Hey there, friend! If you’re on a quest for a cozy dessert that brings together bright flavors and comforting textures, let me introduce you to the delightful Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp. This treat is all about balancing the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty kick of orange and the crunchy goodness of pecans. Picture this: a warm, bubbling dish fresh from the oven, the sweet and tangy aroma wafting through your kitchen, making every corner smell like a slice of autumn bliss. It’s the perfect treat for holiday gatherings, weekend dinners, or whenever you just need a little comfort food in your life. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this crisp!
Why Make This Recipe
Creating a Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp is more than just making a dessert; it’s about embracing the season and sharing warmth with the people you love. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also brings together simple, wholesome ingredients that pack a serious flavor punch. It’s an ideal way to showcase fresh cranberries, which are often underappreciated outside of the holiday season. Plus, the combination of orange and pecans brings a unique twist that sets this dish apart from other crisps.
Imagine gathering around the table with friends or family, the golden topping crackling as you serve warm portions, the bright red cranberries peeking through the crunchy layer. Each spoonful is a burst of joy, and it’s downright satisfying to know you made it from scratch. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe accommodates all skill levels, because baking should be fun and approachable, right?
How to Make Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberries, orange juice, and orange zest. Gently stir until the cranberries are well coated. Spread this cheerful mixture into a baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, oats, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and all the ingredients meld together.
- Sprinkle this crunchy topping generously over the cranberry mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the cranberries are bubbling with joy.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle and intensify!
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp
When you’re ready to serve your Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp, consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The coolness and creaminess of these additions balance out the warm, tart flavors of the crisp beautifully. It also makes for a fantastic breakfast treat when served with a bit of yogurt! You can even dress it up with a sprinkle of fresh mint or extra orange zest for a pop of color and freshness.
Don’t forget, this crisp is best enjoyed warm, but leftovers (if there are any!) can be enjoyed cold too. Just pop a piece in the microwave for a quick reheat, and you’re back in business!
How to Store Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp
If you happen to have leftovers (which is a big “if” given how delicious it is!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to three days, but I have a sneaky feeling it won’t last that long. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up, so it retains all its yummy flavors. If you’re looking to save it for longer, you can freeze the crisp before baking. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Tips to Make Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp
- Use Fresh Produce: Fresh cranberries and real orange juice make a world of difference in flavor.
- Experiment with Nuts: If you’re not into pecans, walnuts or almonds work just as well. Feel free to mix and match!
- Check for Sweetness: Adapt the sugar amount to your taste. If you love a tangier crisp, dial the sugar back a bit.
- Texture is Key: Make sure to crumble the topping well. You want those delightful crunchy bits to shine!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Consider adding some seasonal spices like nutmeg or ginger to the topping for a twist. You could also mix in some diced apples or pears with the cranberries for added sweetness and texture. If you want to take it to the next level, try adding a splash of bourbon to the cranberry mixture for an adult version of this dessert!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure not to thaw them beforehand, as frozen cranberries can release too much moisture.
2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour mix or almond flour, and you’re all set!
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the cranberry mixture and topping separately, store them in the fridge, and then combine and bake when you’re ready to serve.
With its blend of vibrant flavors and comforting textures, the Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and delightful dessert that combines tart cranberries, zesty orange, and crunchy pecans, perfect for cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup oats
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberries, orange juice, and orange zest. Gently stir until the cranberries are well coated. Spread this mixture into a baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, oats, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir until crumbly.
- Sprinkle this topping over the cranberry mixture.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the cranberries are bubbling.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg