Easy & Delicious Apple Cranberry Crisp: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert (Vegan & Gluten-Free Options)
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a warm, bubbly crisp baking in the oven, especially during the festive season. This Apple Cranberry Crisp perfectly captures that feeling, blending the sweet notes of apples with the delightful tartness of fresh cranberries under a golden, crunchy oat topping. It’s an ideal dessert for any holiday gathering, requiring just 15 minutes of active preparation time to bring pure joy to your table.
As an avid lover of the holidays, I can confidently say that this Apple Cranberry Crisp recipe instantly puts me in a festive mood every single time I bake it. Its vibrant colors and harmonious flavors make it perfectly suited for any holiday celebration – be it Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply a cozy family dinner where you need a crowd-pleasing dessert. One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility; it’s incredibly easy to customize to your liking, ensuring everyone at your table will find something to love.
Why This Apple Cranberry Crisp Will Become Your Favorite Holiday Treat
This isn’t just another dessert recipe; it’s a testament to simple, delicious baking that delivers on flavor, ease, and festive cheer. Here are several compelling reasons why you’ll fall in love with this Apple Cranberry Crisp:
- Effortlessly Quick and Simple: Forget complicated baking projects. This cranberry apple crisp comes together in less than 15 minutes of active prep time. You won’t need any specialized kitchen gadgets or advanced baking skills. It’s truly a beginner-friendly recipe that yields impressive results.
- The Quintessential Holiday Dessert: With its beautiful blend of ruby red cranberries and golden apples, topped with a golden-brown oat crisp, this dessert looks and tastes like the holidays. The sweet and tart flavors are inherently festive, making it an absolute hit at any holiday dessert table. Plus, its make-ahead potential makes entertaining a breeze.
- Adaptable for Dietary Needs: Catering to various dietary preferences is easier than ever with this recipe. You can effortlessly transform this apple cranberry crisp into a gluten-free delight with just a couple of simple ingredient swaps, without compromising on taste or texture.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Serving a large gathering? This crisp scales beautifully, offering generous portions that are sure to satisfy everyone, from kids to adults. It’s a comforting, wholesome dessert that appeals to a wide range of palates.
- Customizable Flavors: While the classic apple and cranberry combination is divine, this recipe serves as a fantastic base for experimentation. Feel free to adjust spices, sweeteners, or even add a hint of orange zest to elevate the flavors further.
If you’re a fan of apple desserts, I highly recommend exploring my other delightful recipes like vegan apple pie, convenient apple pie bars, and comforting baked apples with cinnamon oat crisp. Each offers a unique take on this beloved fruit.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Cranberry Apple Crisp
Creating this irresistible crisp relies on a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Below is an overview of what you’ll need. For precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Old Fashioned Oats: These are fundamental for the crisp topping. They provide that signature chewy, crumbly texture that makes a crisp so satisfying, while also being an affordable pantry staple. While I strongly recommend sticking to old-fashioned oats for the best texture, if you have an allergy, finely crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans can offer a similar crunch and binding quality.
- Flour: You have several excellent options here. Standard all-purpose flour works wonderfully. For a gluten-free version, a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend will perform beautifully. You can even experiment with spelt flour for a slightly nuttier flavor. The key is to ensure it helps bind the topping ingredients.
- Sugar: Any granulated sugar will work to sweeten both the filling and the topping. Cane sugar is a personal favorite, but coconut sugar or light brown sugar can also add depth and a hint of caramelization, especially in the topping. Adjust the amount slightly based on the sweetness of your apples and your personal preference.
- Vegan Butter: This is essential for a rich, flavorful, and crumbly topping. Any reliable brand of vegan butter sticks will do the trick. If you’re using unsalted vegan butter, a small pinch of sea salt in the topping mixture is vital to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavor. Alternatively, solid margarine or even cold, solidified coconut oil can be used. The crucial point here is that the butter (or substitute) must be cold and cut into chunks. This cold fat, when worked into the dry ingredients, creates pockets that expand during baking, resulting in a perfectly crumbly, golden crisp topping.
- Apples: The stars of our filling! For a delightful blend of sweet and firm texture, I highly recommend varieties like Red Delicious, Gala, or Cameo. These apples hold their shape well and offer a natural sweetness. If you prefer a more tart crisp, or if you only have green apples on hand (like Granny Smith), you might consider increasing the sugar in the filling slightly to balance the tartness of both the apples and cranberries. Peeling the apples is generally recommended as the skins can alter the desired smooth texture of the cooked filling.
- Cranberries: Opt for fresh or frozen (then thawed) cranberries. The vibrant tartness of cranberries is what truly makes this crisp shine, providing a beautiful counterpoint to the sweet apples. Do not use dried cranberries, as they will not yield the same juicy, bursting texture or intense flavor.
