Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe

The Apple Cranberry Crisp is a delightful celebration of fall flavors, combining the natural sweetness of honey crisp apples with the tart brightness of cranberries. This comforting dessert features a warm, spiced filling beneath a buttery, crunchy oat topping that’s irresistible from the very first bite. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, this Apple Cranberry Crisp brings together textures and tastes that feel like a cozy hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create the perfect harmony of sweet, tart, and warmly spiced flavors. Each item has its role: fresh fruit for juiciness, spices for warmth, and buttery oats for that signature crisp texture.

• 7 cups honey crisp apples (sliced): These apples bring a sweet-tart crunch that holds up beautifully when baked.
• 3 cups cranberries (frozen): Cranberries add a bright, tangy contrast that cuts through the sweetness.
• 1 cup brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes and helps caramelize the fruit filling.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness with a clean sugar profile.
• 1 juice & zest of 1 orange: Infuses citrus aroma and brightness to enhance the fruits.
• 4 tbsp corn starch: Thickens the fruit filling to the perfect consistency.
• 1 tsp cinnamon: Provides warm, earthy spice that complements the fruit flavors.
• ¼ tsp ginger: Adds a subtle, zesty kick.
• ¼ tsp cardamom: Introduces a fragrant, floral undertone.
• ⅛ tsp ground cloves: Gives depth and a touch of warmth.
• ⅛ tsp nutmeg: Brings a cozy, nutty spice.
• ⅛ tsp allspice: Combines hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for complexity.
• 1 tsp kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 1 tsp vanilla: Adds a comforting, sweet aroma that rounds out the spices.
• 4 oz unsalted butter (room temp): Brings richness and helps create the buttery crisp topping.
• ¾ cups oats: For a hearty, crunchy texture on top.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crisp topping slightly, providing a nice caramelization.
• ½ cup brown sugar: Adds chewiness and depth to the topping.
• ½ tsp cinnamon: A hint of warm spice in the topping.
• ¼ tsp nutmeg: Complements the spices in the filling with an extra cozy note.
• ⅛ tsp kosher salt (Diamond Crystal brand): Enhances flavor contrast in the topping.
• ½ cup flour (all purpose or GF): Binds the topping ingredients, providing structure.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Cranberry Mix

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced honey crisp apples, frozen cranberries, brown sugar, granulated sugar, orange juice and zest, corn starch, and the blend of warm spices including cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, kosher salt, and vanilla. Toss everything together gently until the fruit is evenly coated with the spices and sugars. This mixture is the foundation of your Apple Cranberry Crisp’s flavor, and making sure it’s well combined ensures every bite bursts with that sweet-tart goodness.

Step 2: Assemble the Fruit Filling

Pour the apple cranberry mixture into a deep dish pie pan or a similarly sized baking dish. Distributing it evenly helps it cook consistently and creates the perfect base under that gorgeous crisp topping. Don’t be afraid of a few cranberries bursting as they bake — that’s exactly the kind of juicy magic you want.

Step 3: Make the Crisp Topping

In another bowl, combine your oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, kosher salt, and flour. Cut in the room temperature unsalted butter using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms clumps that resemble coarse crumbs. This topping will bake into a golden, buttery crust that adds that much-loved textural contrast to the tender fruit below.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the fruit filling, covering it completely. Pop the entire dish into your preheated oven and bake for 75 to 90 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the apples are soft and easy to pierce with a fork, the juices are bubbling around the edges, and the topping is a beautifully browned, crunchy blanket over the filling. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the juices to thicken further and the flavors to meld.

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Crisp

Garnishes

One of the best things about serving Apple Cranberry Crisp is how easy it is to dress it up at the last minute. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream adds a creamy cold contrast. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can bring an extra layer of indulgence. Don’t forget a sprinkling of toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch and nuttiness!

Side Dishes

This warm, fruity dessert pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee, making it a fantastic ending to a cozy dinner. For bigger gatherings, serve alongside a mild cheese platter or even some roasted nuts to balance sweetness with savory bites throughout the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, consider serving the Apple Cranberry Crisp in individual ramekins or mason jars. Not only does this look charming, but it also allows each portion to stay warm longer. You can even layer the crisp topping slightly thinner on the sides to showcase the vibrant red and golden fruit underneath for extra eye appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover the Apple Cranberry Crisp with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, so leftovers can taste even better the next day!

Freezing

This crisp freezes well either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed. To freeze after baking, cool thoroughly, then wrap and freeze. Reheat gently in the oven until warm and bubbly.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and crisp on top. Microwaving is faster but can make the topping less crunchy. Adding a fresh sprinkle of oats and butter before reheating can revive some crispness.

FAQs

Can I use other apples besides honey crisp?

Absolutely! While honey crisp apples provide a great balance of sweetness and firmness, you can substitute with Granny Smith for extra tartness or Fuji for a sweeter variation. Just make sure you choose apples that hold their shape when baked.

Do I need to thaw the frozen cranberries before using?

No need to thaw them beforehand. The cranberries can be added straight from the freezer to the mix. They will cook down nicely in the oven and infuse the filling with tart juiciness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Just replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend and verify that your oats are certified gluten-free. The crisp topping turns out just as delicious!

How do I prevent the topping from becoming soggy?

Using cold, room temperature butter cut into the topping ingredients helps create those delightful clumps that bake up crunchy. Also, be sure not to overload the fruit filling with liquid and bake long enough for juices to bubble and thicken properly.

Is it okay to add nuts to the topping?

Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds make a fantastic crunchy addition to the crisp topping. Just mix them in with the oats and other dry ingredients before adding the butter.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Apple Cranberry Crisp enough when you want to bring a little magic to your dessert table. It’s straightforward to make but feels special and comforting all at once. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a quiet night in, this crisp will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for seasonal sweetness and cozy vibes. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be making it again and again.

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