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APPLE-CRANBERRY CRISP (EASY + HEALTHY)

This vegan Apple-Cranberry Crisp recipe is made with fresh cranberries, with an oat crumble topping that’s naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and spiced with cinnamon, and is so easy to make, healthy and delicious!

healthy apple cranberry crisp in a white bowl with fork

What better way to use a bag of fresh cranberries than making this Apple-Cranberry Crisp. The apples bake up tender, the cranberries soft and juicy, and the topping is crisp, crumbly and flavorful!

Adapted from my Healthy Rustic Apple & Pear Crisp, it has all the same wonderful flavors with a bit of color and tartness from the cranberries. It’s been my go-to vegan crisp and hasn’t failed me yet!

I might also add that this vegan Apple-Cranberry Crisp isn’t just for dessert and is healthy enough to start your morning, snack on during the day, or even have for a light lunch!

VEGAN APPLE & CRANBERRY CRISP: apples and cranberries mixed with lemon and cinnamon in baking dish

Apple-Cranberry Crisp Ingredients

Tips and suggestions:

  • Apples: I’ve used Fuji apples here because 1.) they are my favorite and 2.) I thought the sweetness of Fuji apples would be a good compliment to the tartness of the cranberries. Feel free to use your favorite apple, even tart green apples would be wonderful!
  • Cranberries: Fresh, beautiful cranberries are best, but frozen will work too!
  • Crumble Topping: Rolled and/or quick oats will be the base of the topping and mixed with pure maple syrup, flaxseed meal or almond meal, cinnamon, vanilla, and optional coconut oil. If using oil, the oil will yield a slightly less dry topping.

Adjusting For Dietary Restrictions

  • Gluten Free: To make this gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oat.
  • Low-Fat: There is an option for walnuts or pecans, I’ve included walnuts in the topping you see here. They add texture, but if you’re going for low-fat, omit them.
  • Oil-Free: I’ve also adapted this crisp to be optionally oil-free, the maple syrup in the oat topping is enough to crisp it up perfectly (topping shown here is oil-free)!

APPLE & CRANBERRY CRISP: making the crumbly oat topping in a large white mixing bowl with ingredients on hand

How to make Vegan Apple-Cranberry Fruit Crisp

  1. Put the fruit together: Wash, slice, core and dice the apples, into about 3/4 inch pieces. Combine apples, cranberries, lemon juice, sugar and cinnamon. Mix well and layer into a 9 x 9 baking dish, you can also use an oval shaped dish.
  2. Make the topping: In a mixing bowl (shown above), combine oats, flaxseed meal, walnuts/pecans, maple syrup, optional coconut oil (mine is oil-free), vanilla and salt, mix well. Please taste test as much as you like, the topping is delicious! Spread oat mixture evenly over the apple and cranberries (shown below), and sprinkle with a little more cinnamon of you like.
  3. Bake, in preheated oven at 350 degrees F., for 35 – 40 minutes or until apples and cranberries are fork tender. Towards the end of cooking, about 20 – 25 minutes in, keep an eye on the topping, if its getting to dark, cover loosely with foil (nothing worse than a burnt crisp). Once done, let cool 5 – 10 minutes before serving.

And that’s it, apple-cranberry crisp made simple and easy!

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm as is, with a scoop of non-diary vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped coconut cream.

APPLE & CRANBERRY CRISP: fruit in baking dish and covered with oat topping

How To Store Leftovers

Store leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I make a fruit crisp ahead?

Yes! Simply prepare the crisp as directed, let cool completely, cover and store in the refrigerator until ready. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F. for 15 – 20 minutes, be sure to cover loosely with foil so the crumble top doesn’t burn while reheating.

More Healthy Dessert Recipes

Nothing better than baked goods from the oven with warm fruit. These delicious dessert style recipes are healthy enough to be eaten for breakfast or as a snack. Enjoy!

healthy apple cranberry crisp in a white bowl with fork

Let me know if you try this healthy fruit crisp recipe! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.