- Lime or Lemon Juice: A splash of citrus juice isn’t just for flavor; it brightens the fruit and prevents the apples from browning. Lemon juice is commonly used, but lime juice offers a unique, slightly more aromatic tang. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar are acceptable substitutes if you’re out of fresh citrus.
- Maple Syrup: This liquid sweetener adds another layer of flavor and helps create a luscious, saucy filling. Pure maple syrup is preferred for its distinct taste. Other liquid sweeteners like agave nectar or sugar-free alternatives (such as Lakanto syrup) can also be used, depending on your preference.
- Ground Cinnamon: This warm spice is non-negotiable for an apple-based dessert. It complements both apples and cranberries beautifully, adding a classic, comforting flavor profile that evokes the holidays.
- Sea Salt: A small amount of sea salt in the crisp topping is crucial. It doesn’t make the dessert salty, but rather enhances all the other flavors, bringing out the sweetness and tartness more effectively.
Using quality ingredients, especially fresh produce, will significantly elevate the taste of your Apple Cranberry Crisp. Take a moment to select crisp, ripe apples and plump, vibrant cranberries for the best results.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make the Best Apple Cranberry Crisp
Creating this festive dessert is wonderfully straightforward. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, bubbling crisp ready in no time. For more precise, detailed instructions and ingredient quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below.
- 1. Prepare Your Filling: Begin by combining your peeled, cored, and chopped apples with the fresh or thawed cranberries in a large mixing bowl. Add a splash of lime or lemon juice – this not only brightens the flavors but also prevents the apples from browning. Next, sprinkle in the flour, ground cinnamon, your chosen granulated sugar (like coconut or cane sugar), and maple syrup. Toss gently until all the fruit is evenly coated. Pour this vibrant fruit mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent baking.
- 2. Craft the Crumb Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dry crisp topping ingredients: old-fashioned oats, flour, sea salt, and granulated sugar. Once combined, add the cold, diced vegan butter chunks. This is where the magic happens! Using your fingertips, a fork, or even a pastry blender, work the butter into the oat mixture. You want to rub and press the butter until it’s evenly distributed and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This crumbly texture is key to a perfectly crunchy topping. Once achieved, sprinkle this delicious topping evenly over the prepared fruit filling in your casserole dish.
- 3. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place your crisp in a preheated oven (usually around 350°F/177°C) and bake for approximately 45 minutes. The crisp is ready when the topping turns a beautiful golden brown, and the fruit filling underneath is visibly bubbling around the edges, releasing an intoxicating, sweet aroma. The bubbling indicates the fruit is tender and its juices have thickened.
- 4. Cool and Serve: While it’s tempting to dig in immediately, allowing the crisp to cool for about 5 to 10 minutes is essential. This brief cooling period helps the filling set slightly and prevents you from burning your tongue! Once slightly cooled, scoop generous portions into bowls and serve immediately. For an extra special treat, enjoy it with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, a swirl of whipped cream, or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce. The contrast of the warm crisp with cold toppings is simply divine.
Make Ahead & Proper Storage for Your Apple Cranberry Crisp
One of the many advantages of this Apple Cranberry Crisp is its flexibility, allowing you to prepare it in advance, making holiday entertaining or meal prep much easier. It also stores and reheats beautifully, ensuring you can enjoy its deliciousness for days.
Can I Make This In Advance?
Absolutely! This crisp is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the fruit filling up to 2 days ahead of time. Simply combine the apples, cranberries, and other filling ingredients in your casserole dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, prepare the crisp topping fresh, sprinkle it over the chilled fruit filling, and bake as directed. Making the topping just before baking ensures maximum crispness. Alternatively, you can assemble the entire crisp (filling and topping) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Proper Storage
- Fridge: Leftover apple cranberry crisp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can either keep it in its original casserole dish, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or portion it out into airtight containers. Ensuring it’s properly sealed will keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.
- Freezer: Yes, this cranberry apple crisp freezes beautifully! Once the crisp has completely cooled to room temperature, wrap it tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. You can freeze the entire crisp or individual portions for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the frozen crisp overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and the topping is crisp again. For an extra crunchy topping, you can even finish it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes on low, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Expert Tips & Frequently Asked Questions for the Perfect Crisp
To ensure your Apple Cranberry Crisp turns out perfectly every time, here are some expert tips and answers to common questions:
- Oat Substitutions: While old-fashioned oats are highly recommended for their thickening and textural qualities, if you have an oat allergy, you can substitute them with finely crushed nuts like walnuts or pecans. These will provide a similar crunch and help hold the topping together. Alternatively, an equal amount of additional gluten-free or all-purpose flour can work, but the texture will be less “crisp” and more “crumbly.”
