This Apple Cranberry Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that’s perfect for any gathering! Juicy apples and tart cranberries are baked together under a crunchy oat topping.
It’s really easy to make, and your house will smell amazing while it bakes. Plus, you can serve it with ice cream for a yummy treat that everyone will love!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are great for this dish because they hold their shape and provide a nice tartness. If you prefer sweeter apples, Fuji or Gala can be good choices, but mix them with a tart variety for balance.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a lovely tart flavor. If you can’t find them, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture.
Sugar: Adjust the granulated sugar based on your taste and the sweetness of your apples. You could use brown sugar instead for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, coconut sugar works too.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred, but you can substitute with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine for a vegan version. Just use the same amount!
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Crisp Topping?
The topping is what makes this apple cranberry crisp truly special, and making it perfect is key! Here’s how to get that ideal texture:
- Cold butter is essential. It helps create a crumbly, flaky texture when mixed with the dry ingredients.
- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter into the mixture. It should look like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
- For an added crunch, consider mixing in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the oat topping.
Apple Cranberry Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 5 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 4 medium apples; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for fruit filling)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15-20 minutes for preparation and 40-45 minutes for baking. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to have a delicious Apple Cranberry Crisp ready to impress your friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Fruit Filling:
In a large bowl, toss together the sliced apples, fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of flour. Stir until the fruit is well coated in all the ingredients. This tasty mixture will be the bottom layer of your crisp.
3. Transfer the Fruit Mixture:
Carefully transfer the fruit mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure even cooking.
4. Prepare the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Then, add the cold chunks of butter into the dry mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to combine everything until your mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
5. Assemble the Crisp:
Now it’s time to bring your dessert together! Sprinkle the oat topping generously over the fruit layer in the baking dish, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
6. Bake the Crisp:
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You want the topping to turn golden brown and the fruit to be bubbling happily underneath!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done baking, remove your Apple Cranberry Crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If you like, dust the top with some powdered sugar right before serving.
8. Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Apple Cranberry Crisp warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. Enjoy every bite!
This Apple Cranberry Crisp brings the perfect combination of sweet and tart flavors that are sure to become a favorite, especially during the cooler months!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great options for their tart flavor and firm texture, you can use any apples you love. Fuji or Gala are sweeter varieties that work well too; just mix in some tart apples to balance the sweetness.
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the fruit filling and topping separately a day in advance. Assemble them in the baking dish when you’re ready to bake. It may take an extra few minutes in the oven if the filling is cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick fix!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries are a convenient substitute! Just thaw them beforehand and ensure you drain any excess moisture to avoid making the filling too watery.
