Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp

This Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp brings together bright citrus, tart cranberries, and a buttery pecan topping for a dessert that feels both cozy and refreshing. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or craving a comforting treat with seasonal flavors, this crisp is an easy, crowd-pleasing choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with bright, citrusy orange flavor that balances the cranberries
• Crispy, buttery pecan topping for texture in every spoonful
• Uses simple pantry ingredients and comes together quickly
• Naturally beautiful colors, perfect for seasonal entertaining
• Easy to bake in advance and reheat without losing texture
• Works for holidays, weeknight desserts, and cozy winter gatherings

Ingredients

For the Fruit Filling

• 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Pecan Crisp Topping

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¾ cup chopped pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium baking dish and set aside.
2. Add cranberries, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla, and flour to a large bowl. Toss until the cranberries are fully coated.
3. Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
4. In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well blended.
5. Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the topping until it resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Stir in the chopped pecans.
7. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the cranberry mixture.
8. Bake the crisp for 40–45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
10. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of richness.

Tips & Variations

• If you prefer a sweeter crisp, add an extra ¼ cup of sugar to the cranberry filling.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if needed.
• Add ½ cup chopped apples or pears for extra fruit texture.
• For a deeper orange flavor, add ½ teaspoon orange extract to the filling.
• Use gluten-free flour and oats to make the recipe gluten-friendly.
• Add shredded coconut to the topping for a lightly tropical twist.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to keep the topping crisp.
• Freeze baked crisp for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight, then warm in the oven at 350°F to restore texture.
• Prepare the topping and filling separately and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Assemble and bake when ready.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream
• Pair with hot apple cider or chai tea during colder months
• Top with fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of orange zest
• Serve alongside holiday brunch spreads as a sweet complement

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Fresh or frozen cranberries provide the tart flavor and moisture needed for the filling. Dried cranberries won’t soften properly unless pre-soaked, and even then, the crisp won’t achieve the same juicy texture.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can lower the sugar in the filling by ¼ cup if you prefer a more tart flavor. However, keep in mind that cranberries are naturally quite acidic, so the sugar balances their sharpness and helps them break down while baking.

Can I make this crisp nut-free?

Yes, simply omit the pecans or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds. The crisp topping will still bake beautifully and retain a satisfying texture without the nuts.

Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely. Double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13 inch pan. Extend the baking time slightly until the topping turns golden and the fruit bubbles around the edges.

Ready to Make It?

This Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp brings together the best of seasonal flavors in a simple, comforting dessert. Save it for your next gathering or bake it tonight for a warm, cozy treat everyone will love.

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