Print

Cozy Apple Cranberry Crisp with Buttery Oat Streusel

apple cranberry crisp - featured image

A quick and easy fall dessert featuring tart cranberries and sweet apples under a thick, buttery oat streusel. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy gathering, this crowd-pleaser comes together in under an hour with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch thick slices (about 5-6 cups).
  3. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, cranberries, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, cardamom (if using), and vanilla extract. Toss to coat evenly. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together oats, 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt. Pour melted butter over dry ingredients and stir until moistened and clumpy (like wet sand).
  5. Pour fruit filling into an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle streusel evenly over the top without pressing down.
  6. Place dish on a baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until fruit is bubbling and topping is golden brown. If topping browns too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
  7. Let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

For best results, use a mix of sweet and tart apples (e.g., Honeycrisp and Granny Smith). Do not use quick oats—old-fashioned rolled oats are essential for texture. Let the crisp rest for 15-20 minutes after baking to allow the filling to set. If using frozen cranberries, add 5 minutes to the bake time. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute butter with melted coconut oil or plant-based butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cranberry crisp, apple crisp, cranberry crisp, fall dessert, easy dessert, oat streusel, Thanksgiving dessert