Name: Apple Cranberry Crisp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 6 medium Apples (about 6-7 medium apples); 2 cups Cranberries (fresh cranberries, frozen will work, do not thaw); ½ cup Brown Sugar; ½ cup Sugar (1/4 c more for less tart cranberries); 1 unit Orange Zest (zest of 1 orange); 1 tablespoon Corn Starch; 1 tablespoon Orange Juice (freshly squeezed); 1½ teaspoons Cinnamon; ½ teaspoon Nutmeg; 1 cup Oats (for topping); ¾ cup Flour; 1 teaspoon Cinnamon; ⅔ cup Brown Sugar; ½ teaspoon Vanilla; ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt; ½ cup Butter (melted)

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The Apple Cranberry Crisp is one of those warm, comforting desserts that always brings back fond memories for me. I still remember the first time I tried this treat at a family gathering in the crisp autumn air. The sweet smell of baked apples mingled with that slight tartness from the cranberries filled the kitchen, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before it even hit the table. Every bite was a celebration of fall, with the juicy fruit nestled beneath a crunchy, crumbly topping. Now, I make it for my own family, and it’s a tradition that I hope continues for generations.

There’s something so satisfying about creating a dish that brings everyone together. The Apple Cranberry Crisp does just that, transforming simple ingredients into a delightful dessert that feels like home. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something cozy to share with loved ones. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this crisp is a delightful indulgence that captures the essence of the season.

As I whip up this recipe, I always think about how versatile it is, allowing you to tweak it to your liking. Maybe you want to add a sprinkle of nuts for crunch or adjust the sugar to balance the tartness of the cranberries. The Apple Cranberry Crisp is forgiving and allows for creativity while still delivering that comforting flavor. So come join me in making this delicious dessert, and let’s create new memories together!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
55 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
40 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
280 kcal

Protein:
2 g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
12 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Wooden Spoon

Why This Apple Cranberry Crisp Works

Why I Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to adore the Apple Cranberry Crisp, and here are some of my favorites:

1. A Perfect Balance of Flavors

The combination of sweet apples and tart cranberries creates a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible. It’s this balance that keeps each bite exciting and satisfying.

2. Easy to Make

This dessert is incredibly straightforward to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a great way to get the kids involved in the kitchen as well!

3. Versatile Ingredient Options

You can easily adapt the Apple Cranberry Crisp based on what you have on hand. Want to throw in some pears? Go for it! Need to use up some leftover berries? They’ll fit right in too!

4. Great for Any Occasion

Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner, a cozy family gathering, or just a regular weeknight, this crisp is always a welcome addition to the table. It fits perfectly into any season, but the fall flavors make it extra special.

5. Gluten-Free and Vegan-Friendly Options

If you’re catering to dietary preferences, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free or vegan without sacrificing flavor. It’s a dessert that everyone can enjoy.

Everything You Need for Apple Cranberry Crisp

The ingredients for the Apple Cranberry Crisp are a delightful mixture of sweet and tart, capturing the essence of fall with every bite. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The key players here are the crisp apples and tart cranberries, complemented by warm spices and a buttery topping that brings everything together beautifully.

6 medium apples: About six to seven medium apples provide a sweet and satisfying base for this dessert. I love using a mix of varieties, like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness.
2 cups fresh cranberries: These little gems add that tart punch that perfectly contrasts with the sweetness of the apples. Frozen cranberries are also a great option if fresh ones aren’t available.
½ cup brown sugar: Brown sugar adds depth of flavor and a slight caramel note that enhances the overall taste of the crisp.
½ cup sugar: This balances the tartness of the cranberries. Adjusting the amount based on your taste preferences is easy.
Zest of 1 orange: The orange zest adds a bright, refreshing quality that elevates the dish and complements the apple and cranberry flavors.
1 tablespoon corn starch: This helps thicken the filling and gives it a nice, cohesive texture.
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice: A splash of orange juice enhances the flavor and brings a lovely brightness to the filling.
1½ teaspoons cinnamon: This warm spice is essential for that classic fall flavor; it adds a comforting aroma as it bakes.
½ teaspoon nutmeg: Just a hint of nutmeg rounds out the spices beautifully, adding a warm, earthy note.
1 cup oats: Adding oats to the crisp topping gives it a wonderful texture and chewiness that contrasts with the tender fruit.
¾ cup flour: The flour helps bind the topping together, creating that desired crumbly texture.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: A second dose of cinnamon in the topping ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
⅔ cup brown sugar: This additional brown sugar in the topping creates a delicious caramelized crust.
½ teaspoon vanilla: A touch of vanilla enhances the flavors and adds warmth.
¼ teaspoon sea salt: This balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
½ cup butter, melted: The melted butter ensures a rich, crispy topping that gets golden and delicious.

