Name: Simple and Healthy Cranberry Apple Crisp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 1/2 cups apples, sliced and peeled (Granny Smith, Macintosh, or any tart apple); 1 1/2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup apple juice; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2/3 cup all-purpose flour (whole wheat flour for a healthier option); 2/3 cup large flake/rolled oats; 1/3 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 cup melted butter; Use ground almonds instead of flour; Ensure rolled oats are gluten-free, like Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Oats

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If you’re searching for a cozy dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’ve got to try this Simple and Healthy Cranberry Apple Crisp. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, combining crisp apples and tangy cranberries under a golden, crumbly oat topping. What I love most about this dish is how effortlessly it blends wholesome ingredients into something irresistibly comforting. Whether you’re dishing it up for family dessert, a weekend brunch treat, or just craving something naturally sweet, this crisp hits all the right notes without any guilt.

Simple and Healthy Cranberry Apple Crisp Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready to make your Simple and Healthy Cranberry Apple Crisp is a breeze since the ingredients are straightforward and work together to create layers of flavor and texture you’ll adore. Each one plays a crucial role, from the juicy apples to the warming cinnamon and the delightful crunch of oats.

Apples (6 1/2 cups, peeled and sliced): Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Macintosh add the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Cranberries (1 1/2 cups, fresh or frozen): They bring a lovely pop of color and a tangy brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Just enough to sweeten the fruit filling without overpowering its natural flavors.
Apple juice (1/4 cup): Moistens the fruit, helping create a juicy, luscious filling as it bakes.
Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Enhances the fruit’s brightness and prevents browning of apples.
All-purpose flour (2/3 cup): Provides structure for the crumbly topping; whole wheat is a wholesome swap for extra nutrition.
Rolled oats (2/3 cup): For that satisfying, hearty texture that makes the topping so special.
Brown sugar (1/3 cup, packed): Adds caramel notes and helps the topping crisp up beautifully.
Cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Infuses warmth and classic spice to both topping and filling.
Melted butter (1/4 cup): Binds the topping’s ingredients and delivers richness and flavor.

How to Make Simple and Healthy Cranberry Apple Crisp

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling

Start by combining your peeled and sliced apples with fresh or frozen cranberries in an 8-inch square baking dish. Toss them with granulated sugar, apple juice, and lemon juice. This mixture creates a juicy, tangy base that will bubble with flavor as it bakes. Level the fruit out so it cooks evenly and gives you that perfect bite every time.

Step 2: Make the Crumbly Topping

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, packed brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle in the melted butter and gently combine until the mixture holds together loosely, forming golden crumbs that will crisp up beautifully in the oven. This topping brings that classic crunch and nuttiness you’re craving.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the fruit filling, making sure every bit of juicy apple and cranberry is covered in this luscious blanket. Bake in a preheated 375-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is crisp and golden, and the fruit filling is bubbling excitedly underneath, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Allow your Simple and Healthy Cranberry Apple Crisp to cool for at least 30 minutes so the fruit filling sets and is easier to serve. This also lets those flavors intensify and settle, guaranteeing a satisfying mouthful of sweet, tart, and crunchy goodness with every spoonful.

How to Serve Simple and Healthy Cranberry Apple Crisp

Garnishes

To elevate your cran-apple masterpiece, dollop a spoonful of creamy Greek yogurt or whipped cream on top. Vanilla ice cream is a classic accompaniment that adds a dreamy richness which perfectly contrasts with the warm fruit and crisp topping. A light sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg adds an inviting visual and flavor boost.

Side Dishes

While this dish shines brilliantly on its own, pairing it with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee makes it feel like a full, comforting experience. For a wholesome breakfast option, add a side of crunchy granola or a handful of toasted nuts to bring in more texture and protein.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Simple and Healthy Cranberry Apple Crisp feel fancy by serving it in individual ramekins or mason jars — perfect for sharing or gifting. Layering it with a dollop of yogurt or cream between portions creates a pretty parfait effect. You can also toast the topping a bit extra under the broiler for a crispy golden finish before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover crisp keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a reusable lid. When you’re ready to indulge again, the fruit’s juices and crumbly topping will have melded together even more for a lovely next-day treat.

Freezing

Want to enjoy this treat later? Freeze the crisp either before or after baking. If unfired, tightly cover the assembled crisp with foil and freeze for up to 3 months; bake directly from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking. For baked leftovers, cool completely, then portion out and freeze in airtight containers—reheat gently to preserve texture.

Reheating

To bring your Simple and Healthy Cranberry Apple Crisp back to life, reheat single servings in the microwave for about 30–45 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 325-degree Fahrenheit oven until heated through. This keeps the topping crisp and the filling perfectly warm and inviting.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for the crisp?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just fine and are super convenient. Just be sure not to thaw them completely to avoid extra liquid in the filling. Toss them straight into the apples and juices, and they’ll cook down beautifully while baking.

How can I make this apple crisp gluten free?

Swap the all-purpose flour in the topping for ground almonds or a gluten-free flour blend. Also, use certified gluten-free oats to keep the texture just right without any gluten concerns.

What apples work best for this recipe?

Tart apples like Granny Smith and Macintosh are perfect here because they hold their shape and add a nice tang that complements the cranberries. But feel free to experiment with sweet varieties if you want a more mellow flavor.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Simply replace the melted butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine. The crisp will still have that lovely crumbly texture and rich flavor.

Can I add other fruits besides cranberries?

Definitely! This recipe is very flexible. Try adding blackberries, pears, or even blueberries with your apples for different flavor twists. Just keep the total fruit quantity similar to maintain the right balance of moisture and sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Simple and Healthy Cranberry Apple Crisp is a gorgeous way to celebrate seasonal fruit in a wholesome, comforting dessert that feels both indulgent and nourishing. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I love sharing it with friends and family. Give this recipe a try soon — your taste buds will thank you!

Simple and Healthy Cranberry Apple Crisp Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 8 reviews

Author: Lana
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Simple and Healthy Cranberry Apple Crisp is a comforting and delicious dessert that combines tart apples and fresh cranberries with a crumbly oat topping. It’s easy to prepare, wholesome, and perfect for any occasion, whether as a dessert or a sweet breakfast treat when paired with Greek yogurt.

Instructions

Prepare the Fruit Filling: In an 8-inch square baking dish, combine sliced and peeled apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, apple juice, and lemon juice. Mix gently to combine and level the top evenly.
Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, toss together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle the melted butter over the mixture and combine until you achieve a crumbly texture resembling coarse crumbs.
Assemble the Crisp: Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the apple and cranberry filling, making sure all fruit is well-covered.
Bake: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden and crisp and the fruit filling is bubbling.
Cool and Serve: Let the crisp cool for 30 minutes before serving. For an extra touch, add vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or Greek yogurt on top. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon before serving.

Notes

If using only apples, increase the amount to 8 cups to replace the cranberries.
For variations, substitute cranberries with 2 cups blackberries or pears alongside 6 cups apples.
The recipe is forgiving, so feel free to experiment with different apple varieties and berry combinations.
To make it gluten-free, substitute the flour with ground almonds and use certified gluten-free oats.
Serving the crisp with Greek yogurt adds protein and a creamy texture while keeping it healthy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American