Apple Cranberry Crisp

This easy-to-make Apple Cranberry Crisp is the perfect addition to your holiday table. It features a sweet apple and tangy cranberry filling topped with a crunchy oatmeal crisp topping. Serve this simple holiday dessert with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!

Making this Apple Crisp with Cranberries

I love the combination of apple and cranberry together! I thought adding cranberries to a classic old fashioned apple crisp would be a great twist on a traditional recipe.

To create this recipe, I adapted one of our favorite easy apple recipes – Apple Crumble with Oats.

For this Apple Crisp with Cranberries, I used whole old-fashioned oats in the topping so it has more of a crisp topping rather than a crumble topping. Then, I added cranberries in place of some of the apples for the fruit mixture.

Lastly, I left out the bourbon in the filling so the focus is on the combination of cranberry and apple together.

We can’t decide which version we like better, because they’re different and both so good! This recipe is simple enough for every day but tasty enough that you can definitely include it in your holiday baking.

Tools Needed to Make Apple Cranberry Crisp

You’ll need a few kitchen tools to prepare this cranberry apple crisp. Here’s what I recommend having on hand before getting started:

• Vegetable Peeler – to peel the apples.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board – to cut the apples into smaller pieces.
• Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons – to measure the ingredients.
• Small Mixing Bowl – to combine the dry ingredients for the fruit mixture.
• Wire Whisk – to whisk the dry ingredients together.
• Large Mixing Bowl – to combine apples, cranberries, and dry mixture for the fruit filling.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula – to stir the cranberry and apple mixture.
• Food Processor – to prepare the crisp topping in.
• Baking Dish – to bake the fruit crisp.
• Aluminum Foil – to cover the crisp topping if it starts to brown too quickly.

What’s in this Apple Cranberry Crisp

This delicious dessert has two components: the apple cranberry mixture and the crisp topping. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to have on hand before preparing this recipe:

Fruit Mixture

• Granny Smith Apples
• Honeycrisp Apples
• Fresh Cranberries
• Vanilla Extract
• Orange Zest
• White Sugar
• Brown Sugar
• Ground Cinnamon
• Ground Nutmeg
• Ground Cardamom
• All-Purpose Flour
• Salt

Crisp Topping 

• Pecan Halves
• All-Purpose Flour
• Brown Sugar
• Ground Cardamom
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Salted Butter
• Old Fashioned Oats

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make this easy apple-cranberry crisp, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

How to Make an Apple Cranberry Crisp

1. First, you’ll make the fruit base by combining the dry ingredients and tossing the mixture with chopped apples and tart cranberries.
2. To make the crisp topping, you will combine all of the dry ingredients except the oatmeal with cold butter pieces in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until coarse crumbs.
3. Then, combine oats with the crumb mixture.
4. To assemble the dessert, pour the apple cranberry mixture into a baking dish. Then, sprinkle the oat mixture on top.
5. Bake until apples are tender, filling is bubbles and topping is golden brown and crisp

The above is simply a quick summary of this cranberry apple crisp recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Tips for Making The Best Apple Cranberry Crisp

• When prepping the apple filling, you can chop or slice the apples as long as you don’t cut them too small. You want them thin enough that they’ll cook down in the oven, but not so thin that they’ll turn to mush. 
• I like to stir the apples, sugar, and spices together to make sure the apples are fully coated before stirring in the cranberries.
• If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the apple pie filling.
• For best results, make sure you use cold butter when making the crisp topping
• Shield the crisp topping with foil if it begins to brown too quickly.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Yes! Here are a few time saving tips that you can use when preparing this crisp recipe:

What to Serve with this Easy Crisp Recipe

Enjoy your serving of this apple and cranberry crisp as is, or top it with the following: 

• Homemade whipped cream 
• Scoop of vanilla ice cream 
• Tip: leftovers is really good with Greek yogurt for breakfast!

How to Reheat Leftovers 

To warm leftover cranberry apple crisp, bake for 10 to 15 minutes in a 250ºF oven just before serving. You can reheat individual servings or the entire baking pan.

Alternatively, you can warm the fruit crisp in the microwave in 15 second intervals until your desired temp is reached. 

Apple Cranberry Crisp FAQs

Got questions about how to make this delicious cranberry apple crisp? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes! I use frozen cranberries all the time. You don’t need to thaw them first, either.

Can dried cranberries be substituted?

I haven’t tested that variation, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Dried cranberries are a lot sweeter than fresh, so the filling would not have the same flavor (or texture due to using dried fruit).

Do I have to use the pecans?

If you or a loved one has a nut allergy, you can omit the pecans in the toppings.

However, if you’re able to eat nuts you should definitely use them because they add wonderful flavor and texture to this apple crisp recipe with oatmeal.

Can I use a different nut?

I have not tested this recipe using other nuts. If you wish to try a different type of nuts, I would recommend walnuts as they pair well with cranberry and apple.

Do leftovers need to be refrigerated?

No, leftover apple cranberry crisp will last up to three days on your countertop. Cover with plastic wrapper foil. However, it won’t be harmed by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator if you prefer.

Try this Recipe for Apple Cranberry Crisp!

Next time you’re looking for an easy dessert for the holiday season, give this apple cranberry crisp a try!

Did you love the combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples? Leave a comment below and give this cozy dessert a review for others to see what you thought of it.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see a photo your fruit crisp!

More Apple Cranberry Recipes

Do you love recipes with apple and cranberry paired together? Here are a few others that you might like to try:

Made with a homemade crust and filled with fresh cranberries and apples, this Apple Cranberry Galette would be perfect for fall, Thanksgiving, or any holiday season get together!

This Apple Cranberry Muffins Recipe is packed with oats, fall spices, fresh cranberries, and shredded apples. Make a big batch of this simple recipe to store in your freezer.

Cranberry Apple Pie is a unique Thanksgiving dessert your whole family will love! This post will explain everything you need to know about making this delicious apple and cranberry pie, make ahead tips, how to store it.

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Have you ever made an apple crisp with cranberries?