Cranberry Crisp Recipe

This crisp cranberry recipe is a delightful combination of tangy cranberries and a sweet, crispy oatmeal topping. It's a perfect dessert for the holiday season, offering a burst of fruity flavor and a comforting warmth. Whether served at a family gathering or as a treat for a chilly evening, its vibrant color and delectable taste are sure to impress.

Photos of Cranberry Crisp Recipe

Our main ingredient, cranberries, are often available in grocery stores year-round in the frozen section, but they are especially abundant in produce aisles in the fall and winter months. They provide a tart contrast to the sweet topping in this recipe. Freshly-squeezed orange juice can be easily substituted with store-bought ones, but ensure that it's 100% juice for the best flavor.

Crisp Cranberry Recipe Ingredients

Cranberries: These small, tart fruits are the star of this recipe, providing a perfect balance to the sweet topping.

Brown sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness to the cranberries and the oatmeal topping.

Orange juice: Enhances the fruity flavor of the cranberries and adds a touch of brightness.

Vanilla extract: Gives a depth of flavor to the filling.

Oats: Form the basis of our crisp topping, adding a delightful crunch.

Nuts: Add an extra dimension of texture and nutty flavor to the crisp topping.

Butter or coconut oil: Binds the ingredients of the oatmeal topping together, helping it crisp up in the oven.

Flour: Helps thicken the cranberry filling and contributes to the crumbly texture of the topping.

One reader, Avie Olds says:

This crisp cranberry recipe is a game-changer! The tartness of the cranberries perfectly balances the sweetness of the crispy oatmeal topping. It's a delightful treat that's bursting with flavor. Plus, it's so easy to make! I highly recommend trying it out for a delightful and festive dessert.

Avie Olds

Techniques Required for Crisp Cranberry Recipe

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the ramekins or baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

Make the cranberry filling: Combine the cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest in a large bowl. Stir until evenly combined and set aside.

Prepare the crispy oatmeal topping: In a separate large bowl, mix the oats, nuts, brown sugar, melted butter, flour, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined. Set aside.

Portion the filling and topping: Evenly distribute the cranberry filling into the ramekins or pour it into the baking pan. Sprinkle the crispy oatmeal topping evenly over the cranberry filling.

Bake the crisp: Place the ramekins or baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cranberries are bubbling and the topping is lightly golden.

Rest and serve: Remove the crisp from the oven and let it rest on a cooling rack for 5 minutes. Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream.

How To Make Cranberry Crisp

Make use of your cranberries at home and turn it into an irresistible cranberry crisp with crispy oatmeal on top that is perfect for a holiday dessert.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For the cranberry filling:

24ozfresh cranberries
⅔cuppacked brown sugar
½cupfreshly-squeezed orange juice
1tspvanilla extract
orange zest

For the crispy oatmeal topping

1cupold-fashioned oats
½cupchopped nutspecans, walnuts, almonds, or pistachios
½cuppacked brown sugar
⅓cupmelted butter or coconut oil
¼cupflouror almond meal
salt and ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 8 small ramekins, or one 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
To make the cranberry filling, stir cranberries, brown sugar, orange juice, vanilla extract, and orange zest together in a large bowl until evenly combined. Set aside.
To make the crispy oatmeal topping, stir oats, nuts, brown sugar, melted butter, flour or almond meal, salt, and cinnamon together in a separate large bowl until evenly combined. Set aside.
Portion the cranberry filling evenly into the 8 ramekins or pour the cranberry filling into the baking pan in an even layer. Sprinkle evenly with the crispy oatmeal topping.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cranberries are bubbling and the topping is lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and rest on a cooling rack for 5 minutes. Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 280.98kcal
Fat: 11.49g
Saturated Fat: 6.86g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2.75g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.11g
Carbohydrates: 44.71g
Fiber: 4.82g
Sugar: 28.88g
Protein: 3.00g
Sodium: 307.34mg
Calcium: 41.33mg
Potassium: 192.03mg
Iron: 1.08mg
Vitamin A: 3.41µg
Vitamin C: 15.29mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Crisp Cranberry Recipe

When making the crispy oatmeal topping, ensure the butter or coconut oil is fully melted before combining with the other ingredients. This will help to evenly distribute the fat throughout the mixture, resulting in a more uniform and crispy topping. Additionally, for a more pronounced flavor, you can toast the oats and nuts in a dry pan over medium heat before adding them to the topping mixture. This will enhance their natural flavors and add an extra layer of depth to the dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the cranberry filling and crispy oatmeal topping the night before and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day of baking.

Use food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop the nuts and mix the oatmeal topping ingredients, saving time and effort compared to chopping and mixing by hand.

Double batch: Consider making a double batch of the cranberry filling and oatmeal topping and freezing the extra portions for future use. This way, you'll have ready-made components for a quick dessert.

