There’s nothing quite like a cozy, bubbling Apple Cranberry Crisp fresh from the oven! This classic dessert is everything you crave for a comforting treat—juicy apples and tart cranberries nestled beneath a buttery, golden topping, with hints of cinnamon and vanilla in every bite. A true celebration of fall flavors, this recipe strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tangy, making it an ever-popular crowd-pleaser during holiday gatherings or weeknight dinners alike. Whether you’re serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sneaking bites straight from the pan, Apple Cranberry Crisp delivers pure homemade happiness with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh fruits to bring Apple Cranberry Crisp to life. Each ingredient works a bit of magic, from lending bright color and flavor to creating that irresistible crumbly top—so don’t skip a single one!
- Apples: Firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and bring natural sweetness.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, they add a beautiful scarlet hue and a tart pop to counter the apples.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the fruit just enough without overpowering the tangy cranberries.
- Cinnamon: The quintessential comfort spice—essential for that warm, aromatic finish.
- Nutmeg: A pinch goes a long way, deepening the flavor with subtle, earthy notes.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the fruit filling and keeps the apples from browning.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant, mellow layer that ties the flavors together.
- Old-fashioned oats: Bring the perfect chewy crunch to the crumbly topping.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create a slightly crisp structure and thickens the topping.
- Packed brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramelly sweetness and gorgeous golden color.
- Cold unsalted butter: The secret to a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth topping—use it straight from the fridge!
- Salt: Just a touch, to balance all the sweet and bring out the flavors.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling
Peel and slice the apples, then toss them in a large mixing bowl with the cranberries, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Give it all a really thorough toss—you want every piece coated in flavor. This blend is what makes your Apple Cranberry Crisp juicy, tart, and wonderfully aromatic.
Step 2: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish, then pour in your prepared fruit mixture. Spread it out evenly so each bite gets its fair share of apples and cranberries. The bright red cranberries peeking through pale apple slices already make it look beautiful!
Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Now add the cubes of cold butter. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or even your fingers to blend everything until it forms chunky, damp crumbs. These crumbles will bake into that signature golden crust we all love on Apple Cranberry Crisp.
Step 4: Top the Fruit and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the oat mixture over your fruit layer—don’t press it down too hard, just let it sit gently. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen will fill with a heavenly aroma!
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your crisp cool for about 10–15 minutes. This allows the juices to thicken and the topping to crisp up a little more. Serve warm—either on its own or crowned with a mountain of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate Apple Cranberry Crisp experience.
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Crisp
Garnishes
The finishing touches can turn your Apple Cranberry Crisp from delicious to irresistible! A scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream melts luxuriously into the warm crisp. A dollop of freshly whipped cream is also a classic choice, and a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans adds both flavor and flair.
Side Dishes
Pair Apple Cranberry Crisp with a light and refreshing salad or a cup of hot spiced tea. If you’re serving it at brunch, consider a platter of sharp cheddar or blue cheese—these balance the sweetness and add a surprising savory contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for an elegant look, or spoon the crisp into mason jars for a fun, portable twist. For festive occasions, top each serving with edible flowers or a small scoop of homemade cinnamon ice cream to truly wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors of the Apple Cranberry Crisp deepen overnight, making each bite even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
Apple Cranberry Crisp freezes beautifully! Simply wrap the cooled, baked crisp tightly in plastic and foil, or divide into individual portions in freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months, ready for a quick dessert anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, place your crisp (or a portion) in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. In a pinch, the microwave works too—just heat in short bursts so the fruit stays juicy and the topping doesn’t get soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits in my Apple Cranberry Crisp?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile—you can swap in pears for half the apples, or toss in a handful of raspberries or blueberries for an extra pop of color and flavor. Just aim for a similar total volume of fruit to keep the crisp balance.
Should I thaw frozen cranberries before baking?
No need to thaw if you’re using frozen cranberries—just toss them in as-is. The extra chill may increase bake time by a few minutes, but the fruit will soften perfectly as everything bubbles together in the oven.
How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Make sure your butter is very cold and work it quickly into the dry ingredients, leaving some larger bits. For extra crunch, stir in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts before sprinkling over the fruit.
Can Apple Cranberry Crisp be made gluten free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the topping with your favorite gluten-free blend and check that your oats are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free and just as tasty.
Is this dessert very sweet?
Apple Cranberry Crisp is beautifully balanced rather than overly sweet, thanks to the tart cranberries and bright lemon juice. If you prefer your desserts less sweet, reduce the sugar slightly or use more tart apples for an extra tangy bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy, comforting, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Apple Cranberry Crisp is simply irresistible. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and savor every golden spoonful—you might just find it becomes your new favorite way to celebrate cozy moments all year long.
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Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of fall with this Apple Cranberry Crisp. A comforting dessert that combines tart apples and cranberries with a sweet and crunchy oat topping.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling:
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Oat Topping:
- 2/3 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the fruit filling: Combine sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Transfer to a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Make the oat topping: Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the fruit mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Substitute pears for half the apples or add chopped pecans for extra crunch.
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