Baked Brie with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts: The Holiday Snack Kids and Parents Will Love
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Time to Read: 8 min
When the holidays roll around, few dishes delight a crowd like a warm, melty Baked Brie. This simple yet impressive recipe pairs creamy Brie with apples, cranberries, and walnuts, creating a sweet and savory treat that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Kids love the gooey cheese and fruity flavors, while parents appreciate the gourmet look and healthful ingredients.
Served on an Ahimsa Purposeful Plate , this Baked Brie is sure to be the star of any gathering, perfect for dipping with whole-grain crackers, baguette slices, or fresh apple slices.
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Baked Brie with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts
5-10 minutes
20-25 minutes
4-6
Appetizer
Ingredients:
- 1 round Brie cheese (about 8 oz)
- 1–2 cups diced apples (use a mix of red and green for color and flavor)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2–1 cup finely chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- A dash or three of cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Fruit Topping: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar until combined. Add the diced apples, dried cranberries, walnuts, and a dash of cinnamon. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is warm and the apples have softened slightly. Taste and adjust the sweetness or cinnamon to your preference.
- Assemble the Brie: Take the Brie round and carefully slice it in half horizontally, creating two layers. Place the bottom half of the Brie on a baking dish or oven-safe plate, then spoon half of the fruit mixture over it. Place the top half of the Brie over the filling, then top with the remaining fruit mixture.
- Bake: Transfer the Brie to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the Brie is soft and gooey but not completely melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a minute before serving. Serve with whole-grain crackers, baguette slices, or fresh apple slices for dipping.
To get some serious “oohs” and “ahhs” from the crowd, serve the Baked Brie on an Ahimsa Purposeful Plate . Imagine the vibrant reds of the cranberries and the soft gold of the Brie looking even more inviting when presented on one of our stainless steel plates . And the finish doesn’t just look great, it helps keep the Brie warm. So, whether someone digs in early or grabs a bite later on, they still get to enjoy all the gooey goodness.
Remember, holiday gatherings are about more than putting food on the table, it’s about creating a shared experience we will cherish for a lifetime.
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Why This Baked Brie is a Nutritious and Delicious Holiday Treat
Not only does this Baked Brie look beautiful and taste amazing, but it also has some great health benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritious ingredients:
Brie Cheese: Brie is a good source of protein and calcium, essential for growing bones and teeth. It’s rich and creamy, making it satisfying without needing to eat too much. While it’s an indulgent choice, Brie also provides vitamin A, which supports immune health.
Apples: Apples are high in fiber, especially when you leave the skin on, and they offer a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with Brie. They’re also packed with antioxidants, which help protect the body’s cells, making them an excellent choice for keeping kids healthy during the holiday season.
Cranberries: Dried cranberries add a pop of color and a hint of tartness that balances the sweetness of the apples and brown sugar. Cranberries are high in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which supports immunity—perfect for warding off winter colds.
Walnuts: These nuts add a satisfying crunch and are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health. Walnuts are also high in fiber and protein, adding nutrition and a nutty flavor to this dish.
- Cinnamon: Besides adding a warming, festive flavor, cinnamon is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps balance blood sugar levels, which is great for keeping energy steady, especially during a busy holiday gathering.
Tips for Serving and Enjoying Baked Brie
Safety Tip: When serving this Baked Brie with walnuts, be mindful of any young children or guests with nut allergies. Nuts can pose a choking hazard for children under four years old, so consider chopping the walnuts very finely or omitting them entirely for young kids. If you’re unsure about any guests’ allergies, you could offer the nuts on the side as a topping option, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish safely.
Let it Cool Slightly: Brie can get very hot when baked, so let it sit for a minute or two before serving to avoid burns—especially important for little ones.
Serve on an Ahimsa Purposeful Plate : Not only does this elevate the presentation, but the stainless steel holds heat well, keeping your Baked Brie warm for longer. Ahimsa’s toxin-free, sustainable dishware also adds peace of mind, knowing you’re serving this delicious treat in a way that’s safe for your family and the planet.
- Use Fresh Dippers: Apple slices, whole-grain crackers, and baguette slices make perfect accompaniments, offering different flavors and textures for dipping. The apples add a fresh, crisp bite, while crackers and bread make it more filling.
Why Kids and Parents Will Love This Holiday Dish
Kids love the gooey cheese and the sweet, fruity topping, while parents appreciate the balance of flavors and the healthy ingredients. It’s a unique, show-stopping snack that’s easy to make but looks like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen. With a hint of sweetness, a touch of crunch, and the warmth of melted Brie, this dish brings a little magic to any holiday table.
This simple recipe isn’t just tasty, it’s also a chance to bond and let the little ones get involved in the holiday food prep. Let them sprinkle cranberries, walnuts, or even a pinch of cinnamon over Brie before it bakes. They'll love seeing the transformation, and hey, you'll have a little helper in the kitchen. Plus, no messy aftermath thanks to Ahimsa’s stainless steel plates . They go straight in the dishwasher like it’s no big deal.
Make the Holidays Special with Ahimsa
This Baked Brie with Apples, Cranberries, and Walnuts is more than just a snack—it’s a way to gather family and friends around a healthy, comforting dish. By serving it on an Ahimsa Purposeful Plate, you’re also making a sustainable choice that shows your commitment to your family’s health and the planet.
Bring warmth, flavor, and a touch of elegance to your holiday gatherings with this Baked Brie. It’s a dish that makes everyone feel welcome, happy, and well-nourished—one delicious bite at a time.
Holiday meals are about more than filling plates. They’re about building traditions that stick with you. Picture your family looking forward to this Baked Brie every year, paired with everyone’s favorite dippers and served up on that reliable Ahimsa stainless steel plate . Over time, that plate stops being just something from the cupboard and starts feeling like a piece of family history. It’s there in the moments of laughter, the cozy conversations, and the little sparks of holiday magic that you all share.
Shop Ahimsa's Stainless Steel Dishware Collection for eco-friendly, kid-safe dinnerware that makes every meal a celebration. Here’s to a holiday season filled with health, happiness, and a touch of Ahimsa!
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
Will Ahimsa products break or peel?
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.