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APPLE-CRANBERRY CRISP (EASY + HEALTHY)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 4 reviews

Made with fresh apples and cranberries with a crumbly, crisp oat topping naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup, this apple-cranberry fruit crisp is easy, healthy and delicious!

  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 35 min
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6 generously 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Breakfast
  • Method: bake
  • Cuisine: Vegan, American

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3 medium apples, cored and chopped (peel if you prefer)
  • 1 1/2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (coconut or organic pure cane)
  • 1 heaping teaspoon cinnamon

Topping

  • 1 3/4 cup oats (quick, regular oats or a combo)
  • 1/4 cup flaxseed meal or almond meal
  • 1 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans, optional
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (if making oil free add 2 tablespoons extra)
  • 34 tablespoons coconut oil (at room temp), optional
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon mineral salt
  • cinnamon, to garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Put the fruit together: Wash, slice, core and dice the apples, into about 3/4 inch pieces. Combine apples, cranberries, lemon juice, sugar and cinnamon. Mix well and layer into a 9 x 9 baking dish, you can also use an oval shaped dish.

Make the topping: In a mixing bowl (shown above), combine oats, flaxseed meal, walnuts/pecans, maple syrup, optional coconut oil (mine is oil-free), vanilla and salt, mix well. Spread oat mixture evenly over the apple and cranberries (shown below), and sprinkle with a little more cinnamon of you like.

Bake for 35 – 40 minutes, or until apples and cranberries are fork tender. Towards the end of cooking, about 20 – 25 minutes in, keep an eye on the topping, if its getting to dark, cover loosely with foil (nothing worse than a burnt crisp). Once done, let cool 5 – 10 minutes before serving.

Serve warm as is, with a scoop of non-diary vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped coconut cream. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

Make gluten-free by using gluten-free oats.

Feel free to use almonds, pecans or other nuts and seeds of choice in place of the walnuts.

Peel your apples if you prefer. I leave the skin on for the fiber and less work. Plus I love the rustic look and different colors the skin brings to the dish. If serving for everyday I don’t bother to peel the apples but if serving for company I may consider peeling them.

Make this oil free and omit the coconut oil. Your crisp top will be a little bit dryer, but still good!

Nutritional information does not include the optional ingredients.

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8 Comments

  1. This recipe is soooo delicious, I have to control myself and not eat it all up in one sitting. Simple assembly, I will definitely make this again!
    *I did not have flaxseed meal or almond meal, so I subbed regular all-purpose flour.






  2. This was pretty good! My cranberries must have been super tart – next time I’ll add more sugar or syrup to the fruit mix, and cook a little longer so all the cranberries burst.

  3. I did not add oil and cut the walnuts to 3/4 cup for less fat.
    I liked the crisp, but next time will cut back on the quantity of oats, and add 3/4 c maple syrup to the oats and 1/4 maple syrup to the cranberries and apples. Thx for sharing this healthy recipe.






  4. Easy and delicious served warm or cold! Next time I’d probably use some less oats and cut the apples smaller than I did. But still perfect for dessert or even breakfast.






  5. Carol Allen says:

    I made this and really like it! Next time I will add a cup of applesauce and maybe 1/4 cup of apple juice to add a little more moisture. Thanks for the recipe, it’s a keeper!






    1. Julie | The Simple Veganista says:

      Thanks for sharing, Carol! I love that idea to add moisture, without the oil it can be a little dry. I will try it myself! Cheers :)

  6. Off to buy my first bag of cranberries this season! Yes, getting a late start but this recipe has changed that! Might be the snow predicted for tomorrow (or the mouth watering photos) that makes recipe this just perfect for today. Thanks!

    1. Julie | The Simple Veganista says:

      Yay, enjoy this warm, flavorful crisp! And how good it’s going to make your home smell. Cheers :)

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