Cranberry Apple Crisp

$- 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 4 medium apples) - 2 cups fresh cranberries (or 1 cup dried cranberries) For the fruit base, I use apples and cranberries. Apples bring a sweet and tart flavor. They also add a nice texture. Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples hold up well during baking. Cranberries add a bright pop of flavor. You can use fresh cranberries, which are tangy and juicy. If fresh ones are hard to find, dried cranberries work too. They will add a different sweetness but still taste great. - ¾ cup granulated sugar - ½ cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ¼ teaspoon salt The topping brings crunch and sweetness. I mix both granulated sugar and brown sugar for a rich flavor. The flour helps bind the topping. Rolled oats add a nice chew and texture. Melted butter makes everything come together perfectly. I always add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor. Finally, a pinch of salt enhances all the tastes. - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening) Spices are key in this dish. I use ground cinnamon for warmth and depth. It pairs well with apples and cranberries. A touch of lemon juice brightens the fruit and balances the sweetness. Cornstarch is essential for thickening the fruit mixture. It helps create a nice sauce as it bakes. This blend of flavors makes for a cozy, delicious dessert. Prepping the Fruit Begin with the fruit. You need about four medium apples. Peel, core, and slice them. Mix these apple slices with two cups of cranberries. You can use fresh or dried cranberries. Add three-quarters cup of granulated sugar, one teaspoon of cinnamon, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and one tablespoon of cornstarch. Toss everything well so all the fruit is coated. Preparing the Baking Dish Next, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish. Grease it lightly to prevent sticking. This will help when you serve the crisp later. Fruit Mixture Spread the fruit mixture evenly in the greased dish. Make sure it covers the bottom well. This layer will be sweet and tart, a perfect base for your crisp. Oat Topping Now, let’s make the topping. In a separate bowl, mix one cup of rolled oats, half a cup of all-purpose flour, half a cup of packed brown sugar, half a cup of melted butter, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. Stir until the mixture is crumbly. This step adds a delicious crunch to your dessert. Oven Temperature Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature lets the crisp bake evenly and ensures the topping turns golden. Baking Time and Visual Cues Bake the crisp for 35 to 40 minutes. Look for the fruit to be bubbly and the topping to be golden brown. These signs mean it's ready. Once done, let it cool for about 10 minutes. This cooling period helps the flavors settle. Enjoy it warm for the best experience! Selecting Apples When choosing apples, look for firm ones. Granny Smith apples work well for their tartness. Honeycrisp apples add sweetness and crunch. You can mix types for more flavor. Types of Cranberries Fresh cranberries give a bright flavor and tartness. If using dried cranberries, choose unsweetened ones. They add a nice chewiness to the crisp. Achieving the Right Texture For the best texture, the topping should be crumbly but not too dry. Mix the oats, flour, and sugars well with melted butter. This will help form a nice crust. Cooling and Serving Suggestions Let the crisp cool for about ten minutes. This allows the juices to set. Serve it warm for the best taste. Pair it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra joy. Optional Add-ins You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch. A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can spice things up. Mix in some raisins for added sweetness and texture. Garnishes for Serving Top each serving with a scoop of ice cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few extra cranberries can make it look fancy. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and freshness. {{image_2}} You can swap fruits in your cranberry apple crisp to mix things up. Try adding raspberries or blueberries. They add a sweet and tart flavor. You can use a mix of berries for a fun twist. Just keep the same amount of fruit. In fall, pears work great with apples. In summer, peaches can add a juicy touch. Let your taste guide your choices. This dessert can fit many diets with some tweaks. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour instead of regular flour. You can also use certified gluten-free oats for the topping. To make it vegan, swap butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter. Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a sweet touch. Enhancing the flavor can make this dish even more exciting. Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a warm spice kick. A dash of allspice can also add depth to the flavor. If you want less refined sugar, use honey or agave syrup. This will change the taste a bit, but it can be delicious. Experiment with these variations and find your favorite mix. Enjoy the fun of creating your own unique cranberry apple crisp! Refrigeration Tips After enjoying your cranberry apple crisp, place leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure it cools completely before sealing. Freezing Instructions You can freeze cranberry apple crisp for longer storage. Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It lasts well in the freezer for about three months. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Oven vs. Microwave The oven is the best way to reheat cranberry apple crisp. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15 minutes. This keeps the topping crisp. The microwave is faster, but it may make the topping soft. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts for about 30 seconds. Best Practices for Retaining Texture To keep your crisp from getting soggy, avoid covering it while reheating. Covering traps steam and makes it mushy. If you do use the microwave, place a paper towel under the crisp. This helps absorb some moisture. How Long It Lasts in the Fridge When stored properly, cranberry apple crisp stays good in the fridge for three days. After that, it may lose flavor and texture. Freezer Storage Duration In the freezer, your cranberry apple crisp can last for up to three months. This is a great way to enjoy a treat later without losing its deliciousness. Cranberry apple crisp is a warm dessert. It combines sweet apples and tart cranberries. The fruit fills a baking dish, topped with a crunchy, buttery oat mixture. This dish is simple to make and perfect for fall. It brings together sweet and tangy flavors and has a lovely texture. You can serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream. It’s a classic comfort food. Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. They work well in this dish. Just remember to thaw them first. This will help them cook evenly. Frozen cranberries may add extra juices. You might need to adjust the sugar if they're sweeter. Dried cranberries are another option. They add a chewy texture and a different sweetness. Look for a bubbly fruit layer. The topping should be golden brown. If you insert a fork, the apples should be soft. The crisp will smell sweet and inviting. It usually bakes for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Assemble the fruit and topping but don’t bake it yet. Cover it and store it in the fridge. It can stay fresh for one day. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. This saves time on busy days. You can also make leftovers and reheat them later. This blog post covered making a delicious cranberry apple crisp from scratch. We explored the right fruits and toppings, provided clear baking steps, and shared tips for perfecting your dish. Don’t forget the variations and storage tips to keep your crisp fresh. With this simple guide, you can enjoy a tasty dessert any time. Now, go ahead and make your cranberry apple crisp shine!$

Indulge in the fall flavors of this irresistible Cranberry Apple Crisp! Packed with juicy apples and tart cranberries, it's topped with a crunchy oat mixture that's simply heavenly. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this dessert is quick to prepare and sure to impress. Ready in just 55 minutes, why not treat yourself? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this deliciousness to your table!

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Ingredients

3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 4 medium apples)

2 cups fresh cranberries (or 1 cup dried cranberries)

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)

1 cup rolled oats

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup brown sugar, packed

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples and cranberries with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch until well coated. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.

In another bowl, combine rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until crumbly and well blended.

Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the fruit layer in the baking dish, ensuring it covers the fruit completely.

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Once done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 55 min | Servings: 8

- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra special treat!