully)

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

• 3/4 cup apple cider (plus extra if needed)

• 1 teaspoon red currant or strawberry 100% fruit preserves per apple (about 4 teaspoons total)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Prepare the cranberry filling: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider and dried cranberries to a boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand while you prepare the apples. This allows the cranberries to plump up and absorb that delicious cider flavor.

3. Prep the apples: Core each apple, creating a well in the center. Using a vegetable peeler or paring knife, peel about 3/4 inch of skin around the top of each cored apple. This prevents the skin from splitting during baking and creates a pretty presentation.

4. Assemble: Place the prepared apples in a pie plate or baking dish. Using a slotted spoon, remove the plumped cranberries from the cider (save that cider!) and divide them evenly among the four apples, filling each core. Gently press 1 teaspoon of fruit preserves over the top of each filled core. This creates a beautiful glaze and adds a touch of sweetness.

5. Add the cider: Pour the reserved cider around the apples until the bottom of your pan has about 1/4 inch of liquid. Add extra cider if necessary. This keeps the apples moist and creates a lovely syrup as they bake.

6. Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake until the apples are tender but still hold their shape, about 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a knife slides in easily but the apples haven’t collapsed.

7. Serve or gift: Enjoy hot, at room temperature, or cold. Each serving method brings out different flavors. Warm is cozy and comforting. Cold is refreshing and the flavors meld beautifully.

Storage & Gifting Tips

Store baked apples in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to several days. In fact, they often taste even better after a day as the flavors have time to develop.

For gifting: Place cooled apples in a attractive baking dish or individual glass jars. Include a small card with reheating instructions: “Warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes, or enjoy cold!” Tie with a festive ribbon and you’ve got a gorgeous homemade gift.

For parties: Transport in your baking dish covered with foil. These are the rare dish that actually benefits from sitting, so don’t worry about timing—they’ll be delicious whenever you arrive.

Serving Suggestions

• Top with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or Greek yogurt

• Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence

• Serve alongside roasted pork or as part of a holiday brunch spread

• Pair with a sharp cheddar cheese for a sweet-savory combination

These Cranberry Baked Apples prove that the most memorable gifts don’t have to be complicated. With just four ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can create something truly special that brings warmth and joy to any holiday celebration.