There is something irresistibly cozy and festive about a warm fruit dessert that truly hits all the right notes of sweetness and tartness. This Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe is exactly that kind of delicious treat, combining juicy apples with tangy cranberries under a perfectly crumbly oat topping. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to make any gathering feel extra special or simply brighten up a quiet evening at home. The best part is how easy it is to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for both novice bakers and experienced dessert lovers alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe come to life, you’ll need a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color—from the tartness of cranberries and crisp apples to the warm spices and buttery oat topping.
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Their firm texture and natural sweetness keep the filling juicy and flavorful without turning mushy.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries: These bring a lovely tartness and vibrant color that contrasts beautifully with the apples.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance tart fruits.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Enhances the fruit’s brightness and prevents browning.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Offers warm, cozy spice that’s perfect for autumnal desserts.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg deepens the aromatic profile with subtle earthiness.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the fruit juices, ensuring a luscious sauce rather than a runny filling.
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats: The heart of the topping, providing chewiness and rustic texture.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the topping and create the crisp crust.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel flavor and moistness to the crumbly topping.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Repeats the spice theme in the topping for great depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes: The secret to that rich, flaky crisp topping.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty aroma to the topping.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish, which will perfectly hold the cozy fruit filling and crumbly topping. Getting this step out of the way ensures a smooth experience as you move on to mixing the ingredients.
Step 2: Toss the Fruit Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples and cranberries with granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Stir everything gently but thoroughly so every piece of fruit is wrapped in that flavorful coating. This mixture is the heart of your Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe, setting the stage for that juicy, fragrant filling you’re after.
Step 3: Make the Topping
Grab a separate bowl and mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then, add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture turns into coarse crumbs. If you’re adding nuts, stir them in now for that extra crunch. This buttery topping will bake into a golden, crispy layer that contrasts wonderfully with the tender fruit beneath.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spread your fruit filling evenly into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle the oat topping generously over the top. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown and you can see the fruit juices bubbling up around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is pure magic.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked to perfection, let your Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Cooling slightly allows the filling to thicken up nicely, making each spoonful a perfect harmony of fruit, sweetness, and crunch. Serve it warm for the best experience.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
You can elevate your Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe with a few simple garnishes. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting slowly on top adds a creamy, cold contrast that is just dreamy. Whipped cream is another classic choice, lightening each bite with a fluffy texture. For an extra touch, sprinkle a few toasted nuts or a dusting of cinnamon on the serving plate to make it look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs beautifully with a variety of cozy accompaniments. A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai enhances the warm spices in the crisp. You might also enjoy it alongside a slice of sharp cheddar cheese—a surprising but delicious combination that balances sweet and savory. Even a glass of dessert wine or apple cider works well to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the classic baking dish! Serve individual portions in ramekins for a charming presentation, perfect for dinner parties or gifts. You could also layer the crisp in clear glasses with whipped cream for a pretty parfait-style dessert that lets the colors shine through. For an outdoor occasion, bring it in a rustic cast iron skillet that keeps the crisp warm and attractive at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers of this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 4 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply bring to room temperature or gently warm in the oven to revive that fresh-baked charm.
Freezing
This crisp also freezes beautifully. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you want a comforting dessert, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven to restore the crisp topping and warm fruit filling.
Reheating
To reheat, place the crisp in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through and the topping regains its crispy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the topping soggy. Reheating slowly in the oven keeps the delicious contrasts intact in every bite.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries in this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work wonderfully and deliver the same tart flavor. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before mixing with the apples to avoid a watery filling.
What apples are best for this recipe?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are perfect choices because they hold their shape well when baked and provide a nice balance of tart and sweet. Avoid really soft or overly sweet varieties to keep the texture just right.
Can I make this crisp gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. This adjustment keeps the delicious flavor and crispy texture intact for those with gluten sensitivities.
Is it possible to make the topping vegan?
Definitely. Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil, and use brown sugar that’s certified vegan to keep the crumble rich and flavorful without animal products.
Can I prepare the Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the crisp a day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready, bake it fresh so the topping remains crisp, and the fruit filling tastes bright and juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Its charming blend of tart and sweet, crisp and tender, makes it an instant favorite for any occasion. I truly can’t recommend it enough—grab your baking dish, gather these simple ingredients, and make a batch to enjoy with those you love. You won’t regret filling your kitchen with its irresistible aroma and your table with its comforting goodness.
Print
Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and comforting Apple Cranberry Crisp featuring tart cranberries and sweet apples topped with a buttery, oat crumble. Perfectly baked until golden and bubbling, this dessert is warm, inviting, and ideal for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year.
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
Crisp 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 Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- 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 evenly coat the fruit with the mixture. Transfer this blended fruit filling to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, 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 forms coarse crumbs.
- Add Nuts and Top Fruit: If using, stir the chopped walnuts or pecans into the oat topping. Then evenly sprinkle this topping over the fruit filling in the baking dish.
- Bake the Crisp: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Bake until the topping turns a golden brown color and the fruit filling underneath is bubbling, indicating it is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. It’s delightful when served warm alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries depending on availability; no need to thaw frozen cranberries before mixing.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
- The lemon juice helps to brighten the fruit flavors and prevent apples from browning.
- If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
