BEST CRANBERRY APPLE CRISP EVER

I still remember the aroma that would fill Grandma’s kitchen every Thanksgiving – a warm, sweet, and slightly tart scent that could only mean one thing: her famous fruit crisp was baking. This year, I’m sharing my version of that cherished dessert, a delightful Cranberry Apple Crisp that combines the comforting flavors of apples with the festive tang of cranberries. Get ready to create a dessert that will be the star of your holiday table, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easier to make than you think!

Why This Cranberry Apple Crisp is a Must-Try

Okay, friend, let’s be real: there are a lot of apple crisp recipes out there. But this Cranberry Apple Crisp stands out because it’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery, crumbly topping that will have everyone begging for seconds. It’s also surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Plus, the vibrant colors of the cranberries and apples make it a stunning addition to any holiday spread. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings and festive gatherings.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

The secret to a truly exceptional fruit crisp lies in a few key elements:

• The Fruit Combination: We’re not just using apples here. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples, creating a complex and delightful flavor profile.
• The Topping: A truly great crisp topping should be both buttery and crumbly. We’ll achieve this by using cold butter and a touch of oats for added texture.
• The Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor.
• The Sweetener: A combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar gives the crisp a rich, molasses-like flavor and a beautiful golden-brown color.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for both the fruit filling and the crisp topping:

For the Cranberry Apple Filling:

• Apples: 6-8 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala), peeled, cored, and sliced. I like a mix of sweet and tart for the best flavor.
• Fresh Cranberries: 1 1/2 cups, rinsed and picked over. Frozen cranberries can also be used, but don’t thaw them.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup, for sweetness.
• All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons, to help thicken the filling.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon, to brighten the flavors and prevent the apples from browning.
• Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon, for added flavor.

For the Crisp Topping:

• All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup, the base of our topping.
• Rolled Oats: 1/2 cup, for added texture and a nutty flavor.
• Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup, packed, for sweetness and a molasses-like flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup, for extra sweetness and to help the topping crisp up.
• Cold Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), cut into small cubes. This is crucial for creating a crumbly texture!
• Pinch of Salt: To enhance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Bake!

Alright, friend, let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious Cranberry Apple Crisp in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated.
3. Pour the fruit mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure the fruit is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Make the Crisp Topping

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This is important for that crumbly texture! Don’t overmix. You should still see small pieces of butter.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the fruit filling.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
3. Let the crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to thicken slightly.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Crisp

Want to take your Cranberry Apple Crisp to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks:

• Use a Mix of Apples: Different types of apples have different textures and sweetness levels. Combining a few varieties will create a more complex and interesting flavor. Granny Smith apples provide tartness, while Honeycrisp or Gala apples add sweetness and crispness.
• Keep the Butter Cold: This is crucial for creating a crumbly topping. Cold butter will create pockets of air that will result in a light and tender topping.
• Don’t Overmix the Topping: Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough topping. Mix just until the butter is incorporated and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Adjust the Sweetness to Your Liking: If you prefer a less sweet crisp, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the filling and the topping. Taste the fruit filling before adding the topping and adjust the sweetness as needed.
• Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crisp topping.
• Serve Warm: Cranberry Apple Crisp is best served warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts, but the topping may not be as crisp.

Variations and Substitutions

Feel like getting creative? Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

• Other Fruits: Try adding other fruits like pears, blueberries, or raspberries to the filling.
• Different Spices: Experiment with different spices like cardamom, allspice, or cloves.
• Gluten-Free: To make this crisp gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free rolled oats.
• Vegan: To make this crisp vegan, use a vegan butter substitute and ensure your sugar is vegan (some granulated sugar is processed with bone char).
• Add a Streusel Topping: For a richer topping, add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts and 1/4 cup of melted butter to the crisp topping mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry Apple Crisp is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a few accompaniments:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the warm, fruity flavors of the crisp.
• Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a touch of elegance.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: For an extra layer of spice, try serving it with cinnamon ice cream.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle with caramel sauce for a decadent treat.
• Creme Fraiche: The tangy flavor of creme fraiche provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the crisp.

Perfect for Holiday Desserts

This Cranberry Apple Crisp is the perfect dessert for any holiday gathering. Its festive colors and comforting flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to make ahead of time. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other special occasion, this crisp is sure to be a hit. It’s a wonderful alternative if you’re looking for something besides the traditional pies, and it pairs beautifully with a steaming mug of hot chocolate or spiced cider.

Other Delicious Apple Recipes to Try

If you’re an apple lover like me, you’ll definitely want to try these other delicious apple recipes:

• Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: A decadent twist on a classic dessert.
• Apple Crisp: A simple and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Autumnal Apple Crisp: Another take on this amazing dessert.
• Apple Crisp: A simple and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Air Fryer Apple Fritter Magic: Quick, easy, and utterly irresistible.

Why Fruit Crisp is Always a Good Idea

Let’s face it: baking can be intimidating. But a fruit crisp? That’s pure comfort food territory. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Unlike finicky cakes or temperamental pastries, a fruit crisp embraces imperfections. A little extra crumble here, a slightly uneven fruit distribution there – it all adds to the rustic charm. And that warm, bubbling fruit, topped with a golden-brown, buttery crust? It’s a sensory experience that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those end-of-season fruits that are starting to soften – turning potential waste into a delicious, satisfying treat.

Making it Ahead of Time

One of the best things about this Cranberry Apple Crisp recipe is that you can easily prepare it in advance. You can assemble the entire crisp (fruit filling and topping) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the topping from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the crisp is very cold.

Troubleshooting Your Crisp

Even with the best recipes, things can sometimes go awry. Here are a few common issues and how to fix them:

• Topping is Too Dry: If your topping is too dry and crumbly, add a tablespoon or two of melted butter or milk to the mixture and mix until it comes together.
• Topping is Too Wet: If your topping is too wet, add a tablespoon or two of flour or oats to the mixture and mix until it’s crumbly.
• Filling is Too Runny: If your filling is too runny, sprinkle a tablespoon of cornstarch or tapioca starch over the fruit mixture before adding the topping.
• Topping is Burning: If the topping is browning too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Get Ready to Impress!

So there you have it – my foolproof recipe for the best Cranberry Apple Crisp ever! I know you’re going to love this recipe as much as I do. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and comforting, and it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Now go ahead, bake up a batch, and enjoy the deliciousness!

Lady Maria

Best Cranberry Apple Crisp Ever

This Cranberry Apple Crisp is a delightful dessert that balances sweet and tart flavors with a buttery, crumbly topping. It’s easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings or any chilly evening, promising a warm and comforting experience in every bite.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 9

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 6-8 medium apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large bowl
• small bowl
• whisk
• Pastry blender or fingertips
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Oven
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla extract.
3. Toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated.
4. Pour the fruit mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and distribute evenly.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt.
6. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the fruit filling.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
9. Let the crisp cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use a mix of apple varieties. Keep the butter cold for a crumbly topping and avoid overmixing. Adjust sweetness to your liking. Add nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave. Assemble the crisp ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and oats. To make it vegan, use vegan butter and sugar.