This Apple Cranberry Crisp is a warm, sweet treat that combines tender apples and tart cranberries under a crunchy topping. It’s simple and perfect for any occasion!
The best part? That crispy topping is so delicious, you might find yourself munching on it straight from the pan! I love to serve it with vanilla ice cream on top—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Go for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance. If these aren’t available, any baking apple will work well. I find the tartness really enhances the overall flavor!
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal, but frozen can do the trick too, just don’t thaw them first. They add a nice tart bite. If cranberries aren’t your thing, you could try using cherries or blueberries.
Sugar: Feel free to reduce the granulated sugar if you prefer less sweetness, especially if your apples are very sweet or if you’re using sweeter fruit. Coconut sugar or honey can also be a great alternative.
Butter: Unsalted butter is what I usually use, but you can substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch to the topping. If you have nut allergies, simply leave them out or use seeds like sunflower seeds instead.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Fruit Filling?
Preparing the fruit filling is key for achieving the right balance of flavors. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure to peel and slice the apples evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Mix the fruit gently in a bowl to avoid breaking the cranberries, which can release too much juice.
- If using cornstarch, add it in to help thicken the juices while baking. This keeps the filling from being too runny.
Letting the sugar sit on the fruit for just a few minutes helps draw out the natural juices, creating a nice syrupy filling!
Apple Cranberry Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 5 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 4 medium apples, preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on the tartness of the fruit)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening the fruit filling)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts), optional
For Serving (optional):
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Cranberry Crisp takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 45-50 minutes of baking time. So in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes before you can enjoy it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round baking dish or a similar-sized casserole dish. This will help prevent the crisp from sticking to the bottom.
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch if you’re using it. Toss everything together gently until the fruit is well-coated. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Make the Topping:
In another bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. If you like, stir in the chopped nuts for added crunch.
4. Assemble the Crisp:
Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the fruit mixture in the baking dish, making sure it covers everything well.
5. Bake the Crisp:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges—so delicious!
6. Cool and Serve:
Take the crisp out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm, and adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes it even better!
Enjoy your homemade Apple Cranberry Crisp—it’s perfect for cozy evenings or holiday gatherings!
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Crisp?
Absolutely! While apples and cranberries are a classic combination, feel free to substitute with other fruit like pears, peaches, or mixed berries. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and tartness may vary, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
Can I Make This Crisp Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or oven. You might want to add a little scoop of ice cream on top for a delightful treat!
Can I Prepare This Crisp in Advance?
Certainly! You can prepare the fruit filling and the topping separately in advance. Just store them in the fridge, and then assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve. It’s best to bake it fresh for optimal crispiness!