Maple Apple Oatmeal Crisp with Cranberries
A comforting fall dessert featuring tender spiced apples and dried cranberries topped with a golden oat crumble sweetened with pure maple syrup. The combination of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla creates an aromatic filling, while the crispy oat topping provides perfect textural contrast. Ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or cozy weeknight treats when you want something homemade but not overly complicated. This version stands out for its use of maple syrup instead of refined sugar in the filling, adding deeper caramel notes that complement the fruit beautifully.
Ingredients
- 6 cups peeled thinly sliced organic apples
- ½ cup organic dried cranberries
- ⅓ cup organic maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon organic vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon organic ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon organic ground nutmeg
- 1 cup country choice organic quick oats, uncooked
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup organic flour
- 1 teaspoon organic ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons organic butter, melted
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- 2
Lightly oil an 8-inch square glass baking dish or 9-inch deep dish pie plate
- 3
Toss apple slices with dried cranberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl
- 4
Spread fruit mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish
- 5
Mix oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt together for topping
- 6
Add melted butter to oat mixture and stir until evenly moistened
- 7
Sprinkle topping evenly over fruit
- 8
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until fruit is tender
- 9
Remove from oven and let rest for 20 to 30 minutes
- 10
Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired
Tips
Let the crisp rest after baking to allow juices to thicken and prevent a watery dessert
Use a mix of apple varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for better flavor complexity
Check doneness by inserting a knife into the fruit - it should pierce easily when tender
Good to Know
Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave.
Can assemble up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking.
Best served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the resting time to avoid runny juices
Cut apples uniformly to ensure even cooking
Don't overmix the topping to maintain crispy texture
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
FAQ
Can I use frozen apples for this crisp?
Yes, but thaw and drain them first. Frozen apples release more moisture, so you may need to add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the filling to prevent excess liquid.
How long does this keep at room temperature?
The crisp stays fresh covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, refrigerate to prevent spoilage, especially in warm weather.
Can I freeze this apple crisp?
Yes, freeze the baked and cooled crisp for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a 350-degree oven until warmed through.