Low-Fat Cranberry And Apple Crisp
A delightful low-fat cranberry and apple crisp featuring tart cranberries and sweet apples, topped with a spiced oatmeal crumble—perfect for cozy gatherings and fall desserts.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped peeled apples ⓘ
- 3 cups cranberries washed and drained ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups oats uncooked ⓘ
- 1/3 cup unbleached or all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/2 cup low-fat margarine melted ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chopped peeled apples, cranberries, and granulated sugar.
- Spread the fruit mixture in a shallow 2-quart casserole or a 10-inch square pan.
- In a medium bowl, blend brown sugar, oats, flour, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves.
- Pour melted margarine over the oatmeal mixture and blend well.
- Spread the topping evenly over the fruit.
- Bake uncovered for 1 hour.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some chopped nuts or a handful of raisins with the oat topping. If you prefer a sweeter dish, you can increase the granulated sugar slightly or use a flavored sugar substitute. Feel free to experiment with spices; nutmeg can be a great addition alongside the cinnamon and cloves. You can also replace some of the apples with pears for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Low-Fat Cranberry and Apple Crisp warm, perhaps with a scoop of low-fat vanilla ice cream or a dollop of yogurt on top for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with Fresh Cranberry Orange Sauce for an added zing. Enjoy it as a light dessert or a sweet breakfast treat, alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick warm-up, but the oven will keep the topping crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Cranberry And Apple Crisp contains roughly 661 calories, with 17g protein, 147g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (116% of the Daily Value), iron (53% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 33g 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 frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the apple mixture. This will help maintain the right texture and prevent excess moisture in the crisp.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply replace the low-fat margarine with a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil. Additionally, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of granulated sugar for a vegan-friendly sweetener.
What type of apples work best for this crisp?
For the best flavor and texture, use a combination of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This balance adds depth to the dish and complements the tartness of the cranberries.
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).