Substitute Ingredients For Cranberry Crisp Recipe

fresh cranberries - Substitute with frozen cranberries: Frozen cranberries can be used as a substitute for fresh cranberries in this recipe. They are typically picked and frozen at peak ripeness, so they retain their flavor and nutritional value.
packed brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for packed brown sugar. It has a similar sweetness and caramel-like flavor, making it a suitable alternative in the recipe.
freshly-squeezed orange juice - Substitute with tangerine juice: Tangerine juice can be used as a substitute for freshly-squeezed orange juice. It provides a citrusy flavor similar to orange juice and complements the cranberries well.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can be used as a substitute for vanilla extract, adding a nutty and aromatic flavor to the cranberry filling.
orange zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest can be used as a substitute for orange zest, providing a bright and citrusy flavor to the recipe.
old-fashioned oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes can be used as a substitute for old-fashioned oats, providing a similar texture and nutty flavor to the crispy oatmeal topping.
chopped nuts - Substitute with pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds can be used as a substitute for chopped nuts, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the crispy oatmeal topping.
packed brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for packed brown sugar, providing a natural sweetness and hint of caramel flavor to the topping.
melted butter or coconut oil - Substitute with ghee: Ghee can be used as a substitute for melted butter or coconut oil, adding a rich and buttery flavor to the crispy oatmeal topping.
flour - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a substitute for flour, providing a gluten-free option and adding a nutty flavor to the crispy oatmeal topping.

Best Way to Present This Delightful Dessert

Elevate the cranberry filling: Create a visually stunning presentation by carefully spooning the vibrant cranberry filling into the serving dishes, ensuring each portion is beautifully presented.
Garnish with orange zest: Add a pop of color and a burst of citrus aroma by delicately sprinkling fresh orange zest over the top of the dish, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Incorporate a touch of elegance with a sprig of mint: Place a small, fresh sprig of mint on top of the dessert to add a touch of sophistication and a hint of refreshing flavor to the presentation.
Use high-quality serving dishes: Opt for elegant, porcelain or ceramic ramekins to serve the dessert, adding a touch of luxury to the overall presentation.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the dessert with a fine layer of powdered sugar just before serving to create a visually appealing contrast and a touch of sweetness.
Accompany with a decorative tuile: Serve the dessert alongside a delicate almond or orange tuile for an added element of sophistication and texture.
Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream: Place a small, carefully crafted dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of the dessert to enhance the visual appeal and provide a luxurious finishing touch.
Serve on a decorative platter: Present the individual ramekins or the baking dish on a beautifully decorated platter, adding an extra layer of elegance to the overall presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Crisp Cranberry Treats

Oven: An essential appliance for baking and roasting dishes, providing consistent and even heat distribution for cooking.
Ramekins: Small, individual-sized ceramic or glass dishes used for baking and serving single portions of desserts or savory dishes.
Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing batters, sauces, and fillings, available in various sizes to accommodate different recipes.
Baking dish: A heat-resistant dish used for baking and roasting, available in different materials such as glass, ceramic, or metal.
Cooking spray: A convenient tool for greasing baking dishes and pans to prevent food from sticking during baking or cooking.
Cooling rack: Used to allow baked goods to cool evenly by promoting air circulation, preventing sogginess on the bottom.
Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients in both liquid and dry form to ensure precise and consistent results in recipes.
Food processor: A versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, pureeing, and blending ingredients, ideal for preparing various components of a recipe.
Mixing spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and combining ingredients in a bowl or pot, available in different materials such as wood, metal, or silicone.
Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods, providing a surface for even heat distribution.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and incorporating air into ingredients, essential for creating smooth batters and sauces.
Spatula: A versatile tool for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients, commonly used in baking and cooking to handle delicate foods.

Storing and Freezing Tips for Crisp Cranberry Recipe

Let the crisp cranberry cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the topping soggy.
To store, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the crisp to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the crisp cranberry:
- Wrap the dish securely with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place the crisp in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Label the container with the date and contents for easy reference.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat the frozen crisp cranberry:
- Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
- Remove the plastic wrap and cover the dish loosely with foil.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and the topping is crisp.
- If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the remaining baking time.
For individual servings, you can freeze the crisp in the ramekins. Follow the same wrapping and reheating instructions, but reduce the baking time to 10-15 minutes.

