Apple Cranberry Crisp

This apple cranberry crisp is a warm, comforting dessert featuring tender apples, tart cranberries, and a crisp, buttery oat topping. With its balanced sweetness and subtle acidity, it is an elegant yet simple dish suitable for holidays or everyday baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of apples and cranberries creates a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavours. The topping provides a pleasant contrast with its golden, crumbly texture. This recipe is straightforward, reliable, and adaptable, making it a timeless dessert. It pairs beautifully with cream or ice cream and is ideal for preparing ahead of time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

apples, peeled and sliced
fresh or frozen cranberries
granulated sugar
brown sugar
lemon juice
ground cinnamon
ground nutmeg
all-purpose flour
old-fashioned oats
unsalted butter
salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until the fruit is evenly coated.

3. Transfer the fruit mixture to a baking dish.

4. In a separate bowl, mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt.

5. Add cold, cubed butter to the dry topping ingredients and work it in with your fingertips until the mixture becomes crumbly.

6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit.

7. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.

8. Allow the crisp to cool briefly before serving.

Servings and Timing

Serves 6–8 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40–50 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour

Variations

– Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
– Substitute pears for some of the apples.
– Incorporate a splash of orange juice to complement the cranberries.
– Use gluten-free oats and flour for a gluten-free version.
– Add a small amount of ginger for a spicier flavour profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheat in a low oven at 150°C (300°F) until warmed through.
Individual portions may also be reheated briefly in the microwave, though the topping will remain crisper when reheated in the oven.
The unbaked crisp may be assembled in advance and refrigerated for 24 hours before baking.

FAQs

Can I use only apples without cranberries?

Yes, though the cranberries add pleasant acidity. You may replace them with extra apples.

Can I use dried cranberries?

Dried cranberries may be used, but reduce the sugar slightly to accommodate their sweetness.

Which apple varieties work best?

Firm, tart apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn hold their shape well during baking.

Can I freeze the crisp?

Yes. Freeze before baking for best results, then bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

Why is my topping not crisp?

Excess butter or insufficient baking time can affect texture. Bake until golden and firm.

Should I cover the crisp while baking?

Covering is unnecessary unless the topping browns too quickly; in that case, cover loosely with foil.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes. Reduce both sugars by up to one third without compromising structure.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a plant-based butter alternative in place of traditional butter.

Can I add spices beyond cinnamon and nutmeg?

Cloves, ginger, or allspice may be used sparingly for deeper warmth.

What should I serve with apple cranberry crisp?

It pairs well with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or custard.

Conclusion

This apple cranberry crisp is a refined yet comforting dessert that highlights the best characteristics of seasonal fruit. Its tender filling and crisp topping create a delightful contrast, making it suitable for gatherings, celebrations, or simple evenings at home. Straightforward preparation and versatile ingredients ensure dependable results with every bake.

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