Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe

I can’t tell you how much joy this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe has brought to my kitchen! It’s one of those cozy desserts that instantly feels like a warm hug, especially when the weather starts to cool down. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples baked under a buttery, cinnamon-spiced oat topping is just irresistible—perfect to serve at holiday gatherings or a casual Sunday night dessert.

What I love most about this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe is how simple it is to pull together with everyday ingredients, yet it feels so special. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a fuss-free fall dessert, it delivers all those crunchy and juicy flavors that keep people coming back for seconds. You’ll find it’s surprisingly easy to make, and the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is absolutely unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work harmoniously to create that perfect balance of tartness, sweetness, and crumbly texture. When you shop, choose crisp apples and fresh cranberries if possible for maximum flavor, but frozen cranberries work just fine too.

• Apples: I recommend using a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for good texture that holds up during baking.
• Cranberries: Fresh offer a pop of tartness, but frozen are more convenient and still delicious.
• Granulated sugar: Helps to sweeten the tart fruit mixture without overpowering it.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats: Key for that classic crisp topping with a nice chewiness.
• All-purpose flour: Binds the topping, but you can swap for gluten-free flour if needed.
• Brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth, plus a little moisture to the topping.
• Unsalted butter: Melted for mixing, it gives the topping that rich, golden crunch.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings cozy spice notes that pair beautifully with apples and cranberries.
• Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch for subtle warmth and complexity.
• Salt: Enhances all the sweet and tart flavors in the fruit and topping.
• Vanilla ice cream (optional): A scoop on top is like the cherry on this crisp, making it extra indulgent.
• Whipped cream (optional): For a lighter creaminess, whipped cream works perfectly as well.

Variations

I love to mix things up with this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe based on the season or what I have on hand. Don’t be afraid to make it your own and tweak the flavors!

• Pear and apple combo: I once tried half pears and half apples for a juicier, slightly floral flavor—it was a hit with my family.
• Nut topping addition: Toasted pecans or walnuts mixed into the crisp topping add a wonderful crunch and nuttiness.
• Spice swaps: Try adding a pinch of ginger or allspice along with cinnamon and nutmeg for a festive twist.
• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats to make it safe for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Less sweet: If you’re watching sugar, reduce both granulated and brown sugars by a quarter cup without losing much flavor.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well—this helps the crisp slide out easily when serving and prevents sticking. I usually use a little butter or non-stick spray for this.

Step 2: Toss the Fruit

In a large bowl, combine your peeled, cored, and chopped apples with the cranberries and granulated sugar. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, so the sugar coats all the fruit. This step helps the fruit juices release and blend beautifully while baking, creating that luscious filling you want.

Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping

In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until crumbly and evenly combined. It should look like moist clumps but with plenty of loose crumbs. This mixture becomes that irresistible golden cover on top.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spread the fruit mixture in an even layer inside your prepared dish, then sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the fruit — cover every inch to get a nice crust. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and you can see the fruit bubbling around the sides. Keep an eye on it near the end to avoid burning the topping.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the crisp cool for at least 10 minutes. This resting time lets the juices thicken up so your serving isn’t runny. Then scoop it onto plates and, if you like, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the indulgence. Trust me, it’s well worth the extra step!

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of a classic scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting on top—that cold sweet creaminess perfectly balances the warm, tart fruit crisp. When I want something lighter, a swirl of freshly whipped cream works just as well. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts adds great texture and flavor.

Side Dishes

This crisp shines as a dessert but pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or mulled cider on the side. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside simple roasted turkey or pork for a cozy fall dinner, where it acts like a sweet, fruity “side” that’s both comforting and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For Thanksgiving or parties, I like to serve individual crisps in ramekins with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finishing touch. Layering the apple cranberry mixture with the topping on top in clear glass jars makes for cute grab-and-go treats that guests love to take home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the crisp cools completely, I cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days, which means you can enjoy warm, comforting dessert all week long.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing this crisp before baking—just assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake from frozen, simply add 10 to 15 extra minutes to baking time and keep an eye on that golden topping. This trick is perfect for prepping ahead when you’re hosting.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer oven warming at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes to keep the topping crisp instead of microwaving which can make it soggy. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works but add a minute or two; then let it sit so the heat spreads evenly without overcooking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe is one of those timeless treats that’ll become a staple in your recipe box, just as it did in mine. It’s that comfy, uncomplicated dessert you can count on to please a crowd or cozy up a quiet night. Give it a try—you might find yourself baking it more often than you expected. Trust me, once you taste that crisp topping paired with juicy, tangy fruit, it’s tough not to fall in love.

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