Why Make This Recipe
Cranberry Apple Crisp is a delightful dessert that highlights the best of fall flavors. It combines tart cranberries and sweet apples with a crunchy topping for a perfect balance of taste and texture. This dessert is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it great for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Adding to its appeal, Cranberry Apple Crisp is versatile. You can enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on its own. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the seasonal bounty while satisfying your sweet tooth.
Equipment Needed for Cranberry Apple Crisp
To create this tasty Cranberry Apple Crisp, you’ll require several essential kitchen tools. First, a mixing bowl is necessary for combining ingredients, and a baking dish will hold your crisp in the oven.
You will also need measuring cups for accurate portions of your ingredients. A pastry cutter, two forks, or even your fingers will help you create the crumbly topping. Lastly, having a spatula or wooden spoon on hand will assist in mixing everything thoroughly.
What You Need to Make Cranberry Apple Crisp
- 3 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups chopped apples (i.e., Honeycrisp, about 1 1/2 medium apples)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Watkins Organic Original Gourmet Baking Vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon Watkins Organic Ground Ginger
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Watkins Organic Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Watkins Organic Ground Nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon Watkins Organic Ground Ginger
- 1 pinch Watkins Fine Himalayan Pink Salt (or substitute kosher salt)
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (regular, old-fashioned oatmeal)
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
How to Cook Cranberry Apple Crisp Step by Step
To start, preheat your oven to 350°F, ensuring that the rack is situated in the center. Lightly butter or grease a shallow baking dish, which can be a 9" tart or pie pan or an 8×8 brownie pan. This ensures that your crisp won’t stick as it bakes.
Next, in a medium bowl, combine the cranberries and chopped apples. Add the packed light brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, gourmet baking vanilla, and ground ginger. Toss these ingredients together until they are evenly mixed. Once combined, transfer this flavorful mixture into your prepared baking dish.
It’s now time to make the topping. In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour with the additional 1/2 cup of light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground ginger, and a pinch of salt.
Cut in the cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be sure not to overwork it—aim for a crumbly texture. Once you have the right consistency, stir in the rolled oats. Mix just enough so that the oats are incorporated, but still keep some chunks for added texture.
Spread the topping evenly over the fruit filling in your baking dish. Take a moment to gently pat it down with your fingertips, ensuring it sticks well to the fruit beneath. The crisp is ready for the oven!
Bake the Cranberry Apple Crisp for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping turns light brown and crispy. You’ll know it’s done when you see the fruit bubbling underneath the topping.
For the best experience, serve the crisp warm. You can either enjoy it as is or with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious treat.
How to Make Cranberry Apple Crisp
Making Cranberry Apple Crisp is straightforward and enjoyable. The delicious combination of sweet and tart fruits mixed with a crunchy topping makes for a delightful dessert.
Start by gathering your ingredients and preheating the oven. Good preparation makes the cooking process smoother. Measure each component accurately so that the flavors blend perfectly and achieve the right texture.
Once you prepared the filling with the cranberries and apples, whisk together the topping ingredients, mixing until you achieve a crumbly blend. Layer this over the fruit mixture before baking.
The finishing touch is that perfect bake time so keep an eye on the oven during the last few minutes. Allow the crisp to cool briefly post-baking for the best serving experience!
How to Serve Cranberry Apple Crisp
Cranberry Apple Crisp is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. The warm, fragrant dessert can be enjoyed straight out of the oven. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top takes this dish to the next level.
You can also serve it with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness. If you prefer a more rustic style, consider serving it in individual ramekins for a charming presentation.
Don’t forget to have spoons ready! Sharing and enjoying the crisp with loved ones creates happy memories around the dinner table.
What to Serve with Cranberry Apple Crisp
When deciding what to pair with Cranberry Apple Crisp, consider drinks and other desserts. A warm cup of spiced cider or a mild herbal tea complements this dish beautifully, enhancing the overall experience.
