If you’re searching for that perfect balance of tart, sweet, and warmly spiced comfort, my Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe is just the answer. This delightful dessert bursts with tender, juicy apples and vibrant cranberries all nestled beneath a buttery, golden oat topping. Whether you’re welcoming fall’s cozy vibes or simply want a cozy treat to share with loved ones, this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe delivers a wonderful harvest of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe comes together with simple, approachable ingredients that each play a special role in crafting its irresistible taste and texture. From the tartness of fresh cranberries to the mellow sweetness of brown sugar and the satisfying crunch of oats, every element works in perfect harmony.
- Apples (5 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced): Choosing crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp adds firm texture and balanced sweetness.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries (1 1/2 cups): They provide bright, tangy pops of flavor and a beautiful jewel-like color.
- Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the fruit filling just right without overpowering.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic spiciness that ties the flavors together.
- Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a subtle earthiness that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Keeps the apples from browning and adds a refreshing tartness.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the fruit juices to a lovely, spoonable consistency.
- Old-fashioned oats (1 cup): Create that coveted crisp, chewy topping with wonderful texture.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Helps bind the topping ingredients together for a crumbly finish.
- Brown sugar (1/3 cup, packed): Infuses caramel notes and moisture into the topping.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors quietly but surely.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, cold and cubed): The secret to that rich, golden crisp topping that melts delightfully in your mouth.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Fruit Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get everything ready to bake to golden perfection. In a large mixing bowl, toss together the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch until every piece of fruit is luxuriously coated. This blend ensures the fruit will cook down with just the right thickened syrup and irresistible spice notes.
Step 2: Assemble the Fruit Base
Once your fruit mixture is ready, transfer it into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. This size allows the fruit to spread evenly and bake uniformly, setting the stage for the crunchy topping that’ll come next.
Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping
In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This technique is key to achieving that wonderfully crumbly, buttery topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit filling, creating a lovely blanket of texture. Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is a rich golden brown and the fruit bubbling with juicy goodness beneath. Allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes to set slightly before serving.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe to the next level with creamy coolness balancing the warm fruit and crisp topping. For an extra touch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or a pinch of cinnamon on top for a visually inviting finish.
Side Dishes
This crisp pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee, making it an ideal dessert for cozy gatherings. For a touch of freshness, a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness if serving as part of a broader meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve individual portions in ramekins or clear glasses layered with your crisp and ice cream. You can also spoon the Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe over pancakes or waffles for a decadent breakfast twist that feels like a special occasion any day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. When ready to enjoy again, just warm individual portions in the microwave or oven so the topping regains its crispness and the fruit warms through.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled crisp (before baking) for up to 2 months by wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time for a perfectly cooked crisp.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes, uncovered, to restore that delightful crunch. Avoid microwaving for too long as it tends to soften the topping and change the texture.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits besides apples and cranberries?
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible. Pears, blueberries, or even chopped peaches can be wonderful alternatives or additions to mix things up, but be mindful of their moisture content and adjust cornstarch accordingly.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness, making them ideal choices for the Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe.
Can I make the topping gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to keep this crisp delicious and safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How do I get the topping to be extra crispy?
Using cold butter and cutting it into the dry ingredients thoroughly helps create those irresistible crumbly bits. Also, baking until the topping is a deep golden brown signals maximum crispiness.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Definitely! The Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe uses no animal-derived ingredients aside from butter, which is vegetarian-friendly. For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, full of vibrant flavors and cozy textures that bring a comforting touch to any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday feast or just because you need a moment of sweet delight, I promise it will become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire. Go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, and dive into this deliciously crisp adventure—it’s happiness baked in every bite!
Print
Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cranberry Crisp is a delightful fall dessert combining tart cranberries and sweet apples baked under a crunchy oat topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and bring warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 5 medium apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature for baking the crisp evenly.
- Prepare Fruit Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss well until the fruit is evenly coated with the spices and thickener.
- Assemble Fruit Layer: Pour the coated fruit mixture into a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Prepare Topping: In another bowl, mix together the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Top the Fruit: Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the fruit mixture in the baking dish, covering all areas.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the fruit mixture is bubbly and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the crisp to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving to let the filling set. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best, offering a balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Serve the crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
