Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe: A Cozy Fall Dessert

Name: Apple Cranberry Crisp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489521H49M2S
Total time: PT-489521H49M2S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 7 cups honeycrisp apples, sliced; 3 cups frozen cranberries; 1 cup brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; Juice & zest of 1 orange; 4 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ginger; ¼ teaspoon cardamom; ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves; ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg; ⅛ teaspoon allspice; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 oz unsalted butter, room temperature; ¾ cup oats (old-fashioned or rolled oats); ¼ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF version)

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Apple Cranberry Crisp is the perfect dessert to bring warmth and comfort to any fall gathering. The combination of sweet, tender apples and tart cranberries, topped with a buttery, crumbly oat topping, creates a delightful balance of flavors. This easy-to-make dessert comes together in just 10 minutes, making it a convenient treat for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying it on a cozy evening, this Apple Cranberry Crisp is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why Apple Cranberry Crisp is a Must-Try

Apple Cranberry Crisp stands out as an excellent dessert option for a variety of reasons. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice when you’re short on time but still want something homemade. The bright, tart cranberries perfectly complement the sweet apples, while the crunchy oat topping adds a delightful contrast in texture. This dish is a great way to embrace the flavors of fall with minimal effort, and it’s a fantastic option for anyone looking for a comforting yet easy dessert.

Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Crisp

To make Apple Cranberry Crisp, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor balance.

Topping:
Butter: Adds richness and helps create the crumbly, golden topping.• Flour: Binds the topping ingredients together
Oats: Provide a chewy, crunchy texture that makes the crisp topping stand out.
Sugar: Both brown and granulated sugars give the topping its sweetness and texture.

Filling:
Apples: Honeycrisp apples are perfect for this recipe because they hold up well during baking and offer a sweet, firm texture.
Cranberries: The tartness of cranberries balances the sweetness of the apples, making for a perfect fruit combo.
Orange Zest and Juice: Adds a burst of citrus that enhances the overall flavor.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling, preventing it from becoming too runny.
Spices: A mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and other warming spices gives the filling that cozy, autumn flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions for Apple Cranberry Crisp

If you’re looking for alternatives to cater to dietary preferences or if you’re missing a few ingredients, here are some helpful suggestions:
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats.
Apple Variety: You can use Granny Smith, Cortland, or any other firm apple variety in place of Honeycrisp for a slightly different texture.
Cranberry Alternatives: If you can’t find fresh or frozen cranberries, try substituting with fresh raspberries for a similar tartness. Dried cranberries can also be used—just reduce the quantity by about 25%.
Orange Substitute: If you don’t have fresh oranges, lemon zest and juice will work in a pinch.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Apple Cranberry Crisp

Making Apple Cranberry Crisp is simple and straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious dessert:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
Prepare the Fruit Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples, cranberries, sugars, orange zest and juice, cornstarch, and spices. Toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a deep baking dish.
Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, oats, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the butter and rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms crumbly clumps.
Assemble the Crisp: Evenly spread the oat topping over the fruit mixture in the baking dish.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 75 to 90 minutes, or until the apples are tender, the filling is bubbling, and the topping is golden brown.
Serve: Let the crisp cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s delicious on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Apple Cranberry Crisp

Prevent Spills: Place a sheet tray under your baking dish while it’s in the oven. This will catch any juices that bubble over, saving you the hassle of cleaning up the bottom of your oven.
Zest Before Juicing: Zest your orange before juicing it. This makes the zesting process easier and ensures you get all the flavorful oils from the peel.
Don’t Skip the Spices: The warm spices in this recipe are what give the crisp its autumn flavor. Don’t skip any of them!
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh apples and orange juice for the best flavor. The zest will also add extra depth to the filling.

Variations and Pairing Ideas for Apple Cranberry Crisp

Apple Cranberry Crisp is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some suggestions for pairing and modifying the recipe:
Toppings: Try adding a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to complement the warm, fruity filling. A drizzle of brown butter frosting also adds a decadent touch.
Serving Suggestions: Serve this crisp with a warm cup of spiced cider or hot chocolate for an extra cozy dessert experience.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the crisp up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready to serve. If the dish has been refrigerated, add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Different Fruits: Swap out the apples for pears or use a combination of apples and pears for a twist. Pear and cranberry also make a great flavor pairing.

Seasonal and Health Benefits of Apple Cranberry Crisp

Apple Cranberry Crisp is the perfect dessert to enjoy during the fall and winter months. Not only does it celebrate the flavors of the season, but it also offers some surprising health benefits. Apples are a great source of fiber and antioxidants, while cranberries are packed with vitamins and nutrients that support immune health. This dessert, while indulgent, has a balance of sweet and tart flavors that are satisfying without being overly heavy.

Apple Cranberry Crisp is a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a holiday meal or simply craving a warm dessert to enjoy at home, this recipe is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love Apple Cranberry Crisp

Apple Cranberry Crisp is the quintessential fall dessert that balances the sweetness of apples with the tartness of cranberries, all under a crispy, oat-filled topping. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or as a leftover treat, this easy-to-make dessert is sure to become a family favorite. The flavors are perfect for the cozy months ahead, and the combination of apples, cranberries, and warm spices makes it an irresistible option for any occasion. Plus, the versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to your preferences, making it ideal for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make Apple Cranberry Crisp ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Apple Cranberry Crisp up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble the filling and topping, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. If the crisp has been refrigerated, be sure to add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of frozen ones?

Absolutely! You can use fresh cranberries instead of frozen cranberries. If you’re using fresh cranberries, there’s no need to adjust the recipe. However, if you find that fresh cranberries are too tart for your liking, you can add a bit more sugar to balance the flavor.

How should I store leftover Apple Cranberry Crisp?

Once the Apple Cranberry Crisp has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat it in the oven to maintain the crisp topping. You can also microwave or air fry it for a quick reheat. Some people even enjoy it cold or at room temperature, so feel free to enjoy it however you like!

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