Name: Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups apples (about 4 medium sized apples, peeled, cored and chopped); 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup brown sugar (packed); ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; Vanilla ice cream; Whipped cream

I’m so excited to share this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe with you—it’s one of those cozy desserts that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The sweet-tart combo of apples and cranberries makes every bite sing, and the crunchy oat topping gives it just the right amount of texture. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dessert or something to impress at your next family gathering, this recipe hits all the right notes.

What I love most about this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe is how easy it is to prepare but how much it tastes like you spent hours crafting it. The fresh fruit bubbles away perfectly under that golden, buttery crust, and honestly, the scent drifting through my kitchen while it bakes is probably one of my favorite smells. Give it a try—you won’t regret having this one in your baking arsenal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe work together beautifully to balance sweet and tart flavors, along with that irresistible crisp topping. When shopping, aim for firm apples and fresh or frozen cranberries—both are key to the perfect texture and flavor.

Apples: I like using firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for that perfect balance of tart and sweet and to hold up well when baked.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries lend a tart burst, but frozen work just as well and are convenient anytime you want this recipe.
Granulated sugar: This helps sweeten the fruit mixture so the cranberries don’t taste too tart.
Old-fashioned rolled oats: These give the topping its signature chewy, crunchy texture—instant oats don’t have the same effect!
All-purpose flour: Binds the topping crumbs together so you get that golden, crisp crust every time.
Brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the topping with a slight molasses hint.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter brings everything together in the crisp topping and makes it decadently rich.
Ground cinnamon: A classic spice for apples and cranberries that adds cozy warmth.
Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a hint of nutty, spicy depth without overpowering the fruit.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Vanilla ice cream (optional): Because who can resist a scoop of cold, creamy ice cream with warm crisp?
Whipped cream (optional): Another favorite topping that’s light and fluffy for extra indulgence.

Variations

I love that this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe feels like a base you can play with. I often tweak it depending on the season or what I have on hand, and you can easily make it your own.

Gluten-Free Version: I swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use certified gluten-free oats, and it turns out just as delicious—great for friends with dietary needs.
Mixed Fruit: Sometimes I add pears or even diced peaches in summer for a fresh twist that still works beautifully with the cranberries.
Less Sweet Topping: If you prefer it less sugary, I reduce the brown sugar by a quarter cup—perfect if you want the fruit to shine a little more.
Nut Topping: Toasted pecans or walnuts mixed into the topping give it a nice crunch and a deeper, toasty flavor that I adore.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish really well—trust me, this step saves you from any sticky situations later and helps your crisp slide right out for serving.

Step 2: Mix the Fruit Filling

In a large bowl, toss together your peeled, cored, and chopped apples with cranberries and granulated sugar. Make sure the fruit is well coated—that sugar helps bring out the juices that make this dish juicy and flavorful. Once mixed, spread the fruit evenly in your prepared dish.

Step 3: Create the Crisp Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir until it looks crumbly and not too wet—that’s your golden topping. This mix is what gives the crisp its iconic texture and flavor, so make sure everything’s well incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle your crumbly topping evenly over the fruit, covering all the apples and cranberries in an even layer. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and you see the fruit bubbling around the edges—like a little bubbling promise of deliciousness.

Step 5: Cool Slightly and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the crisp cool for a bit so those juices thicken up—it makes serving way easier and the texture even better. I always serve it warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, but honestly it’s just as good on its own.

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe

The image shows seven white bowls and plates arranged neatly on a white folded cloth over a white marbled surface. Starting top left, there is a small white bowl filled with dark red cranberries, next to it on the right is a large bowl heaped with light beige rolled oats. Below the cranberries is a bowl holding three blocks of pale yellow butter. In the center is a small bowl of brown cinnamon powder. To the right of the cinnamon is a medium bowl filled with white flour. At the bottom left, a white plate holds a mix of green and red apples, five green and two red. Finally, there is a small white bowl on the bottom right filled with white granulated sugar. The setup is clear and bright, showing the raw ingredients before cooking photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I can never resist topping my Apple Cranberry Crisp with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream—it melts perfectly into the warm fruit and crisp. Whipped cream is a lovely lighter alternative, and sometimes I sprinkle a little cinnamon on top just for that extra cozy touch.

Side Dishes

For a fall dinner party, I like serving this crisp alongside a buttery caramel sauce or even with a cup of bold coffee. It’s also fantastic after a simple roast chicken or pork meal, where the dessert’s fruity brightness offers a great contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun idea I’ve tried is serving individual portions in mason jars for a rustic, charming look—it’s perfect for potlucks or casual gatherings. You can also layer the filling and topping slightly before baking for some pretty visuals or sprinkle chopped nuts on top for a festive crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover Apple Cranberry Crisp tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It stays tasty for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even better the next day!

Freezing

This crisp freezes really well. After baking and cooling completely, I portion it out into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When I’m ready for dessert, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop individual servings in the microwave for about a minute or so, or warm the whole crisp at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through and the topping re-crisps a bit. Adding a fresh scoop of ice cream right after reheating feels like a little reward for your patience!

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh for this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe?

While fresh apples are ideal because they hold their shape better and release the right amount of juice, you can use frozen apples if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing them with the cranberries to avoid a mushy filling.
How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?

Using old-fashioned rolled oats and melted butter helps create a crispy topping that holds up well. Baking at 350°F for the full 45 minutes ensures the topping browns nicely. Also, letting the crisp cool a bit before serving helps the topping set and prevents sogginess.
Can I make this Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter or coconut oil, and use coconut sugar or another plant-based sweetener if you want. Also, serve with dairy-free ice cream or whipped topping for a fully vegan dessert experience.
Is it better to peel the apples for this crisp?

I prefer peeling the apples because it creates a smoother texture and lets the spices and sweetness shine. However, if you enjoy that bit of added rustic texture and extra fiber, you can leave the skins on—just be sure to wash them thoroughly.
Can I add nuts to the crisp topping?

Yes! Adding chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds gives a wonderful crunch and a deeper flavor that complements the apples and cranberries perfectly. Toast them lightly beforehand for extra nuttiness.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cranberry Crisp Recipe is one of those comforting dishes I keep revisiting because it captures the essence of homey, heartfelt baking with minimal fuss. I genuinely hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s the kind of dessert that brings smiles around the table and makes good memories a little sweeter. Trust me when I say, once you try this crisp, it’ll become a favorite you reach for again and again, especially as the seasons turn cozy and cool.