Description
This Apple Cranberry Crisp is a delightful, comforting dessert featuring tart cranberries and sweet apples baked under a crunchy oat and brown sugar topping. Perfect for fall or anytime you crave a warm, fruity treat that pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Filling
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Oat Topping
- 3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a pan of similar size to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Fruit Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and cornstarch. Stir well to evenly coat all the fruit with the spices and cornstarch, which will help thicken the filling as it bakes. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Oat Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter to the bowl. Using a pastry cutter, forks, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits of butter remaining. Stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans if using for added texture and flavor.
- Assemble the Crisp: Evenly sprinkle the oat topping over the fruit filling in the baking dish, making sure the entire surface is covered.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Let the apple cranberry crisp cool for 10-15 minutes to allow the filling to set slightly. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a rich finishing touch.
Notes
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or sweet-tart Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor.
- Frozen cranberries can be used if fresh are unavailable; no need to thaw before mixing.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- To make the topping nut-free, omit the walnuts or pecans.
- Letting the crisp rest helps the filling thicken, preventing it from being runny when served.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
