Cranberry Apple Crisp

This Cranberry Apple Crisp brings together the best of fall’s flavors: tart cranberries, sweet apples, and a buttery oat topping that bakes up golden and crisp. It’s the perfect dessert for cool evenings and holiday gatherings, delicious on its own or topped with a scoop (or two!) of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

For the filling:

• 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups)

• 2 cups fresh cranberries

• 1 cup granulated sugar (reserve ¼ cup for the topping)

• Zest of 1 orange

• Juice of 1 orange (about ¼ cup)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  

For the topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup brown sugar, lightly packed

• ¼ cup granulated sugar (from above)

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats (not instant)

• 1½ sticks (¾ cup) cold unsalted butter, diced
  

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.
   

2. Prepare the fruit filling: In a large bowl, combine the cubed apples, cranberries, 1 cup of sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and cornstarch. Toss until the fruit is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
   

3. Make the crisp topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar, salt, and oats. Using a mixer on low speed, add the cold, diced butter or use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
   

4. Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit mixture. Bake for one hour, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges.
   

5. Rest and serve: Let the crisp rest for about 15 minutes before serving—it will thicken slightly as it cools. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
   

This crisp makes an excellent finale to a cozy fall dinner or holiday meal. Its balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for a little extra indulgence. Enjoy!