Apple Cranberry Crisp

This is hands down the best apple cranberry crisp recipe you’ll try! It is a great twist on the classic apple crisp dessert and the perfect homestyle comfort food that’s good for the soul, especially on a cold fall day. 

When I think of all the cozy things the fall and winter season brings, this Apple Cranberry Crisp always pops up. A bubbly, sweet, and delicious apple crisp is such a comforting dessert and always a crowd-pleaser. 

It’s the simplest and most delicious vegan apple dessert you can make with very few ingredients. If you love apples, you’re definitely going to want to try making homemade apple chips, baked stuffed apples, or a vegan apple pie!

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe year round! Want to know one thing that doesn’t care what the outside temperature is? .. this cranberry apple crisp recipe! It’s a delicious dessert that’s served great with coconut whipped cream or a scoop of homemade vegan ice cream.

Why This Recipe Works

• Your go-to favorite fall (or any time of year) dessert recipe. Plus it’s definitely a crowd pleaser.
• Perfect for those who don’t like their desserts super sweet. The tartness of the cranberries compliments the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• An easy apple recipe that’s perfect for any level cook.
• A great dessert for larger groups or potlucks!

What You Need For This Recipe

All you need are a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients to make the best apple cranberry crisp with rolled oats! Let’s take a look at the most important ones. For the full list and quantities, check the recipe card.

• Flour: I use all-purpose but you can substitute almond flour or your favorite flour.
• Sugars: This recipe uses both brown (either light or dark) and white sugar. 
• Vegan Butter: Contributes to the rich, buttery flavor of the crisp topping but without any dairy. 
• Rolled Oats: Use regular old-fashioned oats (not the quick kind) for more texture. 
• Lemon Juice: For this recipe, it’s ok to use fresh squeezed or concentrate.
• Cinnamon: Adds a hint of warm sweet spice to the healthy apple cranberry crisp.
• Dried Cranberries: Using dried cranberries makes this dish easier to make year around. 
• Apples: Choose your favorite baking apple, but I enjoy cooking with Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Cortland.

How To Make Cranberry Apple Crisp 

Keep scrolling to the recipe card for the complete recipe instructions!

• 1) Start making this delicious dessert by preheating the oven to 375 degrees F.
• 2) Next, in a large bowl, use a pastry cutter or knife to cut the flour, brown sugar, salt, and two tablespoons of sugar into the vegan margarine, until it becomes coarse. 

• 3) Then add the oats and mix together by hand until it’s in pebble-sized pieces. Put the bowl in the freezer so it can harden up a bit.

• 4) While the mixture is in the freezer, mix the lemon juice, cinnamon, dried cranberries, and remaining sugar in a separate bowl with the chopped apples.

• 5) After mixing, transfer the apple mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle the frozen topping thoroughly across the top. Finally, place in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. 

• 6) Once the top is golden brown and the apples are tender remove it from the oven. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips 

• When chopping your apples, make sure to slice them thinly so they become fully tender. No one wants a crunchy apple in their apple cranberry crisp.
• This dish is best served freshly baked and warm. It will be okay for a couple of days, but the topping can start to soften up if left in the fridge for too long.
• Any apple will do for this recipe, but a popular choice would be granny smith apples to prevent an overly sweet dessert. 

FAQs

Variations

Even though this recipe calls for apples and cranberries, you can do it with many different fruits. 

• Not in the mood for apples? Use peaches, nectarines, or apricots instead. 
• Don’t like cranberries? Try this healthy vegan dessert with other berries. If it is summertime, go to your local berry farm and pick some fresh blueberries or blackberries to substitute or add to this recipe!
• Don’t have any cinnamon? You can also make this with pumpkin spice instead of cinnamon.
• Want to make individual crisps? Make your apple cranberry crisps in individual ramekins instead!
• Like nuts? Add some toasted walnuts or pecans to the topping!

How to Serve

The best way to serve this is with a generous dollop of coconut whipped cream. For an added bonus, make some homemade caramel sauce and drizzle it on top!

Prefer Ice Cream? Make some homemade or serve it up with a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream brand or banana ice cream.

For the best flavor, serve up this cranberry apple crisp with rolled oats hot or warm!

More Vegan Dessert Recipes to Try:

• Vegan Plum Crisp
• Vegan Apricot Crisp
• Apple Cinnamon Bread
• Baked Pears
• Roasted Peaches

Photos by Alfonso Revilla