Rustic Skillet Apple and Cranberry Crisp with Maple Oat Crumble

The late afternoon sun streams through the kitchen window, painting the countertops in a warm, golden light. Outside, the leaves are putting on their annual fiery show, and a gentle breeze carries the scent of woodsmoke and damp earth. It's a scene that practically begs for something warm and comforting to bake. I'm instantly transported back to Thanksgivings of years past. The air thick with anticipation, the table laden with a harvest feast, and always, always a bubbling apple crisp, its sweet aroma a siren song for hungry bellies. Today, we’re not just making any apple crisp, we’re creating a Rustic Skillet Apple and Cranberry Crisp with Maple Oat Crumble – a dish that perfectly captures the essence of autumn.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This apple crisp isn't just a dessert; it's an experience. It's a celebration of the season's gifts, a comforting embrace on a chilly day, and a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. Here's why it'll become a fall staple in your home:

• Seasonal Bounty: Embrace the flavors of fall with this easy-to-make crisp, perfect for using up your apple and cranberry harvest. If you went apple-picking or have some extra berries lying around, this is your sign to use them!
• One-Pan Wonder: Baked entirely in a cast iron skillet for easy cleanup and rustic charm. The skillet not only imparts a lovely flavor, but also makes for a beautiful presentation right at the table.
• Pantry-Friendly: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand. No need for fancy trips to specialty stores; this recipe relies on everyday pantry staples.
• Naturally Sweetened: The maple syrup adds a touch of autumnal sweetness without refined sugars. The subtle caramel notes of maple complement the tartness of the apples and cranberries beautifully.
• Meal Prep Ready: Easy to assemble the night before and bake fresh in the morning, or even freeze unbaked for a last-minute treat. This makes it a perfect option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Ingredients List

This recipe sings with the flavors of the season, using simple, high-quality ingredients. Don't be afraid to adapt it to your own tastes and what you have on hand.

For the Apple and Cranberry Filling:

• 6-8 crisp, tart apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and sliced. About 6 cups sliced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, jewel-toned and tart
• 1/4 cup maple syrup, for a touch of natural sweetness
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose blend)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, to brighten the flavors
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces

For the Maple Oat Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free oats for a gluten-free crisp)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose blend)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, but highly recommended)

Substitutions:

• Sweetener: Replace maple syrup with honey or coconut sugar if desired.
• Berries: Sub in any other berries you have on hand for the cranberries. Blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries would be delightful.
• Nuts: Substitute the pecans or walnuts with almonds, hazelnuts, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to bring this autumnal delight to life, step-by-step:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch cast iron skillet.
2. Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, maple syrup, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat evenly. The flour helps to thicken the juices as the crisp bakes.
3. Assemble the Filling: Pour the apple and cranberry mixture into the prepared cast iron skillet. Dot the top with the small pieces of butter. Using a butter knife, score the apples for even baking.
4. Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt.
5. Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the melted butter and maple syrup over the dry ingredients. Mix with a fork until crumbly. Don't overmix the crumble topping for a perfectly crumbly texture; you want it to hold together in clumps.
6. Top the Crisp: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple and cranberry filling. If using, sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the crumble.
7. Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and bubbly, and the apples are tender. The aroma of baking apples and maple syrup will fill your kitchen, creating an irresistible autumnal atmosphere.
8. Cool Slightly: Let the crisp cool slightly before serving to prevent burning your mouth. This also allows the filling to thicken slightly.

Serving Suggestions

This Rustic Skillet Apple and Cranberry Crisp is delicious on its own, but it truly shines when paired with complementary flavors and textures. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve warm with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream or a spoonful of homemade whipped cream. The cold creaminess provides a delightful contrast to the warm, bubbling crisp.
• Enjoy it for breakfast with a side of creamy Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. It's a surprisingly satisfying and wholesome way to start the day.
• Pair it with a mug of hot apple cider for the ultimate cozy autumn experience. The combination of warm apple flavors is pure comfort in a cup.

Embrace the Season

This Rustic Skillet Apple and Cranberry Crisp is more than just a recipe; it's an invitation to embrace the beauty and bounty of the fall season. It's a chance to slow down, savor the simple pleasures, and connect with the natural world around us.

Share your own apple crisp creations with us on social media using #BetterHomesAndHarvests. We can't wait to see what you bake! What are your favorite ways to enjoy the bounty of fall? Share your seasonal memories and recipe variations in the comments below! Experiment with different spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves to create your own signature apple crisp flavor. Perhaps a dash of cardamom or a pinch of ginger? The possibilities are endless! Let your creativity guide you and enjoy the process of creating something delicious and nourishing from scratch.