Cranberry Apple Crisp is a warm and comforting dessert that blends tart cranberries, sweet apples, and a buttery oat topping. It’s perfect for fall and winter gatherings or any time you crave a cozy fruit dessert with a touch of crunch and spice.

ingredients

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

apples (peeled and sliced)fresh or frozen cranberriesgranulated sugarsaltground cinnamonground nutmegcornstarchlemon juiceold-fashioned oatsall-purpose flourbrown sugarsalted butter (cold and cubed)

directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss until the fruit is well coated.

Spread the fruit mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.

Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit.

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.

Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 40-45 minutesCooling time: 10-15 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.

Use honeycrisp, granny smith, or a mix of apples for balanced sweetness and tartness.

Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground ginger to the filling for extra flavor.

Swap some cranberries for raspberries for a twist.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

storage/reheating

Store leftover crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven until heated through.Crisp can be frozen after baking. Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, no need to thaw—just add them straight to the filling mixture.

What kind of apples work best?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix of tart and sweet apples are great choices.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in the topping.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or coconut oil.

Why is my topping soggy?

Make sure to use cold butter and don’t overmix—it should be crumbly before baking.

Can I prepare it in advance?

Yes, assemble the filling and topping separately and store in the fridge. Combine just before baking.

How do I thicken the filling?

Cornstarch helps thicken the fruit juices as they cook. Flour can also be used.

Is it very sweet?

It has a balance of tart and sweet flavors, but you can adjust sugar levels to taste.

Can I add citrus zest?

Yes, orange or lemon zest adds a bright, fresh note.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, bake in a 9×13-inch dish and increase baking time slightly as needed.

Conclusion

Cranberry Apple Crisp is a seasonal favorite that’s easy to make and always a hit. With its tart-sweet filling and golden, buttery topping, it’s the perfect dessert to serve warm with ice cream or enjoy as a cozy treat on its own. Whether for the holidays or a weeknight indulgence, it’s a timeless classic worth savoring.