Baked Apples with Feta, Granuesli® and Honey

Sweet and savory gluten-free baked apples stuffed with creamy feta, crunchy Cranberry Apple Pecan Granuesli® granola, and drizzled with golden honey – a stunning winter dessert that's elegant enough for holiday entertaining

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Cooling Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Gluten-Free
Can Be Made Dairy-Free
Holiday Dessert

A Sweet and Savory Holiday Showstopper

When you're looking for a dessert that's both impressive and unexpected for your holiday table, these baked apples deliver on every level. The combination of sweet Honeycrisp apples with creamy feta cheese might sound unusual, but it's a flavor pairing that's been delighting food lovers for years. Add in the crunchy texture and seasonal flavors of Cranberry Apple Pecan Granuesli® granola, and you've got a dessert that's as delicious as it is beautiful.

The technique of cutting the top off the apple creates a natural bowl that holds the filling perfectly, allowing the stuffing to show off those gorgeous feta chunks, ruby-red cranberries, and crunchy pecans. As the apples bake, they become tender and caramelized while the filling melds into something truly special. The final drizzle of honey and fresh mint garnish transforms this from a simple baked apple into an elegant dessert worthy of your Christmas dinner, New Year's celebration, or any winter gathering.

Best of all, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free by swapping in dairy-free feta and plant-based butter. Whether you're serving these to guests during the holidays or making them for a cozy winter evening at home, they're sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Why This Recipe Works

• The sweet-savory balance: Honeycrisp or Gala apples provide natural sweetness that's perfectly balanced by the salty, tangy feta cheese. The honey drizzle enhances both elements.

• Textural contrast: Tender baked apples contrast beautifully with the crunchy Cranberry Apple Pecan Granuesli® granola, creating an interesting eating experience in every bite.

• Smart technique: Cutting off the apple tops instead of just coring creates a stable base and allows you to use the apple flesh in the filling, reducing waste while adding more apple flavor.

• Gentle mixing: Tossing the filling ingredients carefully keeps the feta chunks intact, which is key to both the visual appeal and the satisfying bursts of creamy cheese throughout.

Ingredients

For the Apples:

• • 4 medium to large Honeycrisp or Gala apples

• • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or dairy-free feta for dairy-free version)

• • ½ cup Cranberry Apple Pecan Granuesli® granola

• • 2 tablespoons honey

• • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, divided into 4 pieces (or plant-based butter for dairy-free version)

• • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• • ¼ cup Cranberry Apple Pecan Granuesli® granola (for added crunch)

• • 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped

About the Ingredients

• Apples: Honeycrisp and Gala apples are ideal because they hold their shape when baked while developing a tender, caramelized texture. Their natural sweetness balances the savory feta.

• Granuesli® granola: The Cranberry Apple Pecan variety brings tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and warming spices that echo and enhance the apple flavor. It's gluten-free and made with wholesome whole-grain rolled oats, ancient grains, like quinoa and amaranth and superfood seeds like chia, buckwheat, hemp and pumpkin seeds..

• Feta: Use good-quality feta that crumbles nicely but still holds its shape. For dairy-free versions, dairy-free feta alternatives work beautifully and maintain the tangy, creamy element.
  

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Apples

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Wash and dry the apples thoroughly with a paper towel.

3. Cut the top off each apple about ½ inch thick and reserve these tops. This creates a stable bowl-shaped opening for the filling.

4. Chop up the fleshy part of the apple tops into small pieces to add to the filling later. Discard the stems.

5. Core the remaining apple carefully, using a melon baller or apple corer. Make sure to leave about ½ inch intact at the bottom so the filling doesn't leak through during baking.

Make the Filling

1. In a small bowl, combine the feta crumbles, ½ cup Granuesli® granola, diced apples (from the tops), cinnamon, and vanilla extract.

2. Toss gently to mix thoroughly. Be careful not to over-mix – you want to keep those beautiful feta chunks intact for both visual appeal and texture.

Stuff and Bake

1. Place apples in the prepared baking dish and stuff each apple generously with the filling mixture, pressing down gently.

2. Drizzle each apple with ½ tablespoon of honey, letting it cascade over the filling.

3. Place one piece of the divided butter on top of each apple.

4. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the apples are tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes. This allows the tops to caramelize slightly and the filling to get a bit crispy.

Finish and Serve

1. While the apples are finishing, chop the tablespoon of fresh mint and set aside.

2. Let the apples cool for about 5 minutes before serving – they'll be very hot straight from the oven.

3. Serve warm, garnished with the reserved ¼ cup Granuesli® granola for extra crunch and the fresh chopped mint for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Tips for Perfect Baked Apples

Choose the right apples: Stick with Honeycrisp or Gala for the best results. Granny Smith apples are too tart for this recipe, while Red Delicious can become mushy.

Don't over-core: Leave that ½ inch at the bottom intact. If you accidentally core all the way through, place a small piece of apple at the bottom to create a seal.

Test for doneness: The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape. Baking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your apples.

Keep feta chunks visible: This is both about aesthetics and flavor. Those creamy pockets of feta are what make this dessert special, so don't mash them when mixing the filling.

Make ahead option: You can stuff the apples up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add an extra 5 minutes to the covered baking time if starting from cold.

Serving Suggestions

These baked apples are stunning served on a large platter for family-style dining, or individually plated for a more elegant presentation. The warm apples are delicious on their own, but for an extra-special touch, serve them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy element creates a wonderful temperature contrast with the warm apples.

They make an excellent addition to a Christmas or holiday dessert spread, and they're also perfect for a winter brunch alongside coffee and other breakfast treats. The sweet and savory flavor profile means they work equally well as a light dessert or an interesting side dish for roasted pork or chicken.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover baked apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The apples will soften further as they sit, but they'll still be delicious.

Reheating: Warm individual apples in the microwave for 45-60 seconds, or reheat all four in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Add a fresh sprinkle of Granuesli® granola after reheating for renewed crunch.

Freezing: These are best enjoyed fresh and don't freeze well due to the texture changes in both the apples and feta.

Delicious Variations

Different Granuesli® flavors: Try this with other Granuesli® granola varieties for unique flavor combinations. The Carrot Turmeric Almond would add warmth and earthiness.

Cheese swap: If you're not a feta fan, try crumbled goat cheese for a milder, creamier option, or blue cheese for something more assertive.

Add nuts: Fold in some extra chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for even more crunch and richness.

Spice it up: Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the filling for additional warming spices that complement the cinnamon.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe transforms humble baked apples into something truly special with the unexpected combination of sweet and savory flavors. The creamy, tangy feta cheese plays beautifully against the sweet apples and honey, while the Cranberry Apple Pecan Granuesli® granola adds both textural interest and complementary fruit and nut flavors that tie everything together.

It's naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for dairy-free diets without sacrificing flavor or visual appeal. The presentation is stunning – those visible feta chunks and the jewel-toned cranberries make these apples look as good as they taste. And because you're using high-quality ingredients like Cranberry Apple Pecan Granuesli® granola, each bite delivers real, wholesome flavor.

Whether you're entertaining guests for the holidays or simply want to elevate your winter dessert game, these baked apples deliver impressive results with minimal effort. They're proof that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something extraordinary.