Easy Apple Cranberry

Is there anything that screams autumn more than the comforting aroma of baked apples and cranberries filling your kitchen? This Apple Cranberry Crisp is the ultimate cozy dessert, perfect for crisp fall evenings, holiday gatherings, or simply when you crave a warm, comforting treat. Imagine biting into tender, spiced apples and tart cranberries, topped with a buttery, crumbly oat topping. Trust me, this crisp is incredibly easy to make, even easier to devour, and will quickly become a family favorite!

I’ve been baking variations of this crisp for years, tweaking the spices, adjusting the fruit ratios, and perfecting the topping until it reached this pinnacle of fall dessert perfection. This recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s a culmination of countless baking sessions, family feedback, and my passion for creating delicious, approachable recipes that bring people together. Whether you are an experienced baker or a novice, you’ll find that this Apple Cranberry Crisp recipe is foolproof and completely customizable to your liking. Get ready to experience the magic of fall flavors in every single bite!

Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Crisp

Let’s break down the ingredients for this delightful Apple Cranberry Crisp. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and crunchy textures. Don’t worry if you’re missing an ingredient or two; I’ll also share some easy substitutions to keep you baking!

For the Apple Cranberry Filling:

• Apples: 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith). The blend of sweet and tart apples adds depth of flavor. Honeycrisp provides sweetness and crispness, while Granny Smith offers tartness and holds its shape well during baking.
• Fresh Cranberries: 1 cup. Cranberries provide a tart counterpoint to the sweetness of the apples and add a beautiful ruby-red color. Frozen cranberries can also be used (do not thaw). The acidity in cranberries helps balance the sweetness in the apples.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup. Sugar sweetens the filling and helps draw out the juices from the apples. You can adjust the amount depending on your preference and the sweetness of your apples.
• Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup. Brown sugar adds a molasses-like depth and richness to the filling. It also helps to create a slightly caramelized texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons. Flour thickens the filling and prevents it from becoming too runny. You can substitute with cornstarch for a gluten-free option. The flour absorbs excess moisture and keeps the filling cohesive.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon. Lemon juice brightens the flavors and prevents the apples from browning. The acid in the lemon juice also helps to tenderize the apples.
• Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger. These spices add warmth and aroma to the filling, creating a quintessential fall flavor profile. You can also add a pinch of ground cloves for an extra layer of spice.

For the Oat Topping:

• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup. Flour provides structure to the topping and helps bind the ingredients together. A gluten-free blend can be used.
• Rolled Oats: 1 cup. Oats add a chewy texture and nutty flavor to the topping. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best results. Quick oats can also be used but will result in a less chewy topping.
• Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup. Brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture to the topping, creating a slightly caramelized crust.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the topping crisp up in the oven.
• Cold Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), cut into small cubes. Cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly texture in the topping. The cold butter creates small pockets of steam as it melts, resulting in a light and flaky topping.
• Chopped Pecans or Walnuts (optional): 1/2 cup. Nuts add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the topping. Pecans and walnuts are classic choices, but you can also use almonds or other nuts.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Salt enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors in the topping.

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Apples: Use pears or a mix of apples and pears for a different flavor profile.
• Cranberries: Use other berries like raspberries or blackberries.
• Flour: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
• Nuts: Omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
• Spices: Adjust the spices to your liking or use apple pie spice for a convenient blend.

Expert Tips for the BEST Apple Cranberry Crisp

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Apple Cranberry Crisp truly exceptional. Here are my personal testing notes and pro insights to help you achieve baking success:

• Use Cold Butter: This is crucial for creating a crumbly topping. Keep the butter in the refrigerator until just before you’re ready to use it, and cut it into small cubes. The cold butter creates pockets of steam as it bakes, resulting in a tender and flaky topping.
• Don’t Overmix the Topping: Mix the topping ingredients just until combined. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough topping. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
• Toss the Apples with Lemon Juice: This prevents the apples from browning and adds a bright, fresh flavor to the filling. The acid in the lemon juice also helps to tenderize the apples during baking.
• Adjust the Sweetness to Your Liking: Taste the apple cranberry mixture before adding the topping and adjust the amount of sugar as needed. Different varieties of apples and cranberries have varying levels of sweetness, so it’s important to taste and adjust accordingly.
• Bake Until Golden Brown and Bubbly: The crisp is done when the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. This indicates that the apples are tender and the topping is cooked through.
• Let it Cool Slightly: Allow the crisp to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to thicken slightly and prevent it from being too runny.

My Personal Touch: I like to add a tablespoon of bourbon or apple cider vinegar to the apple mixture for an extra layer of flavor. It complements the spices beautifully and adds a subtle depth. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you!

Storage Substitutions for Apple Cranberry Crisp

Here’s a quick guide on storing leftovers and making substitutions based on dietary needs or ingredient availability:

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Store the baked crisp, covered, at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store the baked crisp, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezer: Freeze the unbaked crisp, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze individual portions of the baked crisp for easy single-serving desserts.

Substitutions:

• Vegan Apple Cranberry Crisp: Substitute the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Make sure to use a vegan-friendly sugar.
• Gluten-Free Apple Cranberry Crisp: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free oats. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Sugar-Free Apple Cranberry Crisp: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia for both the filling and the topping.
• Nut-Free Apple Cranberry Crisp: Omit the nuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cranberry Crisp

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them before adding them to the apple mixture. Just toss them in frozen!

What are the best apples to use for apple crisp?

I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor and texture. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith are all excellent choices. Other good options include Fuji, Braeburn, and Jonagold. Combining different types of apples adds complexity to the flavor.

How do I prevent the topping from burning?

If you notice the topping is browning too quickly, tent the crisp with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking. This will protect the topping from burning while allowing the filling to cook through.

Can I make this crisp ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the crisp ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked crisp for longer storage.

What can I serve with apple cranberry crisp?

Apple Cranberry Crisp is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It also pairs well with a warm beverage like coffee, tea, or hot cider.

Can I add other fruits to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other fruits like pears, blueberries, or raspberries to the filling. Adjust the amount of sugar and spices as needed to balance the flavors.

How do I make the topping extra crispy?

For an extra crispy topping, try adding a handful of chopped nuts or a tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture. You can also broil the topping for the last few minutes of baking, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.

This Apple Cranberry Crisp is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the warmth of the oven, the sweet and tart aroma filling your home, and the joy of sharing a delicious dessert with loved ones. Now, it’s your turn to bring this cozy fall dessert to life in your own kitchen!

I’m confident that this recipe will become a cherished addition to your baking repertoire. Remember to experiment with different apple varieties, adjust the spices to your preference, and make it your own! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how your Apple Cranberry Crisp turns out. And be sure to share your photos on social media using #AppleCranberryCrisp – I can’t wait to see your creations!

Craving more fall-inspired recipes? Check out my Pumpkin Spice Latte, Cinnamon Roll Recipe, and Apple Pie Filling for more seasonal baking inspiration!

Print