Name: Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ⅔ cup all purpose flour; ⅔ cup old fashioned oats; ⅓ cup light brown sugar; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); 5 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples; 2 scant cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen keep them frozen); 3 tablespoons apple cider, apple juice, or orange juice; ½ cup granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons all purpose flour (increase to 1/4 cup if using frozen cranberries); ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Vanilla ice cream

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If you’re dreaming of a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart, cozy textures, and that unforgettable homemade charm, you’ll fall head over heels for this Apple Cranberry Crisp. This delightful dish combines crisp, tender apples with vibrant cranberries nestled under a buttery, oat-filled crumb topping. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor and warmth, making it the ultimate comfort dessert to enjoy any time of year, but especially when you want to bring a little warmth and joy to the table.

Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Apple Cranberry Crisp lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s the tartness from the cranberries, the tender sweetness of the apples, or the crispy, buttery oat topping that makes every bite unforgettable.

All purpose flour (⅔ cup + 3 tablespoons): Provides structure and helps thicken the fruit filling while giving the topping a satisfying crumb.
Old fashioned oats (⅔ cup): Adds rustic texture and wholesome flavor to the crisp topping.
Light brown sugar (⅓ cup): Brings warmth and caramel notes that balance the tart cranberries.
Granulated sugar (⅓ cup + ½ cup): Sweetens both the topping and the fruit filling for perfect harmony.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, making each note pop.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon + ¾ teaspoon): Sprinkles cozy spice throughout the dish, adding depth and aroma.
Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Binds the topping ingredients and gives richness and that irresistible golden crust.
Apples (5 cups, peeled and thinly sliced): The star of the show, tender and slightly sweet, ready to soak up all the spices.
Fresh or frozen cranberries (2 scant cups): Add a lively tartness and beautiful color contrast.
Apple cider, apple juice, or orange juice (3 tablespoons): Brings moisture and subtle fruity notes to meld the filling.
Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, sweet background flavor that ties everything together.
Vanilla ice cream (for serving): The perfect creamy partner to top this warm, comforting crisp.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9 ½ inch deep dish pie plate or a 9×9 square baking dish. Having the right dish ready ensures your crisp cooks evenly and the topping crisps beautifully, setting the stage for a perfect bake.

Step 2: Make the Topping

Mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Then, pour in the melted butter and stir until everything is well combined. This blend of dry and butter creates the crumbly, golden topping that we all adore. Place your topping in the refrigerator while you prepare the fruit filling to keep it firm and ready for crumbling.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, gently combine your sliced apples, fresh or frozen cranberries, juice (whether apple cider, apple juice, or orange juice), sugars, flour, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. The flour helps thicken the juices released during baking, while the juice adds moisture and subtle fruitiness. Carefully stir until every piece of fruit is evenly coated with the sweet-spiced mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Apple Cranberry Crisp

Pour the luscious fruit mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, use your fingers to crumble the chilled topping over the fruit. Don’t just sprinkle it—press some parts gently to create satisfying clusters of crisp topping that add wonderful texture contrasts once baked.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish loosely with a piece of foil sprayed with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Bake for 20 minutes to get the fruit juices bubbling and soften the apples. Remove the foil and continue baking for 25 to 35 minutes until the topping is a gorgeous golden brown and the fruit is tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are soft but still hold their shape, and the edges bubble enticingly. Allow the crisp to cool for about 15 minutes on a wire rack—the juices thicken as it cools, making serving easier and the flavors even better.

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Crisp

Garnishes

Serving Apple Cranberry Crisp warm is an absolute must, but adding a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level. The ice cream slowly melts over the hot fruit, creating little pools of sweet creaminess that complement the tart cranberries perfectly. If you want to get extra fancy, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a pinch of cinnamon on top gives a lovely crunch and an aromatic finish.

