This Apple Cranberry Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that’s hard to resist. Sweet apples mix with tart cranberries, topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble. Yum!
When I make this, my home smells like fall! I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s like a hug in a bowl! 🍏🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples are perfect for this recipe, as they provide the right tartness. If you can’t find them, Braeburn or Honeycrisp work well too. For a sweeter touch, you can mix in some Fuji apples!
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a bright tart flavor. If fresh ones aren’t available, frozen cranberries are a suitable alternative. Just use them straight from the freezer without thawing!
Granulated Sugar: White sugar sweetens the fruit filling, but you can use maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetener. Just remember to reduce the liquid slightly if using these substitutes.
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for control over the saltiness of the dish. You can substitute it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but it will slightly alter the flavor.
Oats: Old-fashioned rolled oats provide a nice texture. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but be aware they’ll create a softer topping. If you’re gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats!
How Do I Achieve a Perfectly Crunchy Topping?
Creating that ideal crunchy topping for your Apple Cranberry Crisp is simple and key to the dish’s success! Follow these steps:
- Make sure your butter is very cold. This helps create chunks in the crumble that will bake up crispy.
- When incorporating the butter into the dry ingredients, do it gently. You want small pea-sized pieces of butter in the mixture.
- Don’t skip the baking time; the longer it bakes, the more golden and crunchy it will get. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
Letting the crisp cool slightly after baking allows it to set up. Enjoy your warm dessert! 🍏
How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 5 cups tart apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 4 medium apples)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken fruit filling)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/4 tsp salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delectable Apple Cranberry Crisp will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 45 to 50 minutes to bake, making a total of about 1 hour. Allow it to cool for a bit before serving, and don’t forget to enjoy it warm!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when your crisp is ready to bake!
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, cinnamon, nutmeg (if you’re using it), and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the fruit is well coated. Once ready, pour the fruit mixture into a greased 9-inch round baking dish or a casserole dish.
3. Make the Crumble Topping:
In another bowl, mix the oats, 3/4 cup flour, brown sugar, and salt until well combined. Next, take the cold butter pieces and cut them into this mixture using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers until you see coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits. This step is important for that perfect crisp topping!
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top of the apple and cranberry filling. Make sure it’s well-covered for that delightful crunch.
5. Bake the Crisp:
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping turns golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. This waiting part is tough, but it makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your Apple Cranberry Crisp warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top!
Indulge in this warm and comforting dessert that perfectly balances sweet apples with tart cranberries beneath a crunchy topping. Enjoy! 🍏🍒
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for this recipe, you can mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added sweetness. Just keep the balance in mind!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Apple Cranberry Crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave it for a quick option.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend in both the fruit filling and the crumble topping. Just make sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
How Can I Make It Sweeter or Less Sweet?
If you prefer a sweeter crisp, feel free to increase the sugar by a few tablespoons. For a less sweet option, reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup instead. Adjust the other liquid ingredients accordingly!