- Choosing the Best Apples: For optimal flavor and texture, select fresh apples that are firm, juicy, and have a bright color and flavor. Avoid using overripe or bruised apples, as they will turn mushy during baking. My favorite varieties for this crisp are Red Delicious, Gala, and Cameo for their balanced sweetness and ability to hold their shape. If you opt for tarter green apples like Granny Smith, taste your filling mixture before baking and consider adding a little extra sugar to compensate for the combined tartness of the apples and cranberries. Peeling the apples is generally recommended for a smoother filling texture.
- Thickening the Filling: The natural pectin in apples and cranberries, combined with the flour, usually creates a beautifully thick and saucy filling. However, if you prefer an even thicker consistency, you can easily add a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until completely smooth and lump-free. Stir this slurry into the fruit filling just before pouring it into the casserole dish for baking. This will result in an extra luxurious, thick sauce.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries: Both fresh and frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them completely; just ensure they are not dried cranberries, as dried varieties will not provide the same juicy bursts of tart flavor.
- Pan Size Matters: I typically use a 2-quart casserole dish, which is a standard 9×13 inch baking dish. Using a pan of this size helps achieve the ideal fruit-to-topping ratio and ensures even baking. If your dish is much larger, the crisp might bake faster and be thinner; if smaller, it might take longer to cook through.
- Serving Suggestions: While delicious on its own, this crisp is heavenly when served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm vegan caramel sauce. The contrast of warm and cold, and the different textures, truly elevates the experience.
Discover More Delicious Apple Recipes
If you love the comforting flavors of apple, be sure to try some of my other favorite recipes:
- Baked Apples with Cinnamon Oat Crisp
- Vegan Apple Pie Bars
- Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
- Classic Vegan Apple Pie
I truly hope you enjoy this delightful Apple Cranberry Crisp as much as I do! If you whip up this delicious dessert, please remember to snap a photo and tag #jessicainthekitchen on Instagram! I’d also be incredibly grateful if you could leave a comment below and give the recipe a rating. Your feedback means the world to me! Thanks so much!
Apple Cranberry Crisp
Pin Recipe
Leave a Review
Ingredients
Apple Cranberry Filling
- 6 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
- 2 cups cranberries
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, or lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, or gluten-free flour mix
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons sugar, coconut, cane or brown sugar works
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
Crisp Topping
- ¾ cup old fashioned oats
- ¾ cup all purpose flour, or gluten free flour mix
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 3 tablespoons sugar, coconut, cane or brown sugar works
- 6 tablespoons salted vegan butter, cold, cut into chunks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/177°C.
- In a bowl, mix the apples and cranberries and lime juice in a bowl to combine. Sprinkle the flour, cinnamon, coconut sugar and the maple syrup over them and mix to combine. Pour into a greased casserole dish (I use a 2 QT. dish) and spread or shake to lay evenly.
- In another bowl, mix all the crisp topping ingredients except the vegan butter. Add the vegan butter chunks in and use your fingers (or fork, or masher) to crumble it into the flour oats mixture until everything is moist and the butter is evenly distributed. It should look crumbly. Sprinkle the topping over the fruits.
- Bake for 45 minutes on the middle rack until the crisp is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling and smells delicious.
- Allow to cool slightly, then scoop out and serve immediately with some ice cream and sauce from the crisp. Enjoy!!
Notes
FAQ and Expert Tips to make this the perfect recipe
You can use make crisp ahead of time! Make the filling and you can cover it and let it sit for up to 2 days. Before baking, mix together the crisp topping, sprinkle over, then bake and enjoy!
You can use regular all purpose flour if you’re not gluten free, it works the same.
The oats thicken the topping, so while you can swap it, I don’t recommend swapping it for something that won’t do the same. You can swap it for flour, for crushed nuts (like almond flour, or even finely ground down pecans) – anything that absorbs well and will hold the crisp topping together.
For the best results, use fresh apples that are juicy, crunchy and bright in colour and flavour. You don’t want to use apples that are going bad. I love using Red Delicious, Gala and Cameo apples here. You can also use any green apple variety, but taste the filling slightly before baking to see if you might want to add a little bit more sugar since it will be two tart fruits.
You can use either! Just ensure they’re nice and plump, and not dried cranberries, which will not give you desired texture.
While the filing is nice and thick and saucy, you can even stir in some cornstarch slurry to get it even thicker. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water vigorously until thin and there are no clumps, then stir into the filling before baking.
You can store this in the original casserole dish with a slip on covered in the fridge, or cut it up and store in glass Tupperware containers, or even in foil.
Yes you can freeze this crisp! Thaw overnight, then reheat by toasting in your oven at 350F for about 15 minutes to 20 minutes until hot and bubbly again. You can freeze this up to one month.
Reheat the same way you would when thawing from freezing; by toasting in your oven at 350F for about 15 minutes to 20 minutes until hot and bubbly again. You can even turn on the “broil” setting on low for about 3 to 5 minutes to get the top crispy again.
This will last you in your fridge for at least 4 days!
You can also double or triple this recipe!
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.