Apple Cranberry Crisp: A Delightful Fall Dessert Recipe
Apple Cranberry Crisp is the perfect dessert to welcome the cozy fall season. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples, topped with a buttery, crumbly oat topping, is simply irresistible. This recipe is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and will fill your kitchen with the most comforting aroma. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, a casual weeknight treat, or a holiday gathering, this Apple Cranberry Crisp is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Easy to Make:** This crisp comes together quickly and easily. No complicated steps or fancy techniques are required.
* **Delicious Flavor Combination:** The sweet apples and tart cranberries complement each other perfectly, creating a balanced and flavorful dessert.
* **Comforting and Warm:** The warm, baked fruit and crunchy topping are incredibly comforting, especially on a chilly autumn evening.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with different fruits, nuts, or spices to suit your preferences.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** From casual weeknight dinners to holiday celebrations, this crisp is a versatile dessert that’s always a hit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Apple Cranberry Crisp:
**For the Filling:**
* **Apples:** 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith)
* **Fresh or Frozen Cranberries:** 1 1/2 cups
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1/2 cup
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/4 cup
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 tablespoons
* **Lemon Juice:** 1 tablespoon
* **Cinnamon:** 1 teaspoon
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon
* **Unsalted Butter:** 2 tablespoons, cut into small pieces
**For the Crisp Topping:**
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1 cup
* **Rolled Oats:** 1 cup (not instant)
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/2 cup
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1/4 cup
* **Cinnamon:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Salt:** 1/4 teaspoon
* **Unsalted Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick), cold and cut into small pieces
* **Optional:** 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Equipment You’ll Need
* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** This size is perfect for accommodating the filling and topping.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For preparing the filling and the crisp topping.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Apple Peeler, Corer, and Slicer:** Makes preparing the apples much easier, but you can also use a knife.
* **Pastry Blender or Fork:** For cutting the butter into the flour mixture for the topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create the perfect Apple Cranberry Crisp:
**Step 1: Prepare the Apples and Cranberries**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
* Peel, core, and slice the apples into approximately 1/4-inch thick slices. Place the apple slices into a large mixing bowl.
* Add the fresh or frozen cranberries to the bowl with the apples.
**Step 2: Make the Filling**
* In the bowl with the apples and cranberries, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
* Gently toss everything together until the apples and cranberries are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
* Dot the top of the fruit mixture with the small pieces of unsalted butter.
* Pour the apple-cranberry mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
**Step 3: Prepare the Crisp Topping**
* In a separate mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
* Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should be crumbly but still have some small pieces of butter visible.
* If using, stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts.
**Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Crisp**
* Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the apple-cranberry filling in the baking dish. Make sure the entire surface is covered.
* Gently press the topping down slightly to help it adhere to the filling.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
**Step 5: Cool and Serve**
* Remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly.
* Serve warm, plain, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Apple Cranberry Crisp
* **Use a Variety of Apples:** Combining different types of apples, such as Honeycrisp for sweetness and Granny Smith for tartness, adds complexity to the flavor.
* **Adjust Sweetness to Your Preference:** If you prefer a less sweet crisp, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and topping.
* **Don’t Overmix the Topping:** Overmixing the topping can result in a tough rather than crumbly texture. Mix just until the butter is incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
* **Use Cold Butter:** Cold butter is essential for creating a flaky and crumbly topping. Make sure the butter is cold right before you cut it into the flour mixture.
* **Add a Touch of Lemon Zest:** A teaspoon of lemon zest in the filling can brighten the flavors and add a fresh note.
* **Use Frozen Cranberries:** If fresh cranberries are not available, frozen cranberries work perfectly well. There’s no need to thaw them before using.
* **Prevent Burning:** If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
* **Let it Cool:** Allowing the crisp to cool for at least 15-20 minutes after baking helps the filling to thicken, preventing it from being too runny.
Variations and Substitutions
This Apple Cranberry Crisp recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
* **Other Fruits:** Experiment with other fruits such as pears, blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. You can use a combination of fruits or just one type.
* **Nuts:** Add different types of nuts to the topping, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts. Toast the nuts before adding them for a richer flavor.
* **Spices:** Try different spices such as cardamom, ginger, or allspice. A pinch of ground cloves can also add a warm and cozy flavor.
* **Lemon or Orange Zest:** Add lemon or orange zest to the filling or topping for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Maple Syrup:** Replace some of the granulated sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, more complex sweetness.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free rolled oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Dairy-Free Option:** Use vegan butter or coconut oil in place of the butter in the filling and topping.
* **Add a Crumble Topping:** For a more substantial topping, add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or graham cracker crumbs to the oat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Cranberry Crisp is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few accompaniments:
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A classic pairing that complements the warm, fruity flavors of the crisp.
* **Whipped Cream:** A light and airy topping that adds a touch of sweetness.
* **Caramel Sauce:** A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a rich and decadent flavor.
* **Cinnamon Sugar:** A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top adds a touch of warmth and sweetness.
* **Greek Yogurt:** A healthier alternative to ice cream or whipped cream, adding a creamy and tangy element.
* **Custard:** A creamy custard sauce is a luxurious addition to the crisp.
Make Ahead Instructions
* **Prepare the Filling:** You can prepare the apple-cranberry filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Prepare the Topping:** You can prepare the crisp topping up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. If freezing, let it thaw slightly before using.
* **Assemble and Refrigerate:** You can assemble the entire crisp (filling and topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if necessary.
Storage Instructions
* **Store:** Leftover Apple Cranberry Crisp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
* **Freeze:** You can freeze baked Apple Cranberry Crisp for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To thaw, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as directed above.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
* Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients)
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-12g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Fiber: 5-7g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 3-4g
**Note:** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe Card
**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 35-45 minutes
**Ingredients:**
**Filling:**
* 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
* 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
**Crisp Topping:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
* 1/2 cup brown sugar
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
* Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss to coat.
3. Dot the fruit mixture with butter and pour into the prepared baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in nuts, if using.
6. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit filling.
7. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Cover with foil if the topping browns too quickly.
8. Let cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce, if desired.
Enjoy your homemade Apple Cranberry Crisp!