Best Apple Cranberry Crisp With Polenta Streusel Topping Recipes

Apple cranberry crisp with polenta streusel topping is a mouth-watering dessert recipe that combines the goodness of apples and cranberries with a crunchy and buttery polenta streusel topping. This dessert dish will not only satisfy your taste buds but also deliver potent health benefits due to the high nutritional values of its ingredients.

Nutritional Values of Apples and Cranberries

Apples and cranberries are excellent sources of nutrients and antioxidants that are beneficial to the human body. Apples are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins C and K, and minerals such as potassium and calcium. The dietary fiber in apples is soluble, which aids in reducing cholesterol levels in the body. The soluble fiber also helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes satiety, leading to weight loss. On the other hand, cranberries are packed with vitamin C, dietary fiber, manganese, and antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. The antioxidants in cranberries help prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart diseases, and diabetes.

Polenta Streusel Topping

The polenta streusel topping in this apple cranberry crisp recipe is what makes it stand out from other desserts. Polenta is made from ground yellow cornmeal and is popular in Northern Italy. It is high in complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and protein, making it an ideal substitute for wheat flour in gluten-free recipes. The polenta streusel topping in this dish is made from a mix of polenta, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. The polenta provides a crispy texture, while the brown sugar and cinnamon add sweetness and spice to the topping.

Ingredients

To make this apple cranberry crisp with polenta streusel topping recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 6 cups of chopped Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• ½ cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¾ cup of all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup of polenta
• 1 cup of brown sugar
• ¾ cup of unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Instructions

This recipe involves two stages: preparing the fruit filling and making the polenta streusel topping. Here is the procedure:

Preparing the Fruit Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Peel and chop six cups of Granny Smith apples into small pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
3. Add one cup of fresh or frozen cranberries to the same mixing bowl.
4. Pour two tablespoons of lemon juice over the apples and cranberries and mix well.
5. Mix in half a cup of granulated sugar and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, stirring gently to coat the fruit evenly.
6. Transfer the fruit filling to a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Making the Polenta Streusel Topping

1. In another mixing bowl, combine three-fourths of a cup of all-purpose flour and three-fourths of a cup of polenta.
2. Mix in one cup of brown sugar and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
3. Cut three-fourths of a cup of unsalted butter into small pieces and add them to the mixing bowl.
4. Use a pastry cutter or a fork to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Sprinkle the polenta streusel topping evenly over the fruit filling in the baking dish.

Baking the Apple Cranberry Crisp with Polenta Streusel Topping

1. Bake the apple cranberry crisp with polenta streusel topping in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
2. Remove the baking dish from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
3. You can serve this dessert plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Conclusion

Apple cranberry crisp with polenta streusel topping is a delicious dessert recipe that is easy to make and packed with valuable nutrients. Apples and cranberries provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while polenta offers complex carbohydrates and protein. The polenta streusel topping provides a crunchy texture and a sweet, spicy taste that complements the fruit filling perfectly. Lastly, the versatility of this recipe allows you to serve it as a holiday dessert or a special treat any time of the year!

Apple Cranberry Crisp with Polenta Streusel Topping: Tips for a Delicious Dessert

Crisps are a crowd-pleasing dessert that's perfect for any occasion. One of the most popular variations of crisp is apple cranberry crisp with polenta streusel topping. The tartness of cranberries and the sweetness of apples combine to create a harmonious flavor profile that's perfectly complemented by the polenta streusel topping. If you're planning to create this delectable treat, here are some valuable tips to keep in mind.

1. Choose the Right Apples

When making an apple cranberry crisp, the type of apple you choose makes all the difference. You'll want to choose apples that are firm and hold their shape when baked. Good choices include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Rome, or McIntosh. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, which will turn to mush when baked.

2. Pick Good Quality Cranberries

It's important to choose fresh and plump cranberries. Look for vibrant, shiny, and firm berries with no wrinkles or signs of decay. Avoid dried or sour cranberries, which will not hold up well in baking.

3. Don't Overload the Filling

When it comes to the filling, resist the temptation to pile on too many apples or cranberries. Overloading the filling can cause the crisp to become too soggy and lose its crunch. Aim for a balance between the fruit and the topping. A good rule of thumb is to fill the baking dish about two-thirds full.

4. Use Fresh Polenta

Polenta is a key ingredient in this recipe, and it's important to use freshly made polenta. Avoid using instant polenta or pre-made polenta, which can be too dry and tough. Make sure the polenta is cooled before adding it to the streusel.

5. Toast the Polenta Before Using It in the Streusel

Toasting the polenta before adding it to the streusel will enhance its nutty flavor and give it a crisp texture. Simply place the polenta in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir until it becomes golden brown. Allow it to cool before using it in the topping.

6. Use Cold Butter for the Streusel Topping

One of the keys to a good streusel topping is cold butter. The cold butter will ensure that the mixture stays crumbly and doesn't turn into a dough. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips to mix the cold butter with the dry ingredients until crumbly.

7. Add Nuts for Crunch and Texture

For an extra crunch and texture, consider adding some chopped nuts to the streusel topping. Pecans, walnuts, and almonds all work well with the flavors in this recipe.

8. Make Ahead for Convenience

One of the great things about apple cranberry crisp with polenta streusel topping is that it can be made ahead of time. Assemble the crisp and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. You can even double the recipe and freeze one for later use.

9. Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream

While apple cranberry crisp is delicious on its own, it's even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess is the perfect contrast to the warm, fruity crisp.

10. Don't Overbake

The key to a good apple cranberry crisp is a perfect balance between the fruit and the topping. Overbaking can cause the crisp to become too dry and the fruit to become too soft. Aim for a golden brown topping that looks crisp and crumbly but does not have any burnt spots.

Conclusion

In conclusion, apple cranberry crisp with polenta streusel topping is a delicious and crowd-pleasing dessert that's perfect for any occasion. When making this recipe, remember to use the right apples and cranberries, avoid overloading the filling, use freshly made polenta, toast the polenta before using it, use cold butter for the topping, add nuts for texture, make ahead for convenience, serve with ice cream or whipped cream, and don't overbake. By following these tips, you're sure to create a delicious dessert that will impress your friends and family.