Sink your spoon into this delightful Apple Cranberry Crisp and discover why it’s the ultimate comforting dessert for chilly evenings and festive gatherings alike. The tantalizing blend of sweet baked apples, tart cranberries, and a golden oat crumb topping creates a marriage of flavors and textures that feels just like a warm hug. Whether you’re serving it as the grand finale to a holiday feast or simply craving a cozy treat, this Apple Cranberry Crisp is guaranteed to win hearts with its inviting aroma and unbeatable homemade charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Apple Cranberry Crisp lies in its simplicity—each ingredient has a role to play in creating that perfect balance of flavor, color, and crunch. Here’s what you’ll need, along with tips to make the most of each component.
- Apples (4 cups, peeled and sliced): Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for a layered flavor profile and pleasing texture.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries (1 1/2 cups): These ruby gems add a tangy bite and a pop of vibrant color to the crisp.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): A touch of white sugar balances the tartness and enhances the sweetness of the fruit.
- All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon, plus 1/2 cup for topping): A bit of flour helps thicken the fruit juices, while more flour in the topping creates a satisfying crumb.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon for filling, 1/2 teaspoon for topping): This spice brings warmth and hints of nostalgia to every bite.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch intensifies the coziness with a deeper, aromatic note.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): A splash of citrus brightens the flavors and keeps the apples from browning.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (3/4 cup): Oats add that quintessential crispy topping everyone loves.
- Packed light brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of molasses for extra depth.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Don’t skip this—salt brings the flavors together and sharpens the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, cold, cubed): Cold butter is the secret to the topping’s buttery crunch. Use it straight from the fridge for the best results.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9-inch square or similar baking dish. This ensures the Apple Cranberry Crisp releases effortlessly when you’re ready for that first heavenly scoop.
Step 2: Mix the Fruit Filling
In a large bowl, toss together the peeled, sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Make sure the fruit is evenly coated—this mixture forms the bright, juicy heart of your Apple Cranberry Crisp.
Step 3: Layer the Fruit Base
Transfer the fruit mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out so every bite will have a perfect blend of apple and cranberry, ready to bubble up beneath the toasty topping.
Step 4: Make the Oat Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the oats, 1/2 cup flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter, then use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture forms coarse, buttery crumbs. This topping is what turns Apple Cranberry Crisp from good to unforgettable.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit filling. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown and crisp. Let it stand for a few minutes before serving—this makes it easier to scoop and lets the flavors settle perfectly.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Crisp
Garnishes
Finish your Apple Cranberry Crisp with a classic scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream—the contrast of warm and cold is pure dessert magic. A sprinkle of toasted nuts or a drizzle of caramel will take things entirely over the top.
Side Dishes
For a comforting brunch or dessert spread, serve your Apple Cranberry Crisp alongside a mug of spiced chai, hot apple cider, or robust coffee. The warm spice notes and tart-sweet fruit are delectable with creamy yogurt or a handful of fresh, juicy berries on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking Apple Cranberry Crisp in individual ramekins for a personalized touch at dinner parties. For rustic charm, use mini cast iron skillets. Hosting a crowd? Set up a sundae bar with different ice creams, sauces, and crunchy toppings—your guests will love building their own custom crisp creations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Apple Cranberry Crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making day-two servings even more irresistible.
Freezing
Apple Cranberry Crisp freezes beautifully. Cool it completely, then wrap it tightly or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftover crisp in a 325°F oven until heated through and the topping crisp is refreshed—about 15-20 minutes for a whole dish, or a few minutes in the microwave for individual servings. For that “just baked” crunch, a few minutes under the broiler does wonders.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fruit in my Apple Cranberry Crisp?
Absolutely! Pears, blueberries, or raspberries can be swapped in or added depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Just keep the overall fruit amount the same for the best texture.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples gives your Apple Cranberry Crisp a silkier finish, but if you like a bit more texture and nutrition, feel free to leave the skins on. It’s totally a matter of personal preference.
Can I make this crisp gluten free?
Yes, you can use a certified gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are gluten free. The end result will still be wonderfully crisp and delicious.
Would canned cranberry sauce work instead of fresh cranberries?
Fresh or frozen cranberries provide those juicy, tart bursts in every bite, but in a pinch, you could use whole berry cranberry sauce and reduce the sugar slightly. The texture will soften, but you’ll still get great flavor.
Is it possible to make Apple Cranberry Crisp ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the fruit base and the topping separately, refrigerate them, and assemble just before baking. Alternately, assemble the whole dish ahead and bake when you’re ready to serve for maximum freshness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing an Apple Cranberry Crisp straight from the oven, all bubbly and golden, with the people you love. Go ahead—make this recipe your own, savor its cozy deliciousness, and let it become a treasured favorite in your home too!
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Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet apples and tart cranberries with this delightful Apple Cranberry Crisp. A comforting dessert that pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Ingredients
Fruit Filling:
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 4 medium apples)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Topping:
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
- Prepare Fruit Filling: In a large bowl, mix sliced apples, cranberries, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Transfer to the baking dish.
- Make Topping: In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter and work into crumbs. Sprinkle over fruit.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Try a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor.
- For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scoop
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
