This warm Apple Cranberry Crisp is a cozy treat that mixes sweet apples with tangy cranberries, all topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble. Yum!
Honestly, who can resist that golden topping? I always end up eating a bit more than I planned—can you blame me? It’s perfect with a scoop of ice cream too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith are best for this crisp. They hold their shape and add the perfect tang. You can also use Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples for a sweeter touch.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide a great flavor contrast. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with dried cranberries or applesauce, though the texture will differ.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the fruit filling. If you want it less sweet, feel free to reduce the amount or use a sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling salt levels. If you’re dairy-free, you can use coconut oil or vegan butter as a replacement.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Crisp Topping?
The topping is what makes this dish so delicious! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Keep the butter cold! This step helps create a flaky texture in the topping.
- Blend the butter with the dry ingredients until you see pea-sized lumps. This creates that crunchy effect.
- Don’t skip the salt! It brings out the sweetness in both the fruit and the topping.
With these tips, your Apple Cranberry Crisp will become a favorite! Don’t forget to serve it warm for the best experience.
Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fruit Filling:
- 5 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- Pinch of salt
Optional:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Apple Cranberry Crisp takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 40-45 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at around 1 hour total before you can enjoy this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your crisp bakes evenly. While the oven is heating up, lightly grease an 8-inch round baking dish or a casserole dish of similar size.
2. Prepare the Fruit Filling:
In a large bowl, mix together the chopped apples and fresh cranberries. Now, sprinkle in the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss everything together well, ensuring that all the fruit is coated in the sugar and spices. Once mixed, transfer this luscious fruit mixture into your prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Crisp Topping:
In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, light brown sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Next, add the cold butter pieces and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix everything together. You’ll want to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs; this is what makes the topping delightfully crunchy!
4. Combine and Bake:
Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the fruit layer in the baking dish. Now it’s time to bake! Place it in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
5. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar if you like. Then, serve your warm Apple Cranberry Crisp ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy every delicious bite!
There you have it—your cozy, fruity Apple Cranberry Crisp is ready to be savored!
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute or mix different fruits like pears, blueberries, or even raspberries for a unique twist. Just keep the quantities similar for best results!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Can I Make This Crisp Vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. You can also use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) in place of any egg in the topping, but in this recipe, the egg isn’t necessary!
What Can I Serve with Apple Cranberry Crisp?
This dish is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness!
