This Apple Cranberry Crisp is a warm, sweet, and tart dessert that combines juicy apples with tangy cranberries, all topped with a crunchy oat and cinnamon crumb. Yum!
It’s the perfect treat to enjoy after dinner. I love serving it with a scoop of ice cream—it melts into the warm crisp and makes it even better! 🍏🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith for their tartness, but Honeycrisp works well too! If you prefer a sweeter mix, try Fuji or Gala apples. Just make sure they’re firm for the best texture!
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a burst of tart flavor. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries are a good substitute. You can also use dried cranberries, but reduce sugar since they’re generally sweeter.
Sugars: Granulated sugar sweetens the fruit, while brown sugar adds depth. You can swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar or use less maple syrup if you prefer something more natural.
Cornstarch: This is great for thickening the filling, especially if the apples are juicier. You can leave it out if you’d like a more saucy filling, or substitute with arrowroot powder if you need a gluten-free option.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Crunchy Topping?
The crisp topping is what ties everything together, and you want it just right! Here are my tips for achieving that perfect crunch:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Make sure it’s well mixed for consistent flavor throughout.
- Incorporate Butter: Pour the melted butter over the mixture. Use a fork or your fingers to mix until crumbly, but don’t overdo it. You want some larger pieces for crunch!
- Even Distribution: When adding the topping, sprinkle it evenly across the fruit filling. This ensures every bite has that delicious crunch.
Let the crisp cool slightly before serving. The delicious aroma will fill your kitchen, and patience will give you a delightful dessert experience!
How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 4 large apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour for a delicious homemade Apple Cranberry Crisp that’s perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish or a pie plate with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the diced apples and cranberries. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch (if you’re using it). Toss everything gently until the fruit is well coated in the mixture. This helps to enhance the flavors!
3. Layer the Filling:
Transfer the fruity mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so that every bite gets a nice mix of apples and cranberries.
4. Prepare the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and give it a good stir until the mixture is crumbly and well combined. It should look a bit like wet sand with small clumps.
5. Assemble and Bake:
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit layer in the baking dish. This creates a lovely crunchy top as it bakes. Now, pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy it warm, and for an extra treat, top it off with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream!
Enjoy your homemade Apple Cranberry Crisp with its wonderful blend of tart and sweet flavors and that perfect crunchy topping! 🍏🍂
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Crisp?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match fruits. Pears, blueberries, or raspberries complement apples and cranberries beautifully. Just keep the balance of sweet and tart in mind when choosing your fruits.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a little splash of water or juice can help prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Crisp Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure the oats are certified gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious dessert!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Apple Cranberry Crisp?
For the ultimate experience, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warmth of the crisp pairs perfectly with the cold ice cream, creating a delightful contrast!