The Best Cranberry Apple Crisp Recipe
This Cranberry Apple Crisp is a delightful dessert that combines tart cranberries and sweet apples, topped with a buttery, crunchy oat topping. Perfect for fall and winter gatherings, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients List
For the Filling
- 4 cups apples (peeled, cored, and sliced; about 4-5 medium apples)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness of apples)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
For the Crisp Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
Timing
Here’s a breakdown of the timing for preparing this dish:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and flour. Toss until the fruit is well coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the fruit mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Top the Fruit: Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the fruit filling in the baking dish.
Step 3: Bake
- Bake the Crisp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
Step 4: Serve
- Enjoy: Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!

Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 80mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 15g |
| Protein | 3g |
Tips for Success
To ensure your Cranberry Apple Crisp turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose the Right Apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for the best flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the fruit mixture before baking and adjust the sugar based on your preference and the tartness of the cranberries.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and topping separately in advance. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Variations
- Nutty Topping: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crisp topping for added crunch and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile.
- Other Fruits: Feel free to add other fruits like pears or blueberries for a mixed fruit crisp.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Apple Crisp is a warm and comforting dessert that highlights the delicious combination of sweet apples and tart cranberries. It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holidays or any occasion!
FAQs
Can I make this crisp ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the filling and topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I freeze this crisp?
Yes! You can freeze the assembled crisp before baking. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What can I serve with this crisp?
This crisp pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dollop of yogurt for a delicious contrast.
Enjoy making and indulging in this delightful Cranberry Apple Crisp!
The Best Cranberry Apple Crisp Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Filling
- 4 cups apples (peeled, cored, and sliced; about 4-5 medium apples)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness of apples)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- For the Crisp Topping
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and flour. Toss until the fruit is well coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the fruit mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Top the Fruit: Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the fruit filling in the baking dish.
- Bake the Crisp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy: Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!
