Cranberry Apple Crisp

There are some desserts that just wrap you like a warm hug. This Cranberry Apple Crisp is absolutely one of them. It’s a beautiful dance of tart cranberries and sweet apples. The crunchy oat topping is pure bliss. It truly feels like autumn in every single bite.

I especially love making this for those cool evenings. It fills the house with such a wonderful aroma. Leftovers are fantastic, though they rarely last long in my kitchen! It stores beautifully in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat gently for that just-baked goodness.

Why I Love This Cranberry Apple Crisp

This recipe is a true winner in my kitchen. It’s:

• Super Simple: Seriously, even after a long workday, I can whip this up.
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends.
• Wonderfully Flavorful: That perfect balance of tart and sweet is divine.
• Versatile: It’s great for weeknights or special holiday gatherings.

Cranberry Apple Crisp Ingredients

The beauty of this Cranberry Apple Crisp lies in its straightforward yet delightful combination of flavors and textures. It brings together the bright zing of cranberries with the comforting sweetness of apples. This creates a dessert that feels both rustic and refined.

For the Filling:

• Apples: The heart of our crisp! They provide that wonderful juicy sweetness. Using a mix of apple varieties adds a more complex flavor.
• Fresh Cranberries: These little ruby gems offer a delightful tartness. They cut through the sweetness beautifully.
• Orange Zest and Juice: A secret weapon for brightness! It lifts all the other flavors.
• Sweetener (Honey or Maple Syrup): Adds natural sweetness and helps everything meld together.
• Gluten-Free Flour or Arrowroot Powder: This thickens the juices. It prevents a watery filling.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples.

For the Topping:

• Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: Creates that classic, chewy crisp texture.
• Walnuts and Almonds: Nuts add a fantastic crunch and nutty depth. Chop them coarsely.
• Flaky Sea Salt: A pinch of salt enhances sweetness. It balances the fruit’s tartness.
• Sweetener (Honey or Maple Syrup): For a touch of sweetness in the topping.
• Ghee or Coconut Oil: Binds the topping together. It helps it get wonderfully crisp.

Substitutions and Tips

Don’t have blanched almonds? Regular almonds work too, just watch their browning. If you’re not a fan of nuts, feel free to omit them or swap for more oats. Need a little extra zing? Add a dash of nutmeg to the filling. For a richer topping, a touch of brown sugar can be nice. Remember, all exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below!

How to Make Cranberry Apple Crisp

Making this delicious Cranberry Apple Crisp is quite straightforward. Follow these steps for a truly wonderful dessert. You’ll soon have a bubbling dish of comfort right from your oven.

Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

First things first. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Ghee or coconut oil works perfectly here. This prevents sticking. You want easy serving!

Combine the Filling Ingredients

Grab a large bowl. Pour in your freshly squeezed orange juice. This adds a lovely brightness. Now, prepare your apples. Slice about 2 or 3 apples at a time. Toss them quickly in the orange juice. This keeps them from turning brown. Repeat this with the rest of your apples. Add them all to the big bowl. Stir in the fresh cranberries. Add the honey or maple syrup. Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour. Finally, add the ground cinnamon. Stir everything very well. Ensure all the fruit is coated nicely.

Preventing Apple Browning

Tossing sliced apples in citrus juice is a kitchen trick. It’s a simple step. It prevents dreaded browning. This ensures your fruit looks its best. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference.

Assemble the Filling in the Dish

Use a spatula to scoop the apple-cranberry mixture. Transfer it into your prepared baking dish. Smooth the mixture into an even layer. This helps it bake uniformly. Cover the dish. Parchment paper or aluminum foil works well. Bake this for 20 to 25 minutes. Remember to stir it halfway through. Get all that fruity goodness in the dish.

Prepare the Topping

While the filling bakes, make the topping. In a medium bowl, combine the rolled oats. Add the chopped walnuts and almonds. Sprinkle in the flaky sea salt. Pour in the honey or maple syrup. Add the melted ghee or coconut oil. Stir this mixture very well. You want every piece coated. This creates a delightful, crunchy topping.

Bake the Cranberry Apple Crisp

Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. The filling should be starting to soften. Give the filling a good stir. Now, evenly sprinkle the oat topping over it. Make sure it’s spread out well. Return the dish to the oven. Bake for another 20 to 25 minutes. You’re looking for a golden-brown topping. The sides should be bubbling slightly. Keep a close eye on it. You don’t want it to burn!

Checking for Doneness

The apple filling should be tender. The topping will be golden and fragrant. Bubbles around the edges indicate it’s ready. A quick poke with a fork confirms tenderness.

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How to Store Cranberry Apple Crisp

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Cranberry Apple Crisp stores wonderfully. Let the crisp cool completely first. Store it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For reheating, a quick 350°F oven zap works magic. A microwave is fine too, just aim for short bursts. Want to freeze it? Yes, you can! Wrap portions tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat as usual to enjoy that fresh-baked taste.

Tips for Cranberry Apple Crisp Success

• Use a mix of apple types for best flavor.
• Chop nuts coarsely for a satisfying crunch.
• Don’t skip the salt; it makes flavors pop.
• Ensure topping covers filling evenly.
• Watch closely near the end of baking.
• Cool slightly before serving for best texture.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for Cranberry Apple Crisp

You don’t need fancy gadgets for this recipe. Here’s what helps make it a breeze:

• Baking Dish: A 9×13 inch dish works great. A similar-sized oven-safe skillet is also fine.
• Mixing Bowls: Two are helpful for filling and topping.
• Apple Peeler/Corer: Makes prepping apples much faster. A good knife works too.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accuracy.
• Spatula: For scraping and smoothing the filling.

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Apple Crisp

This Cranberry Apple Crisp is delightful on its own. For an extra treat, serve it warm. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is classic. A dollop of softly whipped cream is lovely. Try a drizzle of caramel sauce. A mug of warm apple cider complements it perfectly. This dessert shines for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Cranberry Apple Crisp ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire Cranberry Apple Crisp a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes it a great option for busy holidays.

What are the best apples to use for Cranberry Apple Crisp?

For a balanced flavor, I love using a mix of apples. Granny Smith offers tartness. Honeycrisp or Fuji add sweetness. This blend ensures a wonderful depth of flavor in your Cranberry Apple Crisp. Any firm apple will work well.

How can I make this Cranberry Apple Crisp gluten-free?

This recipe is already designed to be gluten-free! We use gluten-free rolled oats and gluten-free flour or arrowroot powder. As long as your oats and flour are certified gluten-free, you’re all set. Enjoy this delicious Cranberry Apple Crisp worry-free.

Can I freeze the Cranberry Apple Crisp?

Yes, freezing this Cranberry Apple Crisp is a great idea. Bake and cool it completely first. Then, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil. It freezes beautifully for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.