Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp Recipe
Introduction
This Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp is a delightful blend of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and crunchy pecans topped with a buttery, crumbly topping. Perfect for a cozy dessert or festive occasion, it combines bright flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 24 ounces fresh cranberries (about 2 bags)
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- Zest from 2 oranges
- Juice from 1 orange
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: Make the crisp topping by whisking flour and brown sugar together in a large bowl. Add 1 cup of butter and mix on low speed until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Step 3: For the cranberry filling, whisk granulated sugar, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon together in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Step 4: Rinse the fresh cranberries and place them in a large bowl. Add chopped pecans, orange zest, and orange juice.
- Step 5: Stir in the sugar and spice mixture, gently tossing until the cranberries and pecans are evenly coated.
- Step 6: Pour the fruit mixture into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
- Step 7: Slice the remaining ¼ cup butter and scatter the pieces randomly across the top of the fruit mixture.
- Step 8: Evenly spread the crumbly flour mixture over the fruit and butter layer.
- Step 9: Bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding to the filling.
- Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version, keeping an eye on the topping consistency.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract to the fruit mixture for added depth of flavor.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a comforting dessert.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 10 minutes.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used. Be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid in the crisp.
How do I prevent the topping from becoming soggy?
Make sure to evenly spread the crumbly topping and add cold butter pieces on top before baking; this helps it crisp up nicely. Baking uncovered also helps keep the topping crisp.
PrintCranberry Orange Pecan Crisp Recipe
This Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp is a delightful fall dessert featuring a tangy cranberry and orange filling topped with a buttery pecan crumb topping. Perfectly balanced with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this crisp bakes to a golden brown and is ideal for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crisp Topping
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar, (lightly packed)
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
Cranberry Filling
- 2 (12 ounce) fresh cranberries
- 1 cup pecans, (chopped)
- Zest from 2 oranges
- Juice from 1 orange
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the crisp.
- Make Crisp Topping: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and light brown sugar. Add 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter and mix on low speed until the mixture becomes crumbly and well blended.
- Prepare Cranberry Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, salt, nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. Rinse the fresh cranberries and place them in a large bowl. Add the chopped pecans, orange zest, and orange juice to the cranberries.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Stir the sugar and spice mixture into the cranberry mixture gently until the cranberries and pecans are evenly coated without breaking the cranberries.
- Assemble the Crisp: Pour the cranberry and pecan fruit mixture into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Dot the filling with the remaining ¼ cup butter by slicing it and placing the pieces randomly over the top of the fruit mixture.
- Add Topping and Bake: Evenly spread the crumbly flour and sugar mixture over the fruit and butter layer. Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake at 400°F for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for best flavor and texture; frozen can be used but may release more liquid.
- Let the crisp cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delicious treat.
- The orange zest and juice provide a lovely citrus brightness that complements the tart cranberries perfectly.
- To toast pecans for enhanced flavor, briefly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat before mixing.
Keywords: cranberry crisp, pecan crisp, orange cranberry dessert, fall dessert, holiday crisp, baked fruit crisp