For a more extravagant dessert table, include assorted cookies or brownies. But the crisp alone can steal the show at any dessert spread, making it the star of the meal.
If you want to keep it light, consider adding a fresh fruit salad or a cold, light yogurt. The tanginess of the salad brightens up the palate after enjoying the warm crisp.
How to Store Cranberry Apple Crisp
If you have leftover Cranberry Apple Crisp, you’ll want to store it properly to maintain its freshness. Allow the crisp to cool completely before covering it. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover the baking dish, or transfer the crisp to an airtight container.
Storing it in the refrigerator will keep it fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer, you can freeze the crisp for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and follow up with foil. It should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
To reheat, simply warm the leftover crisp in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until heated through. You can add a scoop of ice cream again for that freshly made dessert feel!
Tips to Make Cranberry Apple Crisp
Creating the perfect Cranberry Apple Crisp can be made easier with a few helpful tips. First, ensure that the cranberries are fresh. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them upfront—add extra minutes to baking if they’re significantly frozen.
For the apples, variety matters. Choose apples that balance sweetness and tartness. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn work well, and having a mix can elevate the flavor. Pre-slice them uniformly for even cooking.
When preparing the topping, remember that colder butter will yield a flakier topping. If your kitchen is warm, you can chill the butter before cutting it in. Lastly, do not skip the oats—these create that signature crunch we all crave!
Variation
Cranberry Apple Crisp can be easily adjusted to suit your taste preferences. You can focus on different fruits—try pears or blueberries for a varied flavor. Mixing fruits can also provide a delightful twist.
Another variation is to modify the spices. If you love warmth, consider adding cloves or nutmeg. If you want a bit of richness, you could incorporate some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, into the topping for added crunch.
For a healthier twist, you can reduce the amount of sugar, replace it with honey or maple syrup, or use whole wheat flour for the topping. The possibilities are endless!
Best Time to Make Cranberry Apple Crisp
Cranberry Apple Crisp shines best in the fall and winter months when cranberries are in season. The vibrant colors of the fruits reflect the seasonal changes outside, bringing warmth and comfort to your table.
However, it can also be enjoyed year-round if desired. For summertime, you might consider adjusting the fruits used to more summer varieties, but the cozy feel of a fresh-baked crisp can warm the heart any time of year.
This recipe is especially popular for holidays like Thanksgiving, where it can act as the perfect dessert to follow a hearty meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While making Cranberry Apple Crisp, a few pitfalls can happen easily. One common mistake is overmixing the topping. Aim for a crumbly texture, and remember that it should be uneven for the best results.
Ensure you don’t skip preheating the oven. Placing the crisp into a cold oven may result in uneven baking, leaving parts undercooked or overly dry.
When incorporating the apples and cranberries, always mix gently to preserve their shapes. If you go too harshly, you could end up with mushy fruit. Lastly, make sure to watch the baking time—the topping should be golden and crispy but not burnt.
Nutritional Notes
For those monitoring their dietary intake, Cranberry Apple Crisp can be a thoughtful treat. It generally offers fiber from the fruits and oats, adding both health benefits and satisfaction.
However, being aware of the sugar content can be essential, especially if you’re mindful of calorie intake. Using less sugar or natural sweeteners can create a more health-focused dessert.
Consider portion control. While delicious, a small serving allows you to enjoy the flavors without overindulgence.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I make this gluten-free?
You can substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour blends and ensure that any other ingredients used are also gluten-free.
How long does it take to bake?
The baking time is typically about 35 to 40 minutes, but always look for a light golden topping and bubbling fruit.
Conclusion
Cranberry Apple Crisp is an inviting dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples, all topped with a crunchy mixture. This recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for cooks of any skill level.
Whether served on a chilly evening or made for a holiday gathering, it is sure to delight anyone at the table. Enjoying this crisp warm, perhaps with ice cream, makes for a heartwarming experience. Make it a delightful addition to your dessert repertoire today!