How To Reheat Leftover Crisp Cranberry Recipe

The best way to reheat leftover crisp cranberry is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover crisp in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to crisp up the topping.
If you prefer a quicker method, you can reheat the crisp in the microwave. Place a single serving in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed to your liking. Keep in mind that the topping may lose some of its crispness in the microwave.
For a crispy topping, you can also reheat the crisp in a skillet on the stovetop. Place a single serving in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet and heat the crisp for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through. Remove the lid and continue heating for another 1-2 minutes to crisp up the topping.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the cranberry crisp and maintain its crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place a single serving of the crisp in the air fryer basket and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping is crispy.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to enjoy your leftover crisp cranberry within 3-4 days of initially making it for the best quality and flavor. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Random Fact About Crisp Cranberry Recipe:

The recipe for Crisp Cranberry is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of brown sugar and the crunch of a crispy oatmeal topping. It's a perfect balance of flavors and textures, creating a comforting and satisfying treat. This dessert is a great way to enjoy cranberries, which are packed with antioxidants and vitamins. It's also a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences, such as using gluten-free oats or vegan butter. So, next time you're looking for a delicious dessert to impress your guests, consider making this Crisp Cranberry recipe!

Is This Recipe Budget-Friendly for Home Cooking?

The cost-effectiveness of this cranberry crisp recipe is quite high. Cranberries are generally affordable, and the other ingredients are also commonly found in households. The recipe yields a delicious and satisfying dessert that can serve a family of 4, making it a cost-effective option. The approximate cost for this recipe is around $10, making it a budget-friendly choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10

Is This Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The crisp cranberry recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to its high sugar content and use of butter. The recipe calls for a significant amount of brown sugar in both the cranberry filling and the oatmeal topping, which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues if consumed regularly. Additionally, the use of butter in the topping adds saturated fat to the dish.

However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as fresh cranberries, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, and old-fashioned oats, which provide fiber and nutrients. The inclusion of nuts in the topping also adds healthy fats and protein to the dish.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of brown sugar in both the filling and topping, or replace some of it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup
Use coconut oil instead of butter in the topping to reduce saturated fat content
Increase the amount of oats and nuts in the topping to boost the fiber and nutrient content
Serve the crisp with a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of ice cream to reduce added sugar and increase protein
Experiment with adding other healthy ingredients to the filling, such as diced apples or pears, to increase the nutrient density of the dish

Editor's Opinion on This Cranberry Delight

The combination of tart cranberries, sweet brown sugar, and zesty orange creates a delightful contrast of flavors in this crisp cranberry recipe. The crispy oatmeal topping adds a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, elevating the dish to a new level. The use of fresh ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe a standout choice for a delicious and comforting dessert. The warm, bubbling cranberry filling paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is a perfect way to end a meal. This recipe is sure to impress with its balance of sweet and tangy flavors and delightful textures.

Enhance Your Cranberry Crisp Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in a balsamic glaze and topped with crispy bacon bits for an extra crunch

Grilled Pineapple Slices: Brushed with honey and cinnamon, then grilled to caramelized perfection

Savory Butternut Squash Soup: Pureed with a hint of nutmeg and a dollop of creamy coconut milk for a velvety finish

Tasty Alternatives to Try If You Love Crisp Cranberry Recipe

Savory Butternut Squash Soup: This creamy and comforting soup is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of butternut squash, onions, and spices creates a rich and flavorful dish that will warm you up from the inside out.

Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon: This sweet and savory salmon dish is a crowd-pleaser. The honey garlic glaze adds a delicious caramelized crust to the tender and flaky salmon, making it a perfect main course for any occasion.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: This tropical-inspired dessert is a refreshing and healthy treat. The combination of ripe mango, creamy coconut milk, and nutritious chia seeds creates a satisfying pudding that is perfect for breakfast or a guilt-free dessert.

Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for Crisp Cranberry Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs.

Bruschetta: Serve up a taste of Italy with these classic bruschetta appetizers, featuring a perfect combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and balsamic glaze.

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Create a mouthwatering grilled salmon dish with a zesty lemon and herb marinade, served with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Impress your guests with delicious stuffed bell peppers filled with a savory mixture of ground turkey, quinoa, and a variety of colorful vegetables, topped with melted cheese for a satisfying and nutritious dinner option.

Why trust this Cranberry Crisp Recipe:

This recipe uses fresh cranberries and orange juice to create a vibrant and tangy filling, while the crispy oatmeal topping adds a delightful crunch. The combination of brown sugar and vanilla extract enhances the flavors, and the addition of orange zest brings a refreshing citrus aroma. The use of nuts in the topping adds a rich and nutty flavor, and the cinnamon and butter create a warm and comforting finish. The balance of sweet and tart flavors makes this recipe a delightful choice for any occasion.

Have you tried this delicious Cranberry Crisp Recipe? Share your experience and discuss any tweaks or variations in the Baking and Desserts forum!

FAQ:

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to thaw them before using and adjust the sweetness level according to your taste.

Can I substitute the nuts in the topping with something else?

Absolutely! You can substitute the nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or even shredded coconut for a delicious variation.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cranberry filling and the oatmeal topping separately ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you're ready to serve, assemble the dish and bake it as directed.

Can I use a different type of fruit instead of cranberries?

While cranberries work beautifully in this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or a combination of your favorites.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour substitute in the topping. Just ensure all your ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have a gluten sensitivity.