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The Best Cranberry Apple Crisp Recipe Ever Recipe

4.8 from 77 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Filling:

  • 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 45 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

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the crisp evenly.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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