The best cranberry apple crisp

There’s something truly magical about the combination of tart cranberries and sweet, crisp apples, especially when topped with a buttery oat crumble. This cranberry apple crisp is not just a dessert; it’s a warm embrace, perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet evenings spent at home. I discovered this recipe during a chilly fall afternoon, and now it’s become a staple in my kitchen. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving celebrations, holiday parties, or simply a weekend treat, this dish never fails to impress.

What Makes This Recipe Special

What sets this cranberry apple crisp apart is its balance of flavors and textures. The tartness of the fresh or frozen cranberries perfectly complements the sweetness of honey crisp apples, while the oat topping offers a delightful crunch. It’s also an incredibly forgiving dish, making it ideal for bakers of all skill levels.

This dessert comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or unexpected guests. Budget-friendly ingredients mean you won’t break the bank while whipping up this comforting treat.

"The best cranberry apple crisp I’ve ever tasted! The tartness of the cranberries paired beautifully with the apples, and that crunchy topping? Perfection!" – Sarah T., recent convert.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Before diving into the ingredients and directions, let’s outline the steps you’ll follow. First, you’ll prepare the fruit mixture, then create the crumble topping, and finally, combine them before baking. It’s straightforward, allowing you to enjoy the process rather than feel overwhelmed.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make the best cranberry apple crisp, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Filling:

  • 3 large honey crisp apples (peeled and chopped)
  • 1 & 1/2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp corn starch
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Crumble Topping:

  • 2/3 cup flour
  • 3/4 cup oats
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup cold butter (cut into cubes)

Note: You can substitute other apple varieties if honey crisps are unavailable, and use coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free option in the topping.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps create the perfect crispy topping.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples with cranberries, 1/2 cup brown sugar, corn starch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Toss well to coat.
3. Pour the fruit mixture into a 9-inch pie plate or an 8×8-inch square pan. Spread it out evenly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, oats, remaining 2/3 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Add the cold cubed butter and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs (like small peas).
6. Evenly distribute the crumble topping over the cranberry-apple filling.
7. Place the dish on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for about 55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
8. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Best Way to Serve

For an unbeatable experience, serve the cranberry apple crisp warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You might also consider pairing it with a creamy custard or even some fresh yogurt for a delightful contrast. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the presentation and flavor even further.

Storage Tips

Storing your cranberry apple crisp correctly will keep it delicious for days. You can cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. If you have more than you can eat right away, consider freezing it. Simply wrap individual portions tightly and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, bake them in a preheated oven until warmed through.

Pro Chef Tips

• Make Ahead: Prepare the apple and cranberry filling a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just top it with the crumble right before baking.
• Add Nuts: For added texture, consider mixing some chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) into the crumble topping.
• Spice It Up: Don’t hesitate to experiment with other spices such as ginger or cloves for a unique flavor twist.

Creative Twists

Try switching up the fruit mix for a seasonal twist! Instead of cranberries, use blueberries or peaches in the summer months. You can also turn this crisp into a caramel apple version by drizzling some caramel sauce over the filling before adding the topping. For a health-conscious version, substitute half of the sugar with applesauce.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for this dish?

Prep time is around 15-20 minutes, and the baking time is about 55 minutes.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

How long can I keep the leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months in airtight containers.

This cranberry apple crisp is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that captures the essence of home. From its hearty topping to the tart filling, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or quiet night in. Happy baking!

Cranberry Apple Crisp

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• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful dessert combining tart cranberries and sweet honey crisp apples topped with a buttery oat crumble.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 large honey crisp apples, peeled and chopped
• 1 1/2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 tbsp corn starch
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup flour
• 3/4 cup oats
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into cubes

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples with cranberries, 1/2 cup brown sugar, corn starch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Toss well to coat.
3. Pour the fruit mixture into a 9-inch pie plate or an 8×8-inch square pan. Spread it out evenly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, oats, remaining 2/3 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Add the cold cubed butter and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Evenly distribute the crumble topping over the cranberry-apple filling.
7. Place the dish on a baking sheet and bake for about 55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
8. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 100mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: cranberry apple, dessert, crisp, fall recipe, baking