When the crisp autumn air sets in and the days grow shorter, there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a warm, comforting dessert like apple cranberry crisp. This delightful dish combines the sweet tartness of apples with the bright, tangy flavor of cranberries, all topped with a buttery oat streusel that turns golden and crispy in the oven. For more tips on making the perfect crisp, check out King Arthur Baking’s guide to crisps and crumbles.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best way to make apple cranberry crisp, share tips and tricks for getting it just right, and offer some variations for dietary preferences. Before we dive in, feel free to explore more seasonal inspiration from The Spruce Eats’ fall dessert recipes, which offer a range of sweet treats perfect for autumn.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Cranberry Crisp
To get started, let’s gather the essential ingredients. The beauty of this apple cranberry crisp recipe lies in its simplicity, making it accessible for any level of home cook.
Fruit Filling:
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of both)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (helps thicken the fruit filling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
Optional Additions:
- A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch
- A splash of vanilla extract for warmth
- Zest of one orange for a citrusy twist
How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move into the steps to prepare your apple cranberry crisp.
1. Prepare the Fruit Filling
- Peel and slice the apples: Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples to balance out the flavors. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work particularly well in this recipe.
- Toss with cranberries: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with fresh or frozen cranberries. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gently toss the mixture until the fruit is evenly coated.
Tip: If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw them. The added moisture will help create a juicier filling.
2. Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut the cold butter into the mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until it forms coarse crumbs. This will ensure a crispy and golden topping.
3. Assemble the Crisp
Spread the apple and cranberry mixture evenly in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the oat topping over the fruit, making sure to cover the filling completely.
Bake and Serve
4. Baking Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling underneath. Allow the crisp to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
5. Serving Suggestions
Apple cranberry crisp is best served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the hot, tart filling and the cold cream is simply divine. For a more indulgent touch, drizzle some caramel sauce on top.
For more ideas on adapting this dish to gluten-free or healthier options, check out our comprehensive guide on gluten-free desserts.
Tips for Making the Perfect Apple Cranberry Crisp
Achieving the ideal balance of flavors and textures can make all the difference in your apple cranberry crisp. Here are some tips to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly every time.
- Choosing the Right Apples: For a balanced flavor, use a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp. The tartness from the apples complements the tangy cranberries.
- Cold Butter for a Crispy Topping: Be sure to use cold butter when making the topping. This helps create a light, crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft fruit filling.
- Thickening the Fruit: If you find that your fruit filling is too watery, toss the apples and cranberries with a tablespoon of cornstarch in addition to the flour. This will help absorb excess moisture.
Creative Variations of Apple Cranberry Crisp
One of the great things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily modify the recipe to suit various dietary preferences or flavor profiles. Here are some ideas to try:
1. Gluten-Free Apple Cranberry Crisp
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The flavor and texture will remain just as delicious.
2. Vegan Apple Cranberry Crisp
For a vegan version, replace the butter in the topping with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine. The result is still a crispy, golden topping without any animal products.
3. Low-Sugar Option
If you’re trying to cut back on sugar, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the fruit filling or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey. Keep in mind that cranberries are quite tart, so you may need a little extra sweetness to balance the flavors.
4. Nutty Cranberry Crisp
For a crunchy twist, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the crisp topping. The nuts provide a rich, buttery flavor that complements the tartness of the cranberries.
For more gluten-free and vegan dessert ideas, check out our post on flourless peanut butter cookies for inspiration.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing in the Fridge
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store the apple cranberry crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the crisp is fully cooled before covering it to prevent sogginess.
Freezing Apple Cranberry Crisp
You can also freeze the crisp for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the baked crisp cool completely, then wrap the entire dish in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Reheating Tips
For best results, reheat your crisp in the oven rather than the microwave. This helps restore the crispiness of the topping. If you’re in a rush, the microwave will work, but the topping may become a bit softer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries in this recipe, but you’ll need to rehydrate them first by soaking them in water or orange juice for about 15 minutes.
Can I prepare apple cranberry crisp ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the crisp, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for entertaining.
What kind of apples work best in apple cranberry crisp?
Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for this recipe, but you can mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for more complexity.
Why is my crisp topping soggy?
If your topping is soggy, it’s likely because it wasn’t baked long enough. Make sure to bake the crisp until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling.
Final Thoughts on Apple Cranberry Crisp
Apple cranberry crisp is a deliciously tart and sweet dessert that’s perfect for fall and winter. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just craving a cozy dessert, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of juicy apples, tangy cranberries, and a buttery oat topping makes this crisp a crowd-pleaser every time.
If you’re looking for more ideas on comforting desserts, don’t forget to explore our simple gluten-free desserts that are perfect for any occasion.