Apple Cranberry Crisp is a cozy, heartwarming dessert that combines the sweetness of baked apples with the tart bite of cranberries, all topped with a buttery, golden oat pecan crumble. It’s the kind of nostalgic, rustic dessert that fills the kitchen with cinnamon spice and warmth perfect for crisp fall evenings, Thanksgiving dinners, or anytime you crave a comforting treat.
The balance of flavors in this dish makes it truly special: tart cranberries brighten the sweetness of the apples, while the crumbly topping adds crunch and richness. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Crisp
Apple Cranberry Crisp brings the best of fall flavors together in one easy dessert. It’s simple to make, requires minimal prep, and delivers all the warmth of homemade apple pie with far less effort. The contrast between the soft, spiced fruit filling and the crunchy, buttery topping makes it a dish everyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ¾ cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping
- ⅓ cup quick-cooking oats
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter, cut into pieces
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the fruit
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until the fruit is well coated and the spices are evenly distributed. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 2: Mix the crumb topping
In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, and brown sugar. Add the butter pieces and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the chopped pecans for added crunch.
Step 3: Assemble and bake
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apple-cranberry filling. Place the baking dish on a middle oven rack and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges.
Step 4: Cool slightly and serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes. Serve warm as is or with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Expert Tips for Success
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Use tart apples: Granny Smith apples hold their shape during baking and balance the cranberry tartness perfectly.
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Adjust sweetness: If your cranberries are extra tart, add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the filling.
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Cut apples evenly: Equal slices ensure even cooking and prevent mushy spots.
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Chill the butter before mixing: Cold butter creates a crunchier, flakier crumb topping.
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Don’t overbake: The crisp should be bubbly with a lightly golden crumb baking too long can dry out the fruit.
Tasty Variations to Try
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Apple-pear blend: Add sliced pears for a softer, sweeter variation with more autumn flavor.
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Maple pecan crisp: Replace some or all of the white sugar with pure maple syrup and reduce liquid slightly.
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Cranberry-orange twist: Stir 1 teaspoon of orange zest into the filling for a fresh citrus note that complements tart cranberries.
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Nut-free option: Skip the pecans and substitute sunflower seeds or extra oats for crunch.
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Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats.
Serving Ideas
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Classic pair: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the crisp for a luscious finish.
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Whipped cream topping: Add a dollop of cinnamon or maple-flavored whipped cream for a lighter twist.
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Caramel drizzle: A thin stream of warm caramel sauce adds a delightful sweet depth.
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Holiday dessert bar: Offer this alongside pumpkin and pecan pies for a well-rounded fall dessert spread.
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Breakfast bonus: Enjoy leftover crisp the next morning with yogurt for a cozy, fruity breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes. Frozen cranberries work beautifully no need to thaw them before baking. Just mix them directly into the apple filling to prevent adding excess liquid.
What are the best apples for crisps?
Granny Smiths are ideal for their tartness and firm texture, but you can also mix them with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for a sweeter flavor balance.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the crisp up to a day in advance and refrigerate it unbaked. Bake just before serving for the freshest results.
How should I store leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes to restore the crisp topping.
Can I freeze Apple Cranberry Crisp?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Print
Apple Cranberry Crisp
- Total Time: 65
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rustic dessert combining sweet baked apples with tart cranberries, topped with a buttery oat-pecan crumble. With warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, this crisp offers a golden crunchy top and tender fruit beneath.
Ingredients
Filling
2 lbs Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, thinly sliced
¾ cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
¼ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping
⅓ cup quick-cooking oats
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup cold butter, cut into pieces
½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Toss apples, cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until coated. Spread evenly in dish.
- Combine oats, flour, and brown sugar. Cut in butter until coarse crumbs form. Stir in pecans.
- Sprinkle topping over fruit. Bake 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Cool 10 minutes. Serve warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
Use tart apples to balance cranberry acidity.
Add extra sugar if cranberries are very tart.
Cold butter gives crispier topping.
Frozen cranberries can be used without thawing.
Reheat leftovers in oven to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: apple cranberry crisp, oat pecan crumble, fall fruit dessert, baked apple cranberry recipe, holiday apple crisp
