Cranberry Crisp: A Sweet and Tangy Fall Delight

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If you’re looking for a refreshing twist on your holiday dessert lineup, cranberry crisp is the perfect choice. This delightful treat pairs the tangy flavor of fresh cranberries with a sweet and buttery oat crumble topping, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and vibrant. Easy to make and full of delicious, seasonal ingredients, cranberry crisp is an ideal option for family gatherings, festive dinners, or cozy nights at home.

The Beauty of Cranberry Crisp

What makes cranberry crisp such a standout recipe is its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re a fan of fruity desserts or you need a gluten-free option, this cranberry crisp checks all the boxes. It brings together the tartness of fresh cranberries with the rich sweetness of maple syrup and a perfect crumble topping made from oats and brown sugar. Ready in under an hour, it’s an easy dessert that feels indulgent yet light.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cranberry Crisp

Fresh Cranberries: These bring that iconic tartness to the dessert, balancing out the sweetness of the syrup and topping.

Maple Syrup: Adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with cranberries.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile, giving the crisp a comforting aroma.
Ground Cinnamon: A key spice that complements both the cranberries and the oat crumble topping.

Butter: Adds richness to the topping, making it golden brown and buttery.
Large Flake Rolled Oats: These oats create a hearty and chewy texture in the crisp topping.
Oat Flour: If you’re going for a gluten-free version, oat flour ensures the crisp stays light and gluten-free.

Brown Sugar: The perfect sweetener for the topping, with a touch of molasses flavor that enriches the texture.
Sea Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall sweetness of the crisp.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil, which will also give the topping a lovely tropical flair.
• If you don’t have oat flour, try almond flour for a slightly nuttier flavor, or you can use regular flour for a traditional approach.
• To make this a vegan cranberry crisp, swap the butter for plant-based margarine or coconut oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Cranberry Crisp

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 7×11-inch baking dish, combine fresh cranberries, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir the ingredients together, ensuring the cranberries are evenly coated, and spread them into a smooth layer at the bottom of the dish.
In a separate medium bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Once melted, mix in the oats, oat flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt. Stir until the ingredients form a crumbly texture.
Evenly spread the oat crumble topping over the cranberry mixture, ensuring every part of the filling is covered.

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the cranberries are soft and bubbling, and the topping turns golden brown.
Let the crisp cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This brief cooling time allows the fruit filling to thicken up slightly.

Tips & Tricks for a Perfect Cranberry Crisp

Don’t skip the cooling step! This will help the filling set, making each serving easier to serve and more flavorful.

If you prefer a sweeter version, feel free to add a little extra brown sugar to the filling or topping.
For an added twist, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds) to the crumble topping for some crunch and extra flavor.
To store, simply place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze for up to three months. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to bring it back to its warm, crisp goodness.

Serving Suggestions and Variations for Cranberry Crisp

This cranberry crisp can be served on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra decadent touch, drizzle some heavy cream over the top.

You can also customize your cranberry crisp in various ways:

Apple Cranberry Crisp: Mix in 2 cups of chopped apples to add sweetness and texture.

Cranberry Pear Crisp: Replace some cranberries with pears for a fruitier, milder flavor.
Orange Cranberry Crisp: Add a splash of orange zest and juice for a citrusy burst.
Cranberry Nut Crisp: Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans to the crumble topping for added richness and texture.

Make-ahead and Storage Tips: You can prepare this crisp in advance by assembling it the night before and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake. For a larger crowd, simply double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Why Cranberry Crisp is a Holiday Essential

Cranberry crisp isn’t just another dessert—it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors that perfectly complements the colder months. Its balance of tart cranberries, warm spices, and sweet crumble topping makes it an instant favorite during the holiday season. Plus, it’s easy to make, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of loved ones. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just as a comforting winter dessert, cranberry crisp will never disappoint.

Conclusion

Cranberry crisp is the ultimate seasonal dessert that combines fresh cranberries, sweet maple syrup, and a buttery oat topping for a treat everyone will love. Whether you keep it classic or get creative with variations, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a staple in your holiday dessert rotation. Give it a try, and savor the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and warm flavors with every bite.

FAQs About Cranberry Crisp

1. Can I use frozen cranberries for cranberry crisp?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly fine in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent excess moisture from affecting the crisp’s texture.

2. Is cranberry crisp gluten-free?

Yes, cranberry crisp can easily be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats and oat flour in the crumble topping. This way, you can enjoy the crisp without worrying about gluten.

3. How can I make cranberry crisp ahead of time?

You can assemble the cranberry crisp the night before and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to a month, thaw it in the refrigerator, and then bake it as directed.

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Cranberry Crisp

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Author: Anna
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This cranberry crisp recipe features a tart cranberry filling sweetened with maple syrup, topped with a buttery oat crumble that bakes to a golden perfection. It’s the perfect fall dessert that’s quick to make and a crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz fresh cranberries
⅔ cup maple syrup
1½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅓ cup butter, melted
1 cup large flake rolled oats (certified gluten-free if needed)
½ cup oat flour (certified gluten-free if needed)
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a 7×11-inch or similar size baking dish, combine cranberries, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Stir to mix, then spread the mixture evenly in the dish.

In a medium bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for 30 seconds. Add the oats, oat flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and sea salt to the melted butter. Stir to combine until the mixture is crumbly.
Spread the crumble topping evenly over the cranberry mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the cranberries are soft and bubbling, and the topping is golden brown.
Allow the crisp to cool for 5 minutes before serving to help the filling thicken slightly.

Notes

Frozen cranberries can be used in place of fresh cranberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.
If you need a gluten-free dessert, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour.
This crisp can be made ahead of time. Simply assemble it the night before and refrigerate, or freeze it for up to a month and bake when ready.

You can add nuts to the topping, like chopped walnuts or almonds, for extra crunch.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze for up to three months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American