This Cranberry Almond Apple Crisp is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, perfect for those cozy fall evenings. The sweet and tart combination of apples and cranberries, topped with a crunchy almond-oat topping, will have everyone asking for seconds.
The star here is obviously the apples, bringing sweetness and a soft texture when baked. We’re using about six cups of sliced apples, which is roughly 5-6 medium apples. Choose a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results. Then, we add fresh cranberries to introduce a tart contrast that brightens the dessert. Granulated sugar sweetens the fruit mix, balancing the tartness of the cranberries.
To thicken the fruit juices as they bake, we use a little all-purpose flour. Ground cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg provide that warm, spicy aroma that makes this dish inviting. A dash of salt enhances all the flavors. The topping is made with rolled oats for a hearty, rustic texture, and almond flakes that add a nutty crunch. Brown sugar gives a rich sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor, while unsalted butter holds everything together as it melts and bakes. Finally, a splash of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors with a fragrant note.
This crisp is divine on its own, but to elevate the experience, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For an extra touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top just before serving.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it time to reach the perfect baking temperature while you prepare the crisp. Grab a large bowl and combine your sliced apples, fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Use a sturdy spoon or your hands to mix everything until the fruit is evenly coated. Transfer this fruit mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In another bowl, it’s time to prepare the topping. Mix together the oats, almond flakes, brown sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until all the dry ingredients are moistened by the butter and vanilla, creating a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this oat mixture evenly over the fruit layer, ensuring full coverage for that lovely crunch in every bite.
Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the apples are tender. Once done, let your crisp cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to settle and makes serving easier.