This Apple Cranberry Crisp is a warm, cozy dessert that combines sweet apples and tart cranberries, topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar mixture. Perfect for fall!
Honestly, the best part is how those fruits bubble underneath that crispy topping. I can’t resist sneaking a spoonful straight from the baking dish! 🍏🍒
It’s so easy to make—just mix the fruits, sprinkle the topping, and bake! I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I like to use Granny Smith for their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji also work great for a sweeter twist. You can even mix different varieties for extra flavor!
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a tart punch, but you could use frozen cranberries if fresh isn’t available. Just toss them in without thawing!
Granulated Sugar: You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or even maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. Adjust the amount based on taste!
Nuts: The topping is delicious with pecans or walnuts, but you can skip the nuts for a nut-free version. Try adding a touch of shredded coconut instead.
How Do I Make the Best Topping for My Crisp?
The topping can really make or break your crisp, so pay attention here! It’s all about getting the right texture, which should be buttery and crumbly.
- Use cold butter to achieve that perfect crumbly texture. It melts during baking, creating a delicious crunch.
- Work quickly when mixing the butter with the dry ingredients to avoid melting it. Use your fingers or a pastry blender!
- Don’t skip the nuts if you like a bit of crunch—they add great flavor and texture.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 5 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 4 medium apples)
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
To Serve:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Apple Cranberry Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prep and 40 to 45 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour for a delicious homemade dessert. Let it cool a little before serving, and it’s perfect with that scoop of ice cream on top!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9-inch round or square baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated. This adds great flavor to your fruit mixture!
3. Assemble the Fruit Mixture:
Pour the fruit filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This ensures every bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
4. Make the Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix together rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add in the cold butter pieces. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks crumbly. If you’re using nuts, stir them in at this point!
5. Top the Fruit:
Evenly sprinkle the topping mixture over the fruit in the baking dish. Cover it well, but don’t press down too hard. You want that lovely crumbly texture to stay fluffy!
6. Bake It:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown topping and bubbling juices from the fruit to know it’s done.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool slightly. This step is hard, but it makes a big difference! Then, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you like. Enjoy your cozy, homemade Apple Cranberry Crisp!
Can I Use Frozen Apples or Cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen apples or cranberries! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture. This will help prevent the crisp from becoming soggy.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness?
If you prefer a sweeter crisp, simply increase the sugar in the filling by 1-2 tablespoons. Taste the fruit mixture before baking to ensure it’s to your liking!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and use certified gluten-free oats in the topping for a delicious gluten-free option.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help keep the topping crunchy!