Side Dishes

This crisp shines as a standalone dessert, but it also pairs beautifully with a cozy cup of hot tea or fresh brewed coffee for a late afternoon treat. If you’re offering it as part of a meal, light and fresh dishes like a crisp green salad or roasted chicken complement the richness of the crisp without overwhelming the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Dreaming of a showstopper presentation? Serve Apple Cranberry Crisp in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch during gatherings. You can also try layering the crisp as a parfait with whipped cream or Greek yogurt for a delightful twist on this classic. For festive occasions, finishing with a drizzle of caramel sauce adds decadence and makes your dessert look utterly irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Apple Cranberry Crisp keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap to preserve its freshness. Reheating brings back all the cozy flavors as if it was just made.

Freezing

You can freeze the crisp either before or after baking. To freeze unbaked, assemble the crisp in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and foil, cover with fresh foil, and bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed. If freezing after baking, allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly and freezing for the same length of time.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover Apple Cranberry Crisp in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method ensures the topping stays crisp and the filling bubbly. Avoid the microwave if you can—using the oven preserves all those delicious textures that make the crisp magical.

FAQs

Can I use canned cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Canned cranberries aren’t ideal for this recipe because they tend to be too soft and watery, which can affect the texture of the filling. Fresh or frozen cranberries give the best tart burst and hold up beautifully when baked.

What type of apples work best for Apple Cranberry Crisp?

Tart-yet-sweet apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are perfect. They hold their shape well during baking and balance the tartness of the cranberries for a harmonious flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free oats. The results are just as delicious and safe for those avoiding gluten.

Is it okay to use frozen cranberries without thawing?

Yes! Using frozen cranberries straight from the freezer helps prevent the filling from becoming too watery. Just remember to increase the flour in the filling to ¼ cup for better thickening.

How do I get the topping extra crispy?

Make sure to chill the topping mixture before crumbling it over the fruit and avoid stirring the topping after adding butter. This keeps the butter cold and helps create those wonderful clumps that crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a homemade Apple Cranberry Crisp that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and welcomes everyone to the table. Whether you want a comforting solo dessert or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this crisp delivers joy with every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own — it’s truly a little slice of fall magic any time you crave it.

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Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 26 reviews

Author: Julian
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A warm and comforting Apple Cranberry Crisp recipe featuring a tender apple and tart cranberry filling topped with a buttery, golden oat crumble. Perfect for fall and winter desserts, this crisp is easy to make and delicious served with vanilla ice cream.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9½ inch deep dish pie plate or a 9×9 inch square baking dish and set it aside.
Make the Topping: In a bowl, combine ⅔ cup flour, ⅔ cup old fashioned oats, ⅓ cup light brown sugar, ⅓ cup granulated sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Add the melted ½ cup unsalted butter and stir until the mixture is well combined. Place the topping mixture in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and thinly sliced 5 cups apples, 2 scant cups fresh or frozen cranberries, 3 tablespoons apple cider (or apple juice/orange juice), ½ cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons flour (increase to ¼ cup if using frozen cranberries), ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Stir gently until everything is evenly mixed.
Assemble the Crisp: Pour the filling mixture along with any juices into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer. Remove the topping from the refrigerator. Using your fingers, crumble the topping mixture evenly over the fruit filling, pressing some parts together to form clumps for added texture.
Bake Covered: Spray a piece of foil with nonstick spray and cover the baking dish with it. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 25-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown, apples are tender, and juices are bubbling around the edges. You can test the softness of the apples by inserting a thin sharp knife.
Cool and Serve: Let the crisp cool on a wire rack for about 15 minutes to allow the juices to thicken. Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience.

Notes

If using frozen cranberries, increase the flour in the filling to 1/4 cup to help absorb extra moisture.
The apples should be thinly sliced to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
Make sure the butter is melted but not hot when mixing with the topping ingredients.
Covering with foil during initial baking helps steam the fruit so it cooks thoroughly.
Serve the crisp warm for best flavor and texture, ideally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American