If you're craving a cozy, comforting dessert that brings together the tartness of cranberries and the crisp sweetness of apples, this Cranberry Walnut Oatmeal Apple Crisp is your go-to. Perfect for fall, it's a simple yet satisfying treat that fills your kitchen with the warm aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Apples are the heart of this crisp, providing a sweet and tart base. Choose a mix of tart and sweet varieties for depth of flavor. Cranberries add a pop of color and a tangy contrast that brightens up the dish. Granulated sugar sweetens the fruit and helps create a syrupy consistency as it bakes. Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like flavor to the oat topping. All-purpose flour helps bind the topping together, ensuring it crisps up nicely. Rolled oats give the topping its signature texture and heartiness. Butter is essential for a rich, crumbly topping, while walnuts add a nutty crunch. Cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth and spice, and a touch of salt balances the sweetness. Finally, a splash of lemon juice keeps the apples from browning and enhances their flavor.
This crisp is heavenly on its own, but for an extra indulgent treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. For a more sophisticated touch, try it with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that's warming up, grab a large bowl. Toss the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in the bowl. Make sure everything is well-coated; this ensures each bite is flavorful.
Transfer the fruit mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In another bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, walnuts, and salt. Now for the fun part: add the chilled, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Sprinkle this oat mixture evenly over the fruit in your baking dish. Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45-50 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the top is a beautiful golden brown and you can see the fruit bubbling at the edges.
Once it's done, take it out and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the juices to settle and makes serving easier.
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