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This easy and delicious Cranberry Apple Crisp is made with apples, fresh cranberries, and Monkfruit Sweetener and it’s also gluten-free! Of course apples and cranberries do have a some carbs, but check the nutritional information; this is definitely a lower-carb version of this popular fall dessert.

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Cranberry Apple Crisp shown in baking dish with napkin

Today I’m spotlighting this delicious healthier version of Cranberry Apple Crisp that’s sweetened with Monkfruit Sweetener to make a lower-carb version! The original inspiration for the recipe was a huge bag of cranberries I bought to make my favorite Fresh Cranberry Salsa, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved the combination of fresh cranberries and apples in this recipe.

I had to make this a couple of times to get it just right, and I might have even loved it a little too much (apple crisp for lunch, mmmm.)

I’ve never been that much of a fresh cranberry fan, so even if you might think cranberries are not really your thing, be open minded about this one! We thought this lower-sugar Cranberry Apple Crisp was absolutely delicious for a low-sugar and gluten-free dessert.

What ingredients do you need?

Can you make Cranberry Apple Crisp with frozen cranberries?

I think frozen cranberries would work for this recipe, but I would let them thaw on the counter before you use them in the recipe.

How Did I Make Cranberry Apple Crisp a Low-Sugar Dessert?

I used Monkfruit Sweetener (affiliate link) when I made this, and when I tried it out on dinner guests who are used to sugar-sweetened baked goods, it was definitely a hit. You can of course use any low-carb sweetener you prefer. Of course this recipe has natural sugar from the apples and the cranberries so it can’t ever be sugar-free, but I thought this was really good for a low-sugar dessert.

recipe step photos for Cranberry Apple Crisp

How to make Cranberry Apple Crisp:

(Scroll down for complete printable recipe with nutritional information)

  1. Make the crisp topping first. Combine the oatmeal, almond flour, and sweetener of your choice. 
  2. Then stir in the melted coconut oil (or butter) and the vanilla.
  3. I used Honeycrisp apples, which I think added to the flavor. If you have an inexpensive Apple Corer and Slicer (affiliate link), it makes cutting up the apples a lot quicker.
  4. I kept the skin on and cut the slices into chunks. Combine the apple pieces, cranberries, sweetener, and cinnamon.
  5. Spread the mixture out into a gratin dish that you’ve sprayed with non-stick spray.
  6. Spread the crisp topping over the fruit, using a rubber scraper to spread it completely over the top.
  7. Bake at 400F/200C for 35-40 minutes, or until the mixture is cooked through and bubbly.
  8. Serve hot (with ice cream or whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent.)
  9. And as you can tell, we had to try some right away after we took the photos, and this was so tasty!

Cranberry Apple Crisp in baking dish with some eaten

More Low-Sugar Recipes with Apples:

Cranberry Apple Crisp finished crisp in baking dish
Yield: 6 servings

Cranberry Apple Crisp

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Low-Sugar and Gluten-Free Cranberry Apple Crisp is made with my favorite Golden Monkfruit Sweetener, and this is great for a treat made with apples.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Crisp Topping

  • 2/3 cup Gluten-Free Rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup Almond Flour
  • 4 T Golden Monkfruit Sweetener (See notes)
  • 2 1/2 T butter, melted (see notes)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Ingredients for Apple/Cranberry Filling

  • 4 apples, cored, sliced, and cut into chunks but not peeled (see notes)
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 4 T Golden Monkfruit Sweetener (see notes)
  • 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven or toasted oven to 400F/200C.
  2. Spray a medium-sized gratin dish with non-stick spray.
  3. Combine the oatmeal, Almond Flour (affiliate link) and Golden Monkfruit Sweetener (affiliate link) or sweetener of your choice in a small bowl to make the crisp topping.
  4. Melt the butter (or coconut oil or trans-fat free margarine) and mix into the oatmeal mixture, then add the vanilla and combine again.
  5. Cut up the apples, leaving the peel on.  (I used an Apple Corer and Slicer (affiliate link) to cut out the core, and then cut the slices into chunks.)
  6. Combine the apple pieces, cranberries, Stevia, Swerve, and cinnamon in a bowl and then spread it into an even layer in the gratin dish.
  7. Spread the crisp topping over the fruit, using a rubber scraper to spread it completely over the top.
  8. Bake 35-40 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbling hot and the crisp topping is starting to brown.
  9. Serve hot.  (This is delicious with a little bit of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you’re feeling indulgent.)
  10. Apple Cranberry Crisp will keep in the fridge for several days and can be reheated in the microwave.

Notes

I would use Golden Monkfruit Sweetener (affiliate link) for this recipe, but use any sweetener of your choice. If you don't want to use butter use melted coconut oil or trans-fat free margarine. Honeycrisp apples are preferred for this recipe.

Recipe created by Kalyn with inspiration from Low-Sugar Flourless Apple Crisp.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 173Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 41mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 5gSugar: 16gProtein: 2g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated by the Recipe Plug-In I am using. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, since many variables affect those calculations.

Did you make this recipe?

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating (under the PRINT button in the recipe) or share a photo of your results on Instagram! THANKS!

© Kalyn Denny
Category: Desserts and Baking
square image of Cranberry Apple Crisp in baking dish

Low-Carb Diet / Low-Glycemic Diet / South Beach Diet Suggestions:
Cranberry Apple Crisp may not be low enough in carbs for some low-carb diet plans, but this is definitely a lot lower in carbs than traditional apple crisp recipes. Check nutritional info and see what you think. If you’re making this for a low carb diet or for the original South Beach Diet, it’s important to use an approved sweetener, since the apples and cranberries have natural sugar. I’m guessing this is probably a “once-in-a-while treat” for Phase 2 for South Beach Dieters. 

Find More Recipes Like This One:
Use Dessert Recipes to find more recipes like this one. Use the Diet Type Index to find more recipes suitable for a specific eating plan. You might also like to follow Kalyn’s Kitchen on Pinterest, on Facebook, on Instagram, on TikTok, or on YouTube to see all the good recipes I’m sharing there.

Historical Notes for this Recipe:
This recipe was posted in 2013. It was last updated with more information in 2022.

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