Cranberry Apple Crisp

Cranberry Apple Crisp is a cozy, sweet-tart dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of fall and winter. Juicy apples and tangy cranberries are baked under a buttery, cinnamon-spiced oat topping for a warm and comforting treat that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. It’s a perfect dessert for holiday dinners, potlucks, or a chilly evening at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal and festive flavor combination
• Sweet, tart, and warmly spiced
• Crisp, buttery topping with perfect crunch
• Quick to prepare and easy to bake
• Great with ice cream, whipped cream, or on its own

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Fruit Filling:

• Apples (like Granny Smith), peeled and sliced
• Fresh or frozen cranberries
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Lemon juice
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

For the Crisp Topping:

• Old-fashioned oats
• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Cold unsalted butter, cubed

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, cranberries, sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until fruit is well coated.
3. Transfer the fruit mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit.
6. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the fruit is bubbling.
7. Let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the topping
• Mix in pears or raspberries with the apples and cranberries
• Add ginger or cloves for a deeper spiced flavor
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free oats and flour
• Use plant-based butter for a vegan version

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual servings
• Freeze: Assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze baked crisp for up to 2 months

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, use them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.

What kind of apples work best?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of tart and sweet apples work well.

Should I peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but it’s optional.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready.

Is this crisp very sweet?

It’s well-balanced, but you can reduce sugar slightly if desired.

What can I serve with this?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel are all great toppings.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger baking dish and extend the baking time slightly.

How do I know when it’s done?

The topping should be golden and the fruit should be bubbling around the edges.

Can I use quick oats?

Old-fashioned oats are best, but quick oats can be used in a pinch.

Can I make individual servings?

Yes, divide into ramekins and reduce the baking time slightly.

Conclusion

Cranberry Apple Crisp is a festive, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s simple to prepare and bursting with seasonal flavor. With its balance of tart fruit and buttery crumble, it’s a delightful way to end any meal—especially when topped with a scoop of ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just craving something warm and sweet, this crisp is sure to hit the spot.

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