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Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 146 reviews

Apple Cranberry Crisp is a seasonal dessert that combines tart cranberries and sweet, firm apples under a golden, buttery oat topping. Baked until bubbly and crisp, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for cozy family gatherings or festive occasions, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit Filling:

  • 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced into ¼-inch wedges
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt

Oat Topping:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even heating for baking.
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a deep 10-inch pie dish with butter or non-stick spray and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Filling: Peel, core, and slice 6 medium apples into ¼-inch thick wedges. Place them in a large mixing bowl along with 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen). Add ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Gently toss until all fruit is evenly coated and adjust sweetness if needed by tasting.
  4. Transfer Filling: Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly in a single layer.
  5. Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, ¾ cup packed brown sugar, ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
  6. Incorporate Butter: Add ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed) to the oat mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized clumps.
  7. Add Vanilla: Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to enhance the topping’s flavor.
  8. Top the Filling: Evenly sprinkle the oat mixture over the fruit filling without pressing down to keep the topping light and crumbly.
  9. Bake: Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly around the edges. If the topping browns too fast, cover loosely with aluminum foil after 30 minutes.
  10. Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let the crisp rest for 15–20 minutes to allow the filling to set for easier serving.
  11. Serve: Enjoy warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or Greek yogurt.

Notes

  • Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balance and maintaining shape.
  • Frozen cranberries can be used without thawing.
  • Cold butter is critical for a flaky, crunchy topping.
  • Adjust sugar in the filling based on fruit tartness and personal preference.
  • Do not overmix the topping to avoid toughness—stop once crumbly.
  • Use a glass or ceramic baking dish for even heat distribution.
  • Allow crisp to cool before serving to avoid a runny texture.
  • Substitute gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version; ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
  • For a vegan option, replace butter with cold coconut oil or vegan butter and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
  • Customization ideas include adding nuts, extra fruits like pears or blueberries, or warming spices such as cardamom or ginger.

Keywords: Apple Cranberry Crisp, Apple Crisp, Cranberry Dessert, Autumn Dessert, Crisp Topping, Fall Recipes, Easy Dessert, Baked Fruit Dessert

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/apple-cranberry-crisp-recipe/