Cranberry Apple Casserole
This post may contain affiliate links which won't change your price but will share some commission. Read more here.Filled with cranberries and apples this easy family favorite Cranberry Apple Casserole is perfect for holidays, family gatherings and even breakfast!
Our family thrives on traditions.
As our older children have left the nest (one married and one in college), these traditions have become even more important. Not just to us, but especially to our children.
Cranberry Apple Casserole was a recipe my sister used to make many years ago when my sister, brother, parents and all the kin and families would gather together.
After my sister’s death in 2000 the tradition became mine. Although my parents have both passed on as well, my niece and her husband and children still join with us on Thanksgiving.
The food is just a reminder of the ties we share as family.
Memories of special occasions, daily activities, homeschooling, conversations and even fights and fusses.
Family is forever.
Because no one else would ever understand our quirky, special ways.
Or laugh as hard at each other and our inside jokes.
I had to convince my kids to let me share our secret family recipe, but because I love you, my readers, so very much I’m giving you a part of our family.
Here’s to a few laughs on us!
Cranberry Apple Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups chopped apples peeled **
- 2 cups cranberries fresh or frozen
- 1 1/4 cup sugar or more as desired
- 1 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
- 1/3 cup pecans chopped
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup margarine melted
Instructions
- Mix apples, cranberries and sugar in 2 quart or 9x13 casserole dish.
- Top with a mixture of remaining ingredients.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
- Optional: Bake ahead of time and refrigerate. Warm in oven before serving. This added step cuts down on the liquid in the recipe when serving.
Notes
I double this recipe to serve 12-15 and serve in a 10x13 dish.
My family likes it sweet so we add extra sugar to taste.
I have made this recipe with blueberries instead of cranberries and it was good, but we prefer the tart cranberry taste.
Easy and tasty. I think next time I’ll add more apples and less sugar. It was a bit too sweet for me, but there’s definite potential . First time I’ve used quick oats and actually liked it
Hi, Barb. My kids want all the sugar but I use less than is called for. Glad you enjoyed this dish!
I remade it with half of both sugars. I also sprinkled the apples with cinnamon and the zest of one tangerine. I think it would be good to toss the apples in the juice from one lemon also. It’s a good recipe. Next time I’ll try it in a smaller pan to make it thicker, and I’ll use old fashioned oats instead of the quick. I happened to have quick on hand, so great way to use them up. I don’t normally like streusel, but this is good.
Hi, Barb. Sounds perfect! Thanks for sharing your changes.
How far in advance can I prepare this and how long and what temperature to warm it back up?
Hi, Debbie. I prepare the cranberry apple the day before I want it but we then eat on it for a few days. I would say no more than two days before should be good. Depending on what I’m cooking I usually let it warm at least 20 minutes at 350 degrees (or alter that if you’re warming/cooking other items.) Hope you enjoy it! My family likes it with a lot of sugar 🙂
Visiting from Thistlewood Farm-Oh what a beautiful dessert!
Happy Holidays!
Jemma
Thank you, Joyce for coming over from Thistlewood. This is a family favorite dessert that we love! Have a blessed holiday season!