Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet, with a heavenly crunchy topping, this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe is an absolute must-try. This comforting dish bursts with the fresh flavors of crisp apples and vibrant cranberries, all wrapped beneath a golden oat and nut topping that adds just the right amount of texture. It’s a fantastic recipe to make for cozy family dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you want a heartwarming treat that feels like a big, delicious hug from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly to create something truly special. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s adding a tart punch, a sweet finish, or that irresistible crumble on top.

• 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Perfect for a balance of tartness and sweetness, these apples hold their shape beautifully during baking.
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries: These add a lovely tang and festive color that brightens the dish.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the fruit filling just enough to mellow the tartness.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings freshness and helps control the sweetness while preventing the apples from browning.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, inviting spice to the fruit mix.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of nutmeg deepens the flavor complexity.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the fruit juices into a delicious filling.
• 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: The heart of the crisp topping, contributing chewiness and wholesome texture.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Works with the oats to create a sturdy yet tender topping.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds molasses-rich sweetness and moisture to the crumble.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Echoes the fruit’s spice in the topping.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes: Key to that crisp, golden topping once baked.
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Toss these in for an added nutty crunch and richness.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Start things off by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s perfectly hot for baking. Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to ensure your crisp won’t stick and will bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Fruit Filling

In a large bowl, toss together the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Make sure every apple slice and berry gets coated with this sweetly spiced mixture — this not only flavors the fruit but thickens the juices as it bakes. Transfer the luscious fruit mix evenly to your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Create the Crisp Topping

Next, whisk together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Add the cold cubes of butter and use a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingers to blend it all until it looks like coarse crumbs. The chilly butter clumps are essential to that flaky, crumbly texture after baking. If you’re using nuts, stir them in at this stage for that lovely added crunch.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle your oat topping evenly over the fruit filling, covering every bit so it bakes into a beautiful golden crust. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the fruit filling is bubbling up around the edges.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let your crisp cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time lets the filling thicken perfectly, so when you take a spoonful, it holds together wonderfully. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an utterly comforting dessert experience.

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar elevates the dish visually and adds a fresh accent. A dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg over the top pairs beautifully with the warm spices inside. For a cool contrast, a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream melts into the crisp, creating an indulgent harmony of temperatures and flavors.

Side Dishes

This Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe shines on its own but can be perfectly paired with light sides like a simple green salad or a cheese plate if served during a larger meal. For festive occasions, roasted nuts or a glass of mulled cider can complement the crisp’s autumnal vibes splendidly.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of one big crisp, try dividing the filling and topping into individual ramekins for personalized servings that look elegant and inviting. Serving the crisp on vintage plates or resting it atop a bed of lightly toasted oats and chopped nuts on the plate can add a charming rustic touch. Get creative by adding a drizzle of caramel sauce or a few fresh mint leaves for color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover Apple Cranberry Crisp completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the crisp even tastier the day after baking.

Freezing

This crisp freezes beautifully either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble the crisp in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time. If freezing baked crisp, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warm, or pop the whole crisp back into a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to refresh the crispiness of the topping. If needed, add a little extra butter on top before reheating to revive that golden texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are ideal because they hold their shape and balance tartness with sweetness, you can also experiment with Fuji, Braeburn, or Pink Lady apples. Just be mindful that softer apples may turn mushier after baking.

Should I use fresh or frozen cranberries?

Both work great! Fresh cranberries provide the best texture and flavor, but frozen cranberries are a convenient option when fresh aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture from frozen berries before mixing to avoid a runny filling.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil for that rich, crumbly topping without dairy. Ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly if that’s a concern for you.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, arrowroot powder or tapioca starch are great thickening alternatives. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for to keep the filling nicely thickened.

How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?

The key is to keep the butter cold and incorporate it quickly when making the topping, so it creates little pockets that crisp up in the oven. Also, baking the crisp until golden and bubbling ensures the topping gets beautifully crunchy rather than soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that feels both special and incredibly approachable. With its vibrant flavors, tempting textures, and the heartwarming aroma filling your kitchen, it’s guaranteed to become a cherished favorite. I encourage you to gather your ingredients, dive in, and savor every bite of this wonderful dessert that welcomes every season and every celebration.

Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Apple Cranberry Crisp is a delightful, warming dessert that combines tart cranberries and sweet, tender apples beneath a crunchy, buttery oat topping. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting treat, this crisp offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, finished off with a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg for a festive touch.

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Ingredients

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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

Oat 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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized pan to prevent the crisp from sticking and to ensure easy serving.
2. Mix the Fruit Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat the fruit evenly with the sugar and spices, which will help thicken the filling during baking. Transfer this mixture to the prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Oat Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans if using, for added texture and flavor.
4. Assemble the Crisp: Evenly sprinkle the oat and butter topping over the fruit mixture in the baking dish, covering the fruit completely to create a crunchy crust once baked.
5. Bake the Crisp: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the fruit filling is visibly bubbling around the edges, indicating that it is cooked through.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes to set. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

• You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries depending on availability; no need to thaw if frozen.
• Substitute nuts with seeds or omit them for a nut-free version.
• For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Adjust sugar quantities to suit your taste or based on the sweetness of the apples.
• Letting the crisp cool slightly before serving helps the filling to thicken, preventing it from being too runny.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American