Struggling with leftover cranberry sauce? Transform it into a delectable Cranberry Cream Cheese Crisp that the whole family will love. This versatile dessert combines the tangy flavor of cranberries with creamy cheese and a crunchy oat topping, making it perfect for any occasion—from holiday gatherings to a simple weeknight treat.
Ingredients for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crisp
- 2 cups (240 grams) unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon (0.75 grams) ground Himalayan sea salt
- 1 cup (230 grams; 2 sticks) butter, softened
- 2 cups (180 grams) rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar, such as demerara
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) good quality maple syrup
- 1 package (230 grams; 8 oz.) light cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (300 grams; 10 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) cranberry sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (10 grams) cornstarch
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crisp
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and grease a 13 x 9-inch (33 x 23 centimeters) baking dish. Set aside.
- Prepare the Crumb Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups (240 grams) of unbleached all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon (0.75 grams) ground Himalayan sea salt. Add 1 cup (230 grams; 2 sticks) of softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar, 2 cups (180 grams) rolled oats, and 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped walnuts. Pour in 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of good quality maple syrup and gently stir until all ingredients are well combined. Press half of the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Set aside the remaining crumbs for later use.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 1 package (230 grams; 8 oz.) of softened light cream cheese, 1 can (300 grams; 10 oz.) sweetened condensed milk, and 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Process the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Crisp: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust in the baking dish. In a medium bowl, mix together 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) of cranberry sauce and 1 1/2 tablespoons (10 grams) of cornstarch until well combined. Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle the remaining oat and walnut crumb mixture over the top, pressing lightly with the palm of your hand to ensure an even layer.
- Bake the Crisp: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the topping is golden brown. Remove the crisp from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Chill and Serve: Once cooled, cover the crisp and transfer it to the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 3 to 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up. Slice and enjoy your Cranberry Cream Cheese Crisp!
This Cranberry Cream Cheese Crisp is the perfect way to utilize leftover cranberry sauce, turning it into a sweet and satisfying dessert that everyone will adore. The combination of creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, and a crunchy oat topping creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re planning for a holiday meal or simply craving something sweet, this crisp is both easy to make and impressive to serve. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy a delightful treat with minimal effort. Embrace the versatility of cranberry sauce and elevate your dessert game with this irresistible Cranberry Cream Cheese Crisp. Enjoy every bite!
