Cranberry-Apple Casserole
A warm, comforting cranberry-apple casserole featuring a sweet-tart combination of fresh cranberries and apples, topped with a cinnamon-spiced oatmeal and pecan crumble. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, it offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 3 cups peeled, chopped apples ⓘ
- 2 cups fresh cranberries ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 3 packages (1 5/8 oz.) instant oatmeal with cinnamon and spice ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted ⓘ
- pecan halves ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the peeled, chopped apples, cranberries, and 2 tablespoons of flour in a bowl, tossing to coat the fruit evenly.
- Add 1 cup of sugar to the fruit mixture and mix well.
- Pour the fruit mixture into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine the instant oatmeal, chopped pecans, 1/2 cup of flour, and brown sugar.
- Add the melted butter to the oatmeal mixture and stir well until combined.
- Spoon the oatmeal topping evenly over the fruit in the casserole dish.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish with pecan halves and cranberries before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of nutmeg to the fruit mixture. If fresh cranberries aren't available, frozen ones will work just fine. You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired. Ensure the apples are tart, such as Granny Smith, to balance the sweetness from the sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry-Apple Casserole is delightful as a warm dessert, especially when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with Mary'S Strawberry Shortcake for a festive meal. For breakfast, enjoy it alongside yogurt or serve it as a sweet side with roasted meats.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick servings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry-Apple Casserole contains roughly 946 calories, with 14g protein, 175g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (38% of the Daily Value), and iron (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of fruit in this casserole?
Absolutely! You can substitute the apples and cranberries with other fruits like pears or cherries. Just keep in mind that the sweetness and tartness of the fruit will affect the overall flavor, so adjust the sugar accordingly.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit mixture and the oatmeal topping separately a day in advance. Assemble it in the casserole dish and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Certainly! To make it gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This will allow you to enjoy this delicious casserole without compromising on texture or flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).