Cranberry Apple Crisp Quick and Cozy Oven Ready in 40 Minutes

This Cranberry Apple Crisp is built for speed without sacrificing homestyle flavor. Fresh cranberries and tender apples pair with a crunchy oat topping for a dessert that feels special but comes together fast. Prep takes minutes and the oven does the rest, freeing you up for other tasks. If you like simple weeknight sweets, try this alongside other easy snacks like crispy homemade potato cheese sticks for a crowd pleasing spread.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe balances sweet apples and tart cranberries so you get brightness and depth in every bite. The sugar and cinnamon are measured to enhance natural fruit flavors without overpowering them. The oat flour brown sugar topping is forgiving and comes together with just your fingers, so no food processor or extra bowls. Baking at 350°F gives enough time for the fruit to soften and release juices while the topping crisps and browns. It is a one pan dessert so cleanup is minimal. For a quick swap, use pre-sliced apples from the store to shave off prep time and still serve a fresh tasting dessert that feels homemade. You can also pair it with savory bites like this snack to round out a simple gathering.

Flavor and Texture

Tart cranberries cut through the sweet apples making each spoonful lively instead of cloying. Cinnamon adds a warm, familiar note while lemon juice lifts the fruit and keeps colors bright. The oat topping bakes into a crisp, slightly chewy crust that contrasts the soft bubbling fruit beneath. Butter in the topping gives a rich mouthfeel without being heavy. Serve it warm so the juices are syrupy and the topping keeps a pleasant crunch.

Ingredients

– 2 cups fresh cranberries
– 3 cups peeled and sliced apples
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Step by Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine cranberries, sliced apples, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
3. In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, and softened butter. Use your fingers to mix until crumbly.
4. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the fruit in the baking dish.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
6. Serve warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.

Quick Tips and Shortcuts

Peel apples the night before and keep them in water with a splash of lemon to save minutes the next day. Use pre-rolled oats rather than steel cut to keep the topping tender and fast. If your apples are very sweet use a little less sugar or add a splash more lemon juice to maintain balance. For faster cooling, pull the crisp after 30 minutes if the fruit is bubbling and tent loosely with foil so the topping does not burn. To skip softening the butter, grate it from cold and toss into the oat mix for a quick crumbly texture.

Storage and Meal Prep

Cool completely then cover and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 325°F oven until heated through. You can assemble the crisp the night before and bake the next day to save active time. For freezer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to one month and thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.

Short Closing Note

This crisp is a fast way to stretch seasonal fruit into something comforting and shareable. It fits busy schedules and small celebrations alike.

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