This Apple Cranberry Crisp is a warm and cozy dessert that’s a perfect mix of sweet apples and tart cranberries. It has a crunchy topping that’s simply delightful!
Making this dish makes your kitchen smell amazing—trust me, it’s hard to resist sneaking bites of that topping! I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp brings sweetness and crunch. Feel free to mix different varieties for added flavor and texture!
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for that tart kick. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries work too—just thaw and drain them first!
Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the tartness. If you’re looking for a lower-calorie option, try using a sugar substitute or coconut sugar instead.
Butter: I love using unsalted butter for better control of the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter works great!
How Do You Get That Crisp Topping Just Right?
The topping is key to a great Apple Cranberry Crisp! It should be crumbly and golden. Here’s how to ensure it turns out perfectly:
- Keep the butter cold. This creates those nice, crispy bits when baked.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t over-mix it!
- Spread the topping evenly over the fruit, but don’t pack it down. This keeps it light and crispy.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delightful crisp to enjoy!
How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Apple Cranberry Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for 10 minutes before digging in. So, in total, set aside about an hour for preparation and baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish or any baking dish you have on hand. This will help prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Fruit Filling:
In a large bowl, combine your sliced apples and fresh cranberries. Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and the optional cornstarch. Toss everything gently until the fruit is well coated and mixed to your liking.
3. Assemble the Fruit Layer:
Transfer your fruit mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite will have that delicious fruit filling.
4. Create the Crisp Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together well. Next, add the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers, mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
5. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the fruit layer. Make sure to cover as much of the fruit as possible for that heavenly crunch!
6. Bake It:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’re looking for the topping to turn a lovely golden brown and for the fruit filling to be bubbly. It should smell amazing!
7. Cool It Down:
Once done, remove the apple cranberry crisp from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to set a bit, making it easier to serve.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm Apple Cranberry Crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if you please. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Happy baking! Enjoy your delightful Apple Cranberry Crisp!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before use to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
What Can I Use Instead of Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour or use arrowroot powder for a gluten-free option. Both will help thicken the fruit filling!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the fruit filling and crisp topping separately and store them in the fridge for up to a day. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve!