This Apple Cranberry Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that combines sweet apples with tart cranberries, all topped with a crunchy oat topping. It’s perfect for sharing with family!
You’ll love how this dish fills your home with a wonderful smell while it bakes. I like to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—makes every bite even yummier! 🍏🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of tart and sweet. If they aren’t available, any firm apple like Fuji or Braeburn will work nicely.
Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries if you can find them, but frozen ones are a perfect substitute. Just don’t thaw them before using—they can be added straight to the mix.
Granulated Sugar: You can reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup if you prefer a less sweet crisp. For a natural sweetener, try using honey or maple syrup, but adjust the liquid in the recipe accordingly.
Butter: If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative will work well!
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Topping for a Crispy Crunch?
The topping is key to a great crisp! Here’s how to make it perfectly crunchy:
- Use cold butter; this helps create a flaky texture. Cut it into small pieces and mix it in with dry ingredients.
- Mix just enough so that the butter is incorporated, but leave some larger crumbly bits. This creates nice crunchy textures.
- Spread the topping evenly over the fruit filling without packing it down too much. This allows the heat to circulate, making it crispy!
Bake until it’s golden brown—this will ensure the oats have a lovely crunch. Enjoy your delicious creation!
How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 5 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 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 (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Cranberry Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 40-45 minutes to bake. Make sure to let it cool slightly before serving! You can have this cozy dessert ready in about an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish or individual ramekins to ensure the crisp doesn’t stick.
2. Combine the Filling Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples and cranberries. Next, add the granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gently toss everything together until the fruit is well-coated. Once mixed, transfer this fruity mixture into your prepared baking dish.
3. Prepare the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the oats, 1/2 cup of flour, brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. Now, add the cold butter pieces. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, mix the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. This will create a crunchy topping!
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Spread the oat mixture evenly over the top of the fruit filling in the baking dish. Try to cover the fruit entirely for a delicious, crispy top.
5. Bake the Crisp:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You want the topping to be golden brown and the filling to be bubbling up through the cracks. The aroma will fill your kitchen!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the filling set a bit. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top, and sprinkle with powdered sugar if you’re feeling festive!
Enjoy your delicious, warm Apple Cranberry Crisp with its wonderful blend of sweet and tart flavors along with that crunchy oat topping!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can also use Fuji, Braeburn, or any firm apple that holds up well when baked.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in both the filling and topping. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in the oven until heated through. Adding a sprinkle of oats on top before reheating can help restore some crunch!
Can I Freeze the Apple Cranberry Crisp?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just ensure it’s completely cooled before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
