Cranberry Casserole
This cranberry casserole with apples is the perfect combination of flavors that works as a sweet side dish or a delicious dessert! Tart cranberries combine with sweet apples and a buttery, crispy topping for a holiday favorite that everyone looks forward to.
You know when the holidays have officially started when the cranberries show up at the grocery store! I never really cared for them when I was younger but now I love them. Might have something to do with their tart flavor.
This casserole is a play on a traditional apple crisp and adds fresh cranberries for that perfect sweet and tart combo. Not only that but it’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Or make it for both! It’s so good, everyone will ask for it.
Serve it with this loaded green bean casserole, this old fashioned sweet potato casserole, and this semi-homemade stuffing. Or serve it as dessert next to your favorite pumpkin pie. Either way, it’s always a hit!
Favorite Cranberry Recipes
- Cranberry cream cheese dip – A super easy and delicious appetizer.
- Cranberry jalapeno meatballs – Perfect for watching football the day after!
- Cranberry salsa – Use as a dip or spread on ice cream for dessert.
- Cranberry whipped feta – A delicious snack with crackers.
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See recipe card for complete information on ingredients and their quantities.
Ingredient Notes
- Apples – Green or red apples work well but I prefer a sweeter apple to balance out the tart cranberries.
- Cranberries – Use fresh, raw cranberries if you can get them. I haven’t tested this with canned or frozen cranberries yet.
- Oatmeal – Don’t use the old fashioned oatmeal. It won’t cook all the way, so be sure to use the quick cooking oats.
- Nuts – I prefer toasted pecans but you can substitute almonds or walnuts.
- Spices – Homemade apple pie spice works best or substitute cinnamon and nutmeg.
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How To Make Cranberry Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350F and prepare a 2 quart baking dish with nonstick spray. Mix the diced apples and cranberries in a large bowl and sprinkle them with sugar.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the oatmeal, flour, brown sugar, pecans, and apple pie spice.
- Mix the melted butter with the oatmeal mixture to make a crumble topping. Pour the cranberry apple mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer.
- Spread the crumble topping over the top and bake, uncovered, for 45-55 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Remove and serve warm.
For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Storage
Keep any leftovers in the fridge, tightly wrapped or in an airtight container, for up to 4 days.
Freeze it before or after you bake it to make the holidays even easier. It might be a little soupy when you thaw it because the apples and cranberries can release extra water.
Best Way To Reheat
The oven is your best bet. Heat to 350F and bake until warmed through. Broil for 1 minute to crisp up the topping again.
You can also use a microwave, in 30 second intervals, or an air fryer at 350F.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete menu, start with pecan pie dip as an appetizer, serve cranberry nut bread as a snack throughout the day, and finish with caramel apple poke Cake for dessert!
You can’t go wrong with everyone’s favorite Fall flavors!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you don’t have fresh cranberries, you can use 2 cans of whole cranberry sauce. Just mix with the fresh apples and continue with the recipe. It might be a little looser but will still taste delicious.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Prep ahead – Peel and dice the apples, then store in water with lemon or orange juice to prevent browning.
- Boost flavors – Add orange zest for more flavor.
- Serving suggestions – Drizzle with maple syrup for a breakfast treat, or serve with ice cream for dessert like this Southern pineapple casserole.
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This easy cranberry casserole recipe is the perfect addition to your holiday table. Serve it as a side dish or a dessert with some ice cream!
Cranberry Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups apples peeled, diced (roughly 4-5 apples)
- 2 cups cranberries fresh
- 1 ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 1 ½ cup quick cooking oatmeal
- ¾ cup pecans
- ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
- ½ cup butter unsalted, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Spray and 2 quart casserole dish (deep 9×9 or 11×7 or something similar) with nonstick spray.
- Place diced apples and cranberries in the dish.
- Sprinkle them with sugar.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, oatmeal, pecans, and apple pie spice.
- Toss to combine.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix to make a crumble topping.
- Spread the mixture over the apples and cranberries.
- Cook uncovered 45-55 minutes or until top is golden brown.
- Remove and serve warm.
Notes
- Prep ahead – Peel and dice the apples, then store in water with lemon or orange juice to prevent browning.
- Boost flavors – Add orange zest for more flavor.
- Serving suggestions – Drizzle with maple syrup for a breakfast treat, or serve with ice cream for dessert.
Nutrition
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