Recipes Desserts Desserts By Type Pies

Cranberry Apple Crostata

Looking for a simple, rustic dessert just bursting with fall fruit flavor that doesn't require rolling dough or fussing? This gorgeous crostata is poised and ready to be THE fall dessert of the season!

This post is written in partnership with Ocean Spray®.

It's fall baking season, and our team couldn't be happier.

What makes us perhaps the happiest is the classic combination of cranberries and apple, and the fact that this fall dessert doesn't require a pie pan, fussy crimping, or fiddling with dough.

Extra bonus, of course, is that while cranberries add layers of flavor to this tart, they're also packed with vitamin C and have no artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors – so they're basically the MVP in this not-too-sweet, rustic dessert.

Video: How to Make a Cranberry Apple Crostada


Cranberry Apple Crostada

Why Soak the Cranberries?

Craisins® Dried Cranberries turn a plain apple crostata into something new and special.

Here, they get an extra infusion of cranberry flavor when you soak them in juice before adding them to the apple filling – plus, they become super soft and tender.

Can I Make This Crostata in Advance?

Yes! You can make the dough up to 2 days in advance, wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.

Once you mix the apples and berries with the sugar mixture, you don’t want to wait too long before assembling the tart.

How Should I Serve the Crostata?

There's no wrong way to serve a crostata! We love a generous slice served warm or room temperature with a spoonful of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

And honestly, a leftover slice with morning coffee is a pretty sweet start to the day.

Cranberry Apple Crostata

Prep Time 40 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Inactive 30 mins
Total Time 110 mins
Yield 1 crostata


  • For the dough
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) very cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 3-5 tablespoons ice water, plus more as needed 
  • For the filling
  • 1/2 cup Ocean Spray® Craisins® Dried Cranberries
  • 1/4 cup Ocean Spray® Cranberry Juice Cocktail
  • 3 large baking apples, such as Honeycrisp, Macoun, or Empire
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • For the egg wash
  • 1 egg, well beaten with 1 tablespoon water


  1. Make the dough:

    In a food processor, pulse the flour, sugar, salt, and butter pieces until the butter is incorporated into small, pea-size pieces.

    Open the lid, add 3 tablespoons of the ice water, and pulse again until the mixture looks uniform.

    Press a small amount of dough together in your hand. It should hold together firmly. If it feels dry or crumbly and doesn’t hold together well, add more ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time.

  2. Refrigerate the dough:

    Turn the dough out onto the countertop, and press into a flat disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 days.

  3. Soak the cranberries:

    In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the cranberries and cranberry juice for 30 to 45 seconds, or until warm. Let the cranberries soak for 15 minutes while you prepare the filling.

    Drain and set aside 1 rounded tablespoon of cranberries for garnish.

  4. Prepare the apples:

    Peel, core, and cut the apples into quarters. Cut each quarter into 4 to 5 wedges and place in large mixing bowl. Fold in the cranberries.

    In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Fold the sugar mixture into the apples and set aside.

  5. Preheat the oven:

    to 400oF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

  6. Roll out the dough:

    On a floured work surface, roll the dough into a 13-inch circle. Place circle on prepared baking sheet.

  7. Assemble the crostata:

    Mound the filling in the center of the dough, leaving a 3-inch border all around. Fold the dough over the fruit, pleating as necessary and pressing gently to seal the pleats. Brush the dough with the egg wash.

  8. Bake the crostata:

    Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the apples are tender, the filling bubbles and the crust is golden brown.

    Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the reserved cranberries. Place the baking sheet on a wire rack to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing and serving.