If you’re looking for a dessert that sings with tart sweetness, warms the heart, and fills the kitchen with the coziest aroma, look no further: this Apple Cranberry Crisp is about to become your new fall favorite. Juicy apples pair perfectly with tangy cranberries, all beneath a golden, buttery oat topping that bakes up crisp and fragrant. Whether you’re gathering with family for the holidays or simply treating yourself on a chilly weekend, every spoonful promises the nostalgic comfort of classic fruit desserts—plus a pop of color and zing that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about making Apple Cranberry Crisp is how it comes together with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one packs a punch—creating a symphony of sweet, tart, and crunchy in every bite.
- Apples: Choose tart-sweet varieties like Granny Smiths or Honeycrisps for the best flavor and texture—peeled and sliced so they’ll melt just right.
- Cranberries: Use fresh or frozen cranberries for a burst of tartness and stunning ruby color; no need to thaw if frozen!
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling without overwhelming the fruit’s natural flavors.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the fruit, balances the sweetness, and keeps the apples from browning.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm, classic spice that makes the whole dessert smell amazing.
- Ground Nutmeg: Just a hint adds depth and an autumnal note that pairs beautifully with apples and cranberries.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: The backbone of the crisp topping, bringing hearty crunch and a wholesome touch.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps the topping hold together for that perfect crumbly texture.
- Light Brown Sugar: Gives the topping a lovely caramel note and delightful chewiness.
- Unsalted Butter: Cold and cubed, it ensures a crumbly, golden crust with just the right richness.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy notes in the topping.
- Cinnamon (again!): Doubled up in the topping for extra warmth and aroma.
How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp
Step 1: Prep Your Fruit
Start by peeling and slicing your apples—about four medium ones should do the trick. Pop them into a big mixing bowl along with those ruby red cranberries (fresh or frozen both work perfectly). Add in the sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Give everything a good toss until the fruit is evenly coated and you start smelling that irresistible cinnamon-spice magic. This is your Apple Cranberry Crisp base, and you’ll immediately see how beautiful those colors look together.
Step 2: Layer into the Baking Dish
Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish (or something similar in size) to prevent sticking. Pour your apple and cranberry mixture in and smooth it out evenly. This is where all the delicious juices will start mingling as they bake, softening the fruit and creating that wonderful, saucy base for your Apple Cranberry Crisp.
Step 3: Mix Up the Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and another pinch of cinnamon. Add those cold cubes of butter, then use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture becomes crumbly and feels like coarse sand. Those little lumps of butter are what create those irresistible golden-brown pockets in the finished crisp.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Sprinkle your topping generously over the fruit, making sure every nook and cranny gets covered—more topping equals more crunch! Slide the dish into your preheated 350°F oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and you can see the fruit juices bubbling merrily around the edges. The aroma will have everyone poking their heads into the kitchen, trust me!
Step 5: Cool (Just a Bit!) and Serve
It’s tempting to dig right in, but let your Apple Cranberry Crisp cool for at least 10–15 minutes. This short wait helps the juices thicken just enough, so your serving is perfectly saucy without being runny. It’ll also save your tongue from a molten fruit surprise!
How to Serve Apple Cranberry Crisp
Garnishes
A warm Apple Cranberry Crisp practically begs for a finishing flourish. Try a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a soft cloud of whipped cream—both melt gloriously into those bubbling fruits. For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little grated lemon zest or a handful of chopped toasted pecans right on top before serving.
Side Dishes
Because it’s so vibrant and fruity, Apple Cranberry Crisp pairs delightfully with creamy sides. A bowl of Greek yogurt can balance the tartness for breakfast, while a sweet custard sauce or hot mulled cider turns it into a full-blown holiday treat. It’s also perfect simply solo, letting its flavors shine.
Creative Ways to Present
For individual flair, bake your Apple Cranberry Crisp in small ramekins for each guest—they’ll love having their own mini portion. For holiday gatherings, serve buffet style with plenty of toppings so folks can customize their bowls. You can even drizzle caramel sauce over the top or tuck in some shortbread or ginger cookies for dunking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple Cranberry Crisp stores surprisingly well. Simply cover the cooled crisp tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The topping may soften, but it will still taste fantastic—especially rewarmed.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, freeze the baked (and cooled) crisp in its dish. Wrap it well for freezer storage; it’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and it will taste as delicious as the day you made it.
Reheating
To recapture that fresh-baked texture, reheat your Apple Cranberry Crisp uncovered in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping is a little crunchy again. Individual servings can also be microwaved for a quick treat, though oven reheating gives the best results.
FAQs
Can I substitute other fruits in my Apple Cranberry Crisp?
Absolutely! Pears can stand in for half the apples without missing a beat. You can also experiment with berries or even stone fruits for a fun seasonal twist, though cranberries really give this crisp its signature tang.
Do I need to thaw frozen cranberries before using them?
Nope, toss frozen cranberries right into the bowl with the apple slices—no thawing needed. They’ll release their juices as they bake, creating that luscious, saucy filling we all love.
Is it possible to make Apple Cranberry Crisp gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the all-purpose flour in the topping for your favorite gluten-free blend, and be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. The results will still be every bit as comforting and delicious.
Can I prepare the crisp topping in advance?
Definitely. Prepare the topping and the fruit base separately up to a day ahead, refrigerate both, then assemble and bake fresh when you need dessert. This is a huge help during busy holiday prep!
What’s the best way to get a crisp topping?
Using very cold butter and not overworking the topping are key tips. Also, bake uncovered so moisture can evaporate, ensuring a golden, crumbly finish on your Apple Cranberry Crisp every single time.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll give this Apple Cranberry Crisp a whirl soon. It’s one of those blissful, no-fuss recipes that never fails to brighten the table—and the spirits of everyone enjoying it. Happy baking, and don’t forget to save me a spoonful!
Print
Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make Apple Cranberry Crisp that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with sweet apples, topped with a crispy oat mixture. Perfect for a cozy dessert, especially during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 4 medium)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter cut into cubes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix fruit: In a large bowl, mix apples, cranberries, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Prepare topping: Mix oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over fruit.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbly. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute pears for half the apples or add chopped pecans for extra crunch.
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
- If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 27 mg
