I’ve been making apple cranberry crisp for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. The recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dessert or a special occasion.
The combination of tender apples and sweet cranberries topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble is a match made in heaven. I love that this recipe is a great way to use up seasonal fruits and can be adapted to suit any taste.
My kids love helping me in the kitchen, measuring out the ingredients and mixing the batter. It’s a great way to spend quality time together and create memories that will last a lifetime.
I’ve experimented with different types of sugar, spices, and even adding nuts or seeds to the crumble topping, but the classic recipe remains one of our favorites. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time and store in the fridge or freezer for up to 3 days, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Apple Cranberry Crisp
4.5 from 1984 votes
A warm and comforting dessert featuring tender apples and tart cranberries topped with a buttery oat crumble. This crisp is perfect for fall gatherings and pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
4 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crisp Topping
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
👨🍳Directions
1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
3In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
4Stir until the fruit is evenly coated, then spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
5In a separate medium bowl, mix together the rolled oats, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
6Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
7Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit filling, covering it completely.
8Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges.
9Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes.
10Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free oats. If using frozen cranberries, there is no need to thaw them first.
Watch Video Of How Apple Cranberry Crisp Works
This apple cranberry crisp recipe is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too!
It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick dessert solution for your family.
The leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cranberry Crisp
What type of apples should I use for this recipe?
I recommend using a mix of Granny Smith and Gala apples for the best flavor and texture. The tartness of the Granny Smith apples balances out the sweetness of the Gala apples, creating a delicious contrast of flavors.
Can I make this recipe without brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with white granulated sugar if needed. However, keep in mind that it will affect the flavor profile slightly. If you do decide to use white sugar, you might want to add a pinch of salt to balance out the flavors.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is relatively quick to prepare, taking about 20-25 minutes to get everything ready for baking. You can even make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake it.
Can I add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries! Just keep in mind that they might release more juice during baking, so you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the filling accordingly.
What’s the best way to serve this crisp?
You can serve this crisp warm from the oven with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired. Alternatively, you can also serve it at room temperature as a snack or dessert.
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