Easy Apple Cranberry Crisp

Name: Easy Apple Cranberry Crisp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 cup rolled oats; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cold butter; Pinch of salt

Are you in the mood for a dessert that’ll make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? 😍 Look no further because this Easy Apple Cranberry Crisp is the answer. Trust me, nothing says “I love fall!” more than a big batch of bubbly fruit topped with crunchy goodness. Let’s dive right into this easy-peasy recipe that’ll make you the star of your next gathering (or just something sweet for yourself—no judgment here).

Why Apple Cranberry Crisp?

You might be wondering, “Why choose apple cranberry crisp?” Well, let me break it down for you. First off, the blend of sweet apples and tart cranberries creates a flavor explosion that can make your taste buds do a happy dance. 🍏🍒 Plus, this dessert is super simple to make, and it’s the perfect way to use up those apples from your neighbor’s tree (you know, the ones that keep falling into your yard like they own the place).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients is almost as much fun as eating the crisp itself. Here’s what you’ll need:

4 cups of peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work beautifully)
2 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries (who’s going to stop you if you want to use the leftover ones from Thanksgiving? 😉)
1 cup of granulated sugar (Yep, we’re getting sweet for this one!)
1 cup of packed brown sugar (because layer it on, am I right?)
1 teaspoon of cinnamon (the spice that brings it all together)
1 cup of rolled oats (for texture!)
1 cup of all-purpose flour (the glue that holds everything together)
1/2 cup of cold butter (trust me, you want it cold)
Pinch of salt (gotta balance out that sweetness)

So, got your shopping list ready? Let’s move on!

Preparing the Filling

Now comes the fun part—mixing up that filling! Here’s the step-by-step so you don’t feel like you’re lost in the wilderness:

1. Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want to get that baby nice and warm, just like your fabulous self.

2. Mix the Fruits

In a large bowl, combine those lovely sliced apples and cranberries. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Toss it all together until the fruits are well-coated. Think of it as a fancy fruit spa day.

3. Transfer the Mixture

Pour the fruit mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish (you can even use a fancy casserole dish if you’re feeling sassy). Make sure it’s evenly spread out—nobody likes hot spots!

Topping That Crisp

Okay, time to make that oh-so-delicious topping. The way I see it, the crunch is just as important as the fruity filling.

1. Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of flour, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. If you’re like me, you’ll “accidentally” taste a bit of the brown sugar, and you’ll find it’s pure magic.

2. Cut in the Butter

Chop your cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands (no shame, I love getting my hands messy) to mix it all together until you get a crumbly texture.

3. Spread on Top

Now, sprinkle that crispy topping over the fruit mixture. Don’t be shy—make sure to cover it well. It’s basically the cozy blanket that your dessert deserves.

Baking Time

Time to show this crisp some heat!

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven.
Bake for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the foil to let that golden topping shine. Bake it for an additional 15-20 minutes until it’s bubbly and beautifully browned.

Pro tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even shovel a bit of extra oats on top when you remove the foil to make it extra crispy! 🥳

Serving It Up

Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes (good luck with that; the aroma will tempt you to dive right in). Serve it warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want to elevate their dessert game like that? 😋

Storing Leftovers

If you, by some miracle, have leftovers (but really, do you?), store them in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Tips for the Perfect Crisp

Here are some insider tips to ensure you absolutely nail this recipe:

Use Fresh Fruit: Seasonally fresh apples and cranberries yield the best flavors. Think of fall, the season of fruit magic!
Mix It Up: Experiment with different fruits, like pears or cherries. Why not create your own signature blend?
Add Nuts: If you’re feeling fancy, throw in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

Conclusion

And there you have it—your go-to recipe for an Easy Apple Cranberry Crisp that’ll warm your home and your heart. This dessert is a total crowd-pleaser and, frankly, an impressive way to show off your cooking skills (you’re welcome!).

So, whether you’re having a cozy movie night or hosting friends for dinner, I dare you to whip up this scrumptious delight and bask in the glorious accolades. And who knows, it might just become your new favorite fall tradition.

Get baking, and don’t forget to share your results! 🍏❤️