Apple Cranberry Crisp

This easy Apple Cranberry Crisp combines sweet apples, tart cranberries, and a buttery oatmeal pecan topping for the perfect cozy fall dessert.

Have you ever smelled or tasted something that instantly takes you back to a feeling or memory, or in this case, a person? That is exactly what this Apple Cranberry Crisp does for me and my wife.

This recipe came from our dear friend Lisa, who worked alongside us as a chef in the event industry. During the holidays, we would feature her Cranberry Apple Crisp on our dessert menu, and it quickly became a guest favorite. The warm apples, tart cranberries, buttery oatmeal topping, and cozy spices made it everything you want in a comforting fall dessert.

But more than that, this recipe reminds us of Lisa herself.

Lisa lost her battle with cancer a few years ago, but not before leaving a lasting mark on our hearts. Lisa's passion was serving families and creating healthy, affordable meals that brought people together around the table. This Apple Cranberry Crisp is one small way we can keep her spirit alive in our kitchen, and we are honored to share her recipe with you.

Why you'll love this apple cranberry crisp

• Sweet and Tart: Sweet apples balance the bright, tart cranberries perfectly.
• Easy to Make: There is nothing complicated about this recipe. Perfect for beginners.
• A make-ahead dessert: You can prepare it ahead of time and simply warm it before serving.
• Buttery pecan topping: The crisp topping adds the perfect combination of crunch, sweetness, and buttery flavor.

What is Apple Cranberry Crisp?

Apple Cranberry Crisp is similar to a traditional apple crisp, but the cranberries add a tartness that keeps the dessert from becoming overly sweet. It is a simple baked fruit dessert made with sweet apples and tart cranberries topped with a buttery oat-and-pecan crumble.

As it bakes, the apples and cranberries become tender, creating a deliciously sweet-tart filling, while the oatmeal, pecans, brown sugar, flour, and butter bake into a golden, crunchy topping.

Ingredients

• Apples: I used red apples because they bring natural sweetness.
• Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give the crisp, beautiful tart flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Just a small amount is needed.
• Sugar: To sweeten the fruit and help create a beautiful filling.
• Cinnamon & Spice Oatmeal Packet: Perfect because the seasoning is built in.
• Pecans: Chopped to add a nutty crunch.
• Brown Sugar: A sweetness and a rich caramel-like flavor.
• Butter: Melted butter brings all the topping ingredients together and gives the crisp that rich, buttery finish.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Apple Cranberry crisp

1. Prepare the apples. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Peel the apples and chop them into approximately ½ inch cubes.
2. Make the fruit filling. Add the apples, cranberries, and 2 tablespoons of flour to a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar and toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated.
   Add the fruit to the baking dish. Spread the apple and cranberry mixture evenly into a 2-quart or 8.5 x 11-inch baking dish.

3. Make the crisp topping. In a separate bowl, combine the oats, chopped pecans, remaining ½ cup of flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Top the fruit. Sprinkle the oat and pecan mixture evenly over the apples and cranberries.
5. Bake. Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the fruit is tender and the topping is golden brown.
6. Serve. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate dessert.

Substitutions and Variations

• Change the apples. Try Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Braeburn apples. You can even combine two types.
• Use Walnuts. If you are not a fan of pecans, walnuts make an excellent substitute.
• Make it Gluten-free. Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
• Add some orange. For a little extra holiday flavor, add a small amount of orange zest to the fruit mixture.

Expert Tips

• Use Instant Oatmeal for Easy Flavor. I used Cinnamon and Spice Instant Oatmeal packets. If you prefer to use regular oats, use 3 ounces of oats and add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the mixture.
• Don't skip the flour in the fruit mixture. The apples and cranberries release plenty of juice as they bake. The flour helps turn those juices into a delicious sauce instead of a watery filling.
• Roughly chop the pecans. You want some texture in the topping, so don't pulverize the pecans. A rough chop gives you the best crunch.
• Let it rest. Give the crisp a few minutes to cool after coming out of the oven. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve.

What to serve with Cranberry Apple Crisp

This dessert is delicious on its own, but warm Apple Cranberry Crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is our favorite way to serve it.

For a holiday dinner, this is the kind of dessert you can put in the middle of the table and let everyone serve themselves.

Storage

Refrigerator: Allow the crisp to cool, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer: Allow the crisp to cool completely before wrapping tightly or transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until heated through. For individual servings, you can also reheat in the microwave.

FAQ

More Holiday Desserts

• Pumpkin Roll Recipe
• Apple Pie (with Canned Apple Pie Filling)
• Christmas Praline Cookies
• Monster Cookies

Video of Recipe