The Best Cranberry Apple Crisp Recipe Ever Recipe
Introduction
This Cranberry Apple Crisp is a delightful blend of tart cranberries and sweet apples baked under a crunchy, buttery oat topping. It’s perfect for cozy evenings and makes a wonderful dessert or snack any time of year.

Ingredients
- 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 4–5 medium apples)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch if using. Toss until the fruit is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a similarly sized oven-safe dish.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and chopped nuts if using. Pour the melted butter over the mixture and stir until well combined and crumbly.
- Step 4: Evenly spread the crisp topping over the fruit filling in the baking dish. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
- Step 5: Allow the crisp to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips & Variations
- Use a combination of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the filling for extra warmth.
- Swap nuts for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds if you prefer.
Storage
Store leftover crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes. It’s best enjoyed warm, but it also tastes great cold.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before mixing into the filling to prevent it from becoming too watery.
Can I prepare the crisp ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the crisp, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
PrintThe Best Cranberry Apple Crisp Recipe Ever Recipe
This Cranberry Apple Crisp is a delightful fall dessert featuring a sweet-tart fruit filling of apples and cranberries topped with a buttery, oat-based crisp. The combination of tender baked fruit and a crunchy topping makes it perfect for cozy gatherings or any time you crave a comforting treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 4–5 medium apples)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the crisp evenly.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if using). Toss gently until all the fruit is evenly coated with the spices and sugar. Then, transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or a similarly sized oven-safe dish.
- Prepare the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and chopped nuts if using. Pour the melted butter over this mixture and stir until the topping forms a crumbly texture with all ingredients well combined.
- Assemble and Bake: Evenly spread the oat topping over the fruit filling in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the topping is a beautiful golden brown and you see the fruit filling bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: Allow the crisp to cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to let the juices thicken slightly. Serve warm. For an extra indulgent treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen cranberries; if using frozen, do not thaw before mixing.
- The cornstarch is optional but helps thicken the fruit filling juices for a less runny crisp.
- Adjust the sugar amount in the filling based on the tartness of your cranberries and sweetness preference.
- Chopped nuts in the topping add extra crunch but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Ensure the crisp cools slightly before serving to prevent burns from hot fruit juices.
- This dessert pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream but is also delicious on its own.
Keywords: cranberry apple crisp, apple crisp, cranberry dessert, fall dessert, baked fruit dessert, oat topping, easy dessert recipe

