If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart with a golden, crumbly topping, this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the natural sweetness of apples with the vibrant tang of cranberries, this dish bursts with flavor in every bite. The crisp, buttery oat topping adds a comforting texture that’s both crunchy and tender, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or hosting a family gathering, this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together beautifully in this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect blend of texture, flavor, and color, creating a dessert that feels both classic and festive.
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Provides a crisp texture and natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with tart cranberries.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries: Adds vibrant color and a tangy contrast to the sweet apples.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the fruit filling just enough to balance the tartness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and prevents the apples from browning.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warm spice notes that enhance the fruit’s aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle depth and warmth to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the fruit mixture so it’s perfectly luscious.
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Creates a wonderful chewy texture in the topping.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the topping ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Gives the crisp topping a rich sweetness and slight molasses flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds extra warmth to the topping’s flavor profile.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and heightens all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes: Makes the topping golden and crumbly with a buttery richness.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Offers a crunchy nutty contrast that complements the oats beautifully.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Assemble the Fruit Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Next, in a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Stir everything well to ensure the fruit is evenly coated. This mix is the heart of the crisp, and the cornstarch gently thickens the juices as it bakes, making every spoonful luscious and satisfying.
Step 2: Create the Oat Topping
In a separate bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Adding the cold, cubed butter is where the magic happens—use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you love a bit of crunch, stir in chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage. This buttery oat topping bakes to a perfect golden crisp that contrasts delightfully with the tender fruit beneath.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the fruit filling to the greased baking dish and gently spread it out. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit. Pop it in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is beautifully golden and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges. Letting it cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving allows the filling to thicken slightly, giving you that perfect warm, comforting texture.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe, consider garnishing each serving with a scoop of silky vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cold creaminess pairs wonderfully with the warm crisp, enhancing the dessert’s cozy appeal. A sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts on top adds a lovely finishing touch that’s both visually inviting and texturally satisfying.
Side Dishes
This crisp also shines when paired with simple sides like a warm cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee, perfect for a relaxed afternoon treat. For a festive dinner, serving it alongside a light salad or roasted vegetables can balance out savory flavors from the main course, making the dessert a sweet finale that your guests will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like getting creative? Try serving your Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for added indulgence or sprinkle it with a handful of granola for extra crunch. You can even add fresh cranberries or apple slices as decoration to highlight the star ingredients and impress your family or guests with your attention to detail.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the crisp airtight ensures the topping stays as crisp as possible while the fruit filling maintains its delicious flavors. Simply cover with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container.
Freezing
Want to save this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe for later? You can freeze it either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months—you can bake it straight from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. For freezing leftovers, cool the crisp completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the topping soggy. This way, you get that fresh-baked sensation every time you serve it.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples besides Granny Smith or Honeycrisp?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples hold their shape and offer a great balance of tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala apples for a slightly different flavor and texture.
Do I need to thaw frozen cranberries before using them?
No need to thaw frozen cranberries. You can use them straight from the freezer in this recipe, which helps keep the filling nice and juicy while baking.
Can I substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, you can use a plant-based butter or coconut oil to make this recipe dairy-free. Keep in mind the flavor might change slightly, but the crisp topping will still be deliciously crumbly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dessert accessible to many diets.
What’s the best way to prevent the topping from getting soggy?
Using cold butter and properly mixing it into the dry ingredients helps create a crumbly texture that stays crisp. Baking until the topping is golden and letting the crisp cool a bit before serving also prevents sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe is a superstar in the world of desserts, combining wholesome ingredients with simple techniques to produce a dish that’s both comforting and exceptional. It’s the kind of recipe that brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your table. I can’t recommend it enough—once you try it, it’ll quickly become a beloved part of your cooking repertoire.
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Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Apple Cranberry Crisp is a delightful and comforting dessert combining tart cranberries and sweet apples with a crunchy oat topping. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, it bakes to a golden brown finish, making it an ideal treat for chilly evenings or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Topping
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Fruit Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and cornstarch. Stir well to ensure the fruit is evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Add Nuts: If using, stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans into the oat topping mixture.
- Assemble Crisp: Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the fruit filling in the baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the crisp to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, optionally paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts altogether based on preference or allergies.
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries; if frozen, no need to thaw before mixing.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Adjust sugar according to the tartness of your apples and cranberries.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for classic comfort or with whipped cream for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