Step by Step Instructions for Apple Cranberry Crisp

Making the Apple Cranberry Crisp is a fun and rewarding experience. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, comforting dessert that everyone will love. Let’s get started!

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Preheating is important because it allows the crisp to cook evenly from the start. You want that beautiful golden top, and starting with a hot oven is key.
In a medium bowl, stir together the ingredients for the apple cranberry filling. Combine the apples, cranberries, brown sugar, sugar, orange zest, corn starch, orange juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is well mixed to ensure even flavor distribution.
Pour the filling into a well-greased 9×13 inch or large casserole dish. It’s essential to grease the dish properly so that nothing sticks and the crisp comes out easily.
Set the filling aside while you prepare the crisp topping. In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, cinnamon, sea salt, brown sugar, and vanilla. Stir until mixed thoroughly.
Pour the melted butter over the top of the dry ingredients. This is where the magic happens—mix until everything is evenly coated and crumbly. You want a nice texture that will bake up beautifully.
Now, sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit layer. Make sure to cover the filling entirely so every bite has that delicious crispiness.
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the topping to be golden brown and the fruit bubbling underneath.
Once it’s done, remove the crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes. This waiting period helps the filling set up a bit more, making it easier to serve.
Serve the Apple Cranberry Crisp warm, topped with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra touch. Enjoy every bite!

Things Worth Knowing

Use fresh ingredients: Always opt for fresh apples and cranberries to get the best flavor in your crisp.
Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the crisp rest after removing it from the oven allows the flavors to meld and makes for easier serving.
Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add nuts or different spices in the topping to customize it to your taste.
Adjust sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can increase or decrease the sugar in the filling.

How to Switch It Up

The Apple Cranberry Crisp is wonderfully versatile! Here are some creative ways to switch it up:

Add nuts: Consider mixing in some chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for added texture and flavor.
Mix different fruits: Along with apples and cranberries, try adding sliced pears or blueberries for a unique twist.
Spice variations: Experiment with spices like ginger or cardamom to give it a different aromatic profile.
Reduce sugar levels: If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider cutting down on the sugar or using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Vegan option: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free adjustments: Use certified gluten-free oats and flour for a gluten-free version without sacrificing taste.
All about the topping: Try adding coconut flakes or chocolate chips to the topping for a different flavor profile that ups the indulgence factor.

Serving Options for Apple Cranberry Crisp

When it comes to serving the Apple Cranberry Crisp, the possibilities are endless. Here are some delightful ideas:

Warm with Ice Cream: Serve the crisp warm straight from the oven with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. It’s the quintessential combination!
Garnish with Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch that complements the rich flavors of the crisp.
Pair with a Fall Salad: Enjoy this dessert alongside a light fall salad with mixed greens, nuts, and a tangy vinaigrette for a refreshing balance.
Perfect for Gatherings: This crisp makes a fantastic centerpiece for holiday dinners or family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a warm slice.
Breakfast Treat: Reheat a slice for breakfast with a side of yogurt for a delicious way to start the day.
Seasonal Enjoyment: While it’s great in fall, you can also serve it in winter with a sprinkle of nutmeg for a festive touch.
Store for Later: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It reheats well in the oven.

FAQ

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries for the Apple Cranberry Crisp. Just remember not to thaw them before using, as they will maintain their shape better during baking. The tartness of the frozen cranberries works wonderfully with the sweet apples, and it makes the recipe even more convenient!

To store leftovers of the Apple Cranberry Crisp, allow it to cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.

Absolutely! You can easily make the Apple Cranberry Crisp vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative. There are many great vegan butters available that work perfectly in this recipe. You can also top it with vegan whipped cream or ice cream for a delicious plant-based dessert!

The Apple Cranberry Crisp is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. It’s delightful served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but you can also serve it with whipped cream or yogurt. For a refreshing contrast, pair it with a light salad or enjoy it as part of a cozy breakfast with some yogurt on the side.

Conclusion

The Apple Cranberry Crisp is a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, topped with a crunchy, buttery topping that is sure to please. This comforting dessert is not just a recipe; it’s a cherished tradition that brings warmth to the kitchen and smiles to faces. I encourage you to give this crisp a try and share it with your loved ones. It’s a dish that promises to create lasting memories and joyous moments around the table.