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Cranberry Orange Apple Crisp 1

Cranberry Orange Apple Crisp

This vibrant twist on traditional apple crisp combines the comforting warmth of baked apples with bright, tangy notes of cranberries and orange zest. The tartness of fresh cranberries cuts through the sweetness of caramelized apples, while orange adds a refreshing citrus note that elevates the entire dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish or 10-inch Cast Iron Skillet
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Sheet Pan

Ingredients
  

For the Fruit Filling

  • 4 large Honeycrisp apples about 2 pounds, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries frozen work too, no need to thaw
  • 1 large orange, zested approximately 1 tablespoon zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice about half a large orange
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar or 1/2 cup honey for a natural alternative
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch arrowroot powder makes a great substitute
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Crisp Topping

  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats certified gluten-free if needed
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour or almond flour for a gluten-free option
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar coconut sugar offers a lower glycemic alternative
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cubed (plant-based butter works for a dairy-free version)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional but adds wonderful texture
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a 10-inch cast iron skillet.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples and cranberries.
  • Add the orange zest and juice to your fruit mixture. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, then gently toss until all fruit pieces are evenly coated.
  • Transfer your fruit mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, chopped nuts (if using), salt, and cinnamon. Using your fingertips, work the cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
  • Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the fruit mixture, making sure to cover the entire surface. Place the baking dish on a sheet pan to catch any potential overflow.
  • Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
  • Allow your Cranberry Orange Apple Crisp to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a healthier version, try these alternatives:
  • Reduce the sugar to 1/2 cup and use 1/4 cup maple syrup instead
  • Keep apple peels on to increase fiber content
  • Use almond flour for a gluten-free option
  • Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce
  • Make ahead: Prepare the entire crisp but don't bake it. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 150mgFiber: 6gSugar: 35g
Keyword Apple Crisp, Cranberry, Orange, Fall Dessert, Holiday Dessert, Fruit Crisp
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