Cranberry Apple Crisp

Cranberry Apple Crisp is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with tender spiced fruit and a buttery oat topping that bakes up golden and crisp. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this dessert is a cozy holiday favorite that brings the best seasonal flavors to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Apple Crisp is incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples makes every bite vibrant and satisfying. The topping is crisp and buttery, loaded with oats, cinnamon, and brown sugar for that classic comforting crunch. It’s a fuss-free dessert that feels festive and homemade—perfect for fall and winter gatherings or a simple weeknight treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the fruit filling:
5 ½ cups peeled, cored, and diced Granny Smith apple (from 4 large or 5 medium apples)
8 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
⅔ cup light brown sugar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons flour
½ teaspoon cinnamon

For the topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For serving (optional):
Vanilla bean ice cream
Whipped cream
Sprinkle of cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Prepare the fruit filling by combining the diced apples, cranberries, brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Toss until evenly coated.

3. Spread the fruit mixture into a 13×9-inch glass or ceramic baking dish.

4. In a separate large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and oats for the topping. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and evenly moistened.

5. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit mixture.

6. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.

7. Let the crisp cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour and use certified gluten-free oats.

• Vegan: Use plant-based butter in the topping and skip the dairy-based ice cream or whipped cream.

• Nutty Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for extra crunch and flavor.

• Different Apples: Swap Granny Smiths with Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a sweeter twist.

• Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a more complex spice profile.

• Boozy Touch: Add a splash of orange liqueur or bourbon to the fruit filling for a more decadent flavor.

• Berry Mix: Replace some cranberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity blend.

• Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to the fruit mixture for brightness.

• Maple Twist: Replace part of the brown sugar in the topping with maple syrup for a deeper, rich sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through. If frozen, allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned cranberry sauce instead of fresh cranberries?

Canned cranberry sauce isn’t ideal for this recipe, as it alters the texture and sweetness. Use fresh or frozen cranberries for best results.

Do I need to thaw frozen cranberries before baking?

No, you can add frozen cranberries directly to the filling mixture. Just slightly increase the baking time by a few minutes if needed.

What apples work best for this recipe?

Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and ability to hold their shape, but other baking apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn also work well.

Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the filling and topping separately and store them in the refrigerator. Combine and bake just before serving.

How do I know when the crisp is done?

The topping should be golden brown and the fruit should be bubbling around the edges. This typically takes 45–50 minutes.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer and less chewy than with rolled oats.

Is it okay to skip the oats in the topping?

You can, but the topping will be more dense and less crisp. Consider replacing the oats with chopped nuts or extra flour.

Can I make individual servings?

Absolutely. Divide the filling and topping into 8–10 ramekins and bake for 35–40 minutes.

What can I substitute for brown sugar?

You can use coconut sugar, or mix white sugar with a little molasses as a homemade substitute.

Should I peel the apples?

Yes, peeling the apples is recommended for the best texture in the finished dish.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Apple Crisp is a festive and flavorful dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. With its sweet-tart filling and crunchy oat topping, it’s a seasonal classic perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any cozy night in. Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat.