Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, then you’re about to fall in love with this Apple Cranberry Crisp. It’s a marvel of tender, juicy apples mingling with bright, tangy cranberries, all topped with a golden, buttery oat and pecan crumble that adds the perfect crunch. This Apple Cranberry Crisp is not only a delightful finish to any meal but also a warm hug on a chilly day—easy to make, stunning in flavor, and impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, coming together in a straightforward way to create layers of taste and texture. From the tart cranberries that brighten the dish to the oats and pecans providing a satisfyingly crisp topping, these essentials bring harmony to the Apple Cranberry Crisp.

• 4 cups peeled, sliced apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balance.
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries: Fresh is great, but frozen works perfectly—just don’t thaw them first to keep that vibrant punch.
• ¼ cup sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to the fruit filling.
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon: This warm spice enhances the apple’s natural sweetness and adds depth.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a delicate, nutty warmth that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
• ⅛ teaspoon salt: A pinch to balance and brighten the fruit flavors.
• ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened: Essential for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth topping texture.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour: Helps bind the crumble topping for the perfect crumbly consistency.
• ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds heartiness and a rustic crunch to the topping.
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar: Gives the topping a deep caramel flavor and moist texture.
• ½ cup sugar: Works alongside the brown sugar for balanced sweetness and crispness.
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans: Adds a wonderful nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and nutty notes in the topping.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish or a 10-inch cast iron skillet generously with butter or nonstick spray. This will ensure your Apple Cranberry Crisp doesn’t stick and makes for easy serving afterward.

Step 2: Combine the Fruit Filling

In your prepared dish, toss together the peeled and sliced apples with the fresh or frozen cranberries. Sprinkle in the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This combination creates the flavorful, juicy filling that bursts with autumn vibes once baked.

Step 3: Mix the Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, use your fingers or a fork to combine softened butter, flour, oats, brown sugar, sugar, chopped pecans, and salt. You want to work until the mixture looks lumpy and crumbly—that’s the magic streusel topping that adds texture and richness to the Apple Cranberry Crisp.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread this luscious crumb topping evenly over your fruit mixture, making sure every bite will have that classic crisp layer. Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the fruit is bubbling hot and the topping has turned a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 5: Let It Cool and Serve

After baking, allow the Apple Cranberry Crisp to cool for about 10 to 15 minutes. This resting time helps the juices thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve. Best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Crisp

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm crisp is simply divine, but you can also consider a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted cinnamon sugar for an extra-special finish that will wow your guests.

Side Dishes

This crisp pairs amazingly well with a hot cup of spiced cider or your favorite herbal tea. For brunch or breakfast, serve alongside creamy yogurt or a smear of mascarpone for a touch of indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist, try serving your Apple Cranberry Crisp in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. Layer the topping and filling beforehand, then bake and serve straight in those containers—it’s both rustic and elegant, perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Cranberry Crisp can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two. For longer storage, refrigerate it; it will keep well for up to 4 days and the flavors will meld beautifully.

Freezing

You can freeze the crisp either before baking or after it’s cooled. If freezing before baking, assemble the crisp, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, cool completely and freeze the crisp tightly wrapped to preserve freshness.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your Apple Cranberry Crisp in the oven at 325°F until heated through and the topping is crisp again, about 15-20 minutes. Microwaving works too, but you might lose some of the crisp texture, so oven reheating is the best choice.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Apple Cranberry Crisp?

Absolutely! Just remember not to thaw them before mixing; adding them frozen helps prevent the filling from becoming too watery and keeps that wonderful tartness intact.

What kinds of apples work best?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape during baking and complement the cranberries’ tartness nicely.

Can I make the topping nut-free?

Yes, simply omit the chopped pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds or extra oats to maintain crunch without nuts.

Is this dessert suitable for serving at a holiday meal?

Definitely! The warm spices and vibrant colors make Apple Cranberry Crisp a festive and crowd-pleasing choice for any special occasion.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

Use a dairy-free butter substitute and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. This swap will keep the crisp delicious and suitable for a vegan diet.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cranberry Crisp is a true crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of tart and sweet, and its delightful crunchy topping. Whether you’re warming up after a chilly day or looking for a simple yet impressive dessert, I encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s comforting, scrumptious, and bound to become one of your favorites too!

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