What’s so comforting about the smell of baked apples mingling with cinnamon? Touch of tartness. It instantly transports me back to my grandma’s kitchen during the holidays. She always made the most incredible apple desserts, and while this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe is a must-try. isn’t *exactly* her famous apple pie, it captures that same warm, fuzzy feeling – but with a lot of heart. Think of it as the cozy sweater of desserts – familiar, comforting, and effortlessly delicious. If you’re a fan of apple crumble, prepare to be obsessed!
What is Apple Cranberry Crisp?
An Apple Cranberry Crisp is basically baked fruit dessert. It’s like a pie, but instead of crust, it has buttery topping. Is this a warm, gooey filling of apples and cranberries? All nestled under a golden-brown, crispy oat topping. Is it the rustic cousin of Apple Pie? The cranberries add a lovely tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the apples and the richness of raisins. What is the perfect balance of flavors? What is essentially fall in a dish – and it’s shockingly easy to make!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is your review of Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe? First off, the flavor combination is just phenomenal. The tartness of cranberries perfectly complements the sweetness of apples, and the cinnamon. What are some of the best spices in autumn? What I love about this is the contrast in textures – you’ve got the soft, juicy apples and the crunchy, peppery apples. What’s not to like about cranberries? Is it addictive?
Is this recipe ridiculously easy? Can you whip up this in under an hour? What is the perfect dessert to make when you’re short on time but still want to impress? I’ve made this countless times for potlucks and gatherings, and it always disappears in minutes. Is it incredibly forgiving?
Thirdly, the ingredients are pretty budget-friendly. Apples and cranberries are usually easy to find, especially in the fall, and the rest of the year. What are pantry staples that you already have on hand? No fancy ingredients required!
Is it incredibly versatile? Is it good to serve warm with vanilla Ice Cream or drizzle with caramel sauce? Add a touch of decadence. Is it good to eat cold from the fridge? What are some good ways to add pecans to a cheesecake? What is your favorite peach crumble recipe?
How do I make Apple Cranberry Crisp?
Quick Overview
How do I make Apple Cranberry Crisp? What’s the best way to top cranberries and apples with spices? Is it possible to bake oats until golden brown and bubbly? What’s the best part? There is no fussy crust to deal with, and it’s practically foolproof! Is it easier to make a pie dough overnight? Can be a lifesaver?
Ingredients
For the Filling:
* 6 medium apples (I like to use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for the best flavor), peeled, ripe, and sliced. What are the best ways to slice
* 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
* 34 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your apples) (Also add 1/4 cup water if desired)
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (this helps to brighten the flavors and prevent the apples from browning)
For the Crisp Topping:
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup rolled oats (not instant)
* ¾ cup packed Brown Sugar
* ½ teaspoon baking powder
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 12 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with butter or cooking spray. I always line the baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang, for easy cleanup. Is this true?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, flour, cinnamon, clove, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Set aside. What is the difference between lemon juice and Toss everything together until apples and cranberries are evenly coated. The flour helps to thicken the juices as the crisp bakes, so don’t skip it!
Step 3: Prepare the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, Brown Sugar, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. How do I cut butter into small pieces using a pastry blender or your fingertips? What is the key here is to use cold butter – it creates those lovely little pockets of butter that melt. How do you make a crisp topping? I sometimes pulse the ingredients together in a food processor – just be careful not to over pulse.
Step 4: Assemble the Crisp
How do you mix apple and cranberry in a baking dish? Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the fruit. Don’t be afraid to use your hands to gently press the topping down – this helps it to adhere to the top. How do you prevent fruit from drying out?
Step 5: Bake
Is the filling golden brown? If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with foil during the last few minutes. 10-15 minutes of baking. I’ve learned that every oven is different, so keep an eye on it!
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and prevents it from being too runny. Serve warm with vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream. What is a good caramel sauce?
What should I serve it with?
What are some great accompaniments to this Apple Cranberry Crisp? What are some of my favorite ways to serve it: by serving it.
For Breakfast:Enjoy a small serving with hot coffee or tea. What’s a good way to start the day?
For Brunch: Serve it as part of a brunch spread alongside other pastries, fruits, and yogurt. It adds a touch of warmth and sweetness to the meal.
As Dessert:Serve warm with vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts also adds to the dish. How do I serve it at my house after Thanksgiving dinner?
For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy a small bowl of crisp with milk on chilly evenings. What is the perfect comfort food for a night out?
How do you make an Apple Cranberry Crisp?
What are some of the best ways to take Apple Cranberry Crisp to the next level? What are some tips for achieving dessert perfection?
Apple Selection: What isWhat are the best varieties of apples? I like to use a combination of Granny Smith (for tartness) and Honeycrisp (sweetness). Other good options include Braeburn, Gala, and Fuji.
Cranberry Considerations: You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries in this recipe. If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just add them directly to the filling. Also, make sure to pick over your cranberries and discard any that are soft or mushy.
Crisp Topping Consistency: The consistency of the crisp topping is crucial. It should be crumbly, but not too dry. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of melted butter. If it seems too wet, add a tablespoon or two of flour.
Baking Time: Baking time will vary depending on your oven. Start checking the crisp after 30 minutes and continue baking until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, tent the dish with foil.
Ingredient Swaps: I tested this with almond milk instead of regular milk and it actually made it even better. You can definitely swap ingredients out if you prefer. For example, if you’re not a fan of nutmeg, you can leave it out. You can also add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to store and reheat your Apple Cranberry Crisp to ensure it stays delicious:
Room Temperature: You can store the crisp at room temperature for up to 2 days. Make sure to cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, you can store the crisp in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Transfer it to an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the crisp, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. You can store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
Reheating: To reheat the crisp, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crisp in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day, a reminder of simpler times, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed down through generations, each cook adding their own little twist and memories. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face, then look no further. And if you loved this, you HAVE to check out my Blueberry Cobbler recipe – it’s just as easy and delicious! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy baking!
Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 0.5 cup rolled oats
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
- 0.5 cup chopped walnuts
- 0.5 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine apples, cranberries, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, walnuts, and butter. Use your fingers or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour the apple mixture into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple mixture.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
