Cranberry Apple Crisp

Cranberry apple crisp is the perfect cozy dessert that captures the flavors of fall in every bite. Combining tart cranberries, sweet apples, and a crunchy oat-nut topping, this gluten-free treat is both nourishing and indulgent. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or a simple family dinner, this crisp is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The natural sweetness from honey or maple syrup paired with the comforting spices makes it a wholesome dessert option that’s easy to prepare and even easier to love. Let’s dive into this seasonal favorite that brings warmth and cheer to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Apple Crisp

This cranberry apple crisp is packed with juicy fruit and topped with a crunchy oat-nut crumble, offering a wonderful mix of textures and flavors. It’s gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and uses wholesome ingredients, making it a guilt-free dessert choice. The burst of tart cranberries paired with the mellow sweetness of apples creates an irresistible balance. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and can be enjoyed warm from the oven or chilled the next day.

Ingredients

For the Topping:

• 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped blanched almonds
• 2 teaspoons flaky sea salt
• 2/3 cup raw honey or maple syrup
• 1/3 cup ghee or unrefined coconut oil, melted

For the Filling:

• Juice and zest of 1 large fresh orange
• 8 large apples (any variety), peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour or arrowroot powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cranberry Apple Crisp

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with ghee or coconut oil.
2. In a large bowl, pour in the orange juice. Add sliced apples in small batches, tossing each batch quickly to prevent browning. Once all apples are prepped, stir in cranberries, orange zest, honey or maple syrup, gluten-free flour, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
3. Spread the fruit filling evenly in your prepared baking dish. Cover with parchment paper or aluminum foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
4. While the filling bakes, mix the oats, walnuts, almonds, sea salt, honey or maple syrup, and melted ghee or coconut oil in a separate bowl. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is evenly coated.
5. Remove the fruit mixture from the oven. Give it a stir, then evenly sprinkle the oat topping over it.
6. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
7. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Helpful Tips

• Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for more depth of flavor—like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji.
• Toss the apples in orange juice immediately after slicing to maintain their color.
• Keep an eye on the crisp during the second bake to avoid burning the topping.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract to the filling for extra warmth.
• Use parchment instead of foil if you prefer an eco-friendly option.

Substitutions And Variations

• Substitute pecans for walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
• Swap coconut oil for ghee if you prefer a dairy-free version.
• Use agave nectar in place of honey or maple syrup if desired.
• Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for more texture.
• Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an added spice dimension.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover cranberry apple crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 300°F until heated through or microwave individual portions for 30–60 seconds. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per serving, based on 10 servings)

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 20g

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy warm topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a plant-based frozen treat.
• Top with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a wholesome breakfast.
• Pair with whipped coconut cream for a festive touch.
• Drizzle with extra maple syrup for added sweetness.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or orange zest before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Apple Crisp

Can I make cranberry apple crisp ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the fruit filling and topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake when ready.

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh? Absolutely. Just thaw and drain them before mixing into the filling to avoid excess moisture.

Is it necessary to peel the apples? Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but if you prefer the rustic feel and extra fiber, you can leave the peels on.

Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, just use maple syrup instead of honey and choose coconut oil instead of ghee.

What kind of apples work best? A blend of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp provides the best flavor balance.

Final Thoughts

Thank you for stopping by to try this cozy and delightful cranberry apple crisp recipe. I truly enjoy making this dish for my family, especially during the cooler months when apples and cranberries are at their peak. The ease of preparation, combined with the satisfying crunch and warm, spiced fruit, makes it a favorite in our home. I hope it brings the same joy and comfort to your table. Enjoy every spoonful, and happy baking to you and your loved ones!

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Cranberry Apple Crisp

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• Author: lisa
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x

Print Recipe

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Description

Cranberry Apple Crisp is a warm, spiced dessert made with fresh apples, tart cranberries, and a crunchy oat-nut topping. This naturally sweetened, gluten-free recipe is a delicious and wholesome option for fall or holiday gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups gluten-free rolled oats

1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

1/2 cup coarsely chopped blanched almonds

2 teaspoons flaky sea salt

2/3 cup raw honey or maple syrup

1/3 cup ghee or unrefined coconut oil, melted

For the Filling:

Juice and zest of 1 large fresh orange

8 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries

1/3 cup honey or maple syrup

2 tablespoons gluten-free flour or arrowroot powder

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

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Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with ghee or coconut oil.
• In a large bowl, pour in the orange juice. Add sliced apples in small batches, tossing each batch quickly to prevent browning. Once all apples are prepped, stir in cranberries, orange zest, honey or maple syrup, gluten-free flour, and cinnamon. Mix until well combined.
• Spread the fruit filling evenly in your prepared baking dish. Cover with parchment paper or aluminum foil and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• While the filling bakes, mix the oats, walnuts, almonds, sea salt, honey or maple syrup, and melted ghee or coconut oil in a separate bowl. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is evenly coated.
• Remove the fruit mixture from the oven. Give it a stir, then evenly sprinkle the oat topping over it.
• Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
• Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor

Swap nuts or omit for nut-free version

Maple syrup makes it vegan

Can be made ahead and baked later

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 4g