Nothing says festive quite like a Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp for Holiday Dessert Tables, and this recipe is truly one of my absolute favorites to bring out during the holiday season. The lively tartness of fresh cranberries paired with the bright zest and juice of oranges creates a dazzling layer of flavor that’s perfectly complemented by crunchy pecans and a buttery, golden crisp topping. Whether you’re sharing it with family or bringing it to a holiday gathering, this dessert promises warmth, comfort, and a burst of seasonal cheer that everyone will adore.

Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp for Holiday Dessert Tables - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp for Holiday Dessert Tables is surprisingly simple to make, with ingredients that work beautifully together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component is essential: fresh cranberries add that signature tang, orange zest and juice brighten up the fruit filling, pecans provide a lovely crunch, and the buttery topping adds just the right crispness.

All purpose flour: The base for the crisp topping, giving it structure and that perfect crumbly texture.
Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor that deepens the topping’s richness.
Butter: Essential for that golden, flaky crust that melts in your mouth.
Fresh cranberries: Provide a tart bounce and festive red color that truly makes this dessert pop on any holiday dessert table.
Chopped pecans: Add a nutty crunch, balancing the softness of the fruit.
Orange zest and juice: Infuse bright citrus notes that lift the cranberries to a whole new level.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the tangy cranberries just right.
Salt: Enhances all flavors while balancing sweetness.
Nutmeg and ground cinnamon: Warm spices that bring holiday magic and depth.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp for Holiday Dessert Tables

Step 1: Prepare the Crisp Topping

Start by preheating your oven to 400°. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of lightly packed light brown sugar. Cut in 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter, mixing on low speed until the mixture turns crumbly. This topping will bake into a golden, crisp crust that contrasts perfectly with the soft fruit beneath.

Step 2: Mix the Cranberry Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon until well combined. Rinse and drain 24 ounces (two 12-ounce bags) of fresh cranberries, then toss them into a large bowl with 1 cup chopped pecans, the zest from 2 oranges, and the juice from one orange. Stir the sugar-spice mixture into the cranberry mixture, coating the fruit and nuts well with those lovely flavors.

Step 3: Assemble the Crisp

Transfer the cranberry filling to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top with the remaining ¼ cup butter, sliced into pieces and scattered randomly—this small amount of butter adds pockets of richness throughout the fruit filling.

Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake

Evenly sprinkle the crumbly flour and sugar mixture over the top of the fruit and butter. Bake uncovered at 400° for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the cranberry mixture is bubbling around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage will be absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp for Holiday Dessert Tables

Garnishes

Serve your Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp for Holiday Dessert Tables warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans or a few fresh orange zest curls will add a colorful and delightful finish.

Side Dishes

This crisp pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced cider or a glass of rich dessert wine. If you’re serving a full holiday meal, light fluffy whipped cream or a creamy vanilla custard alongside can help balance the tartness and crunch perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, serve individual portions in ramekins or clear glass jars so your guests can admire the layers of bright cranberry filling and crunchy topping. You can also sprinkle some edible gold dust on top or scatter fresh cranberries and pecan halves around the platter for added festive charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp for Holiday Dessert Tables tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its lovely texture or flavor.

Freezing

This dessert freezes exceptionally well. To freeze, cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months and is perfect to prepare in advance for your holiday gatherings.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350° for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the topping is crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, to keep that unbeatable crunchy texture that makes this cranberry orange pecan crisp so special.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well and are often more convenient to use. Just be sure to thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before mixing to avoid a soggy filling.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can make a delicious gluten-free version without sacrificing the crisp’s texture.

Can I replace pecans with another nut?

Definitely! Walnuts or almonds make excellent alternatives that also pair nicely with cranberries and orange flavors. Just chop them roughly and use the same quantity.

How far in advance can I prepare the crisp before baking?

You can assemble the crisp up to a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before putting it in the oven for best results.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh oranges?

Fresh oranges provide the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can use bottled orange juice and some dried orange zest. However, fresh juice and zest really make the cranberry filling shine.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp for Holiday Dessert Tables is more than just a dessert—it’s a heartfelt tradition in the making. With its bright citrus notes, rich crunch, and mellow sweetness, it’s one of those dishes that brings instant warmth and festive joy to any celebration. I encourage you to give it a try this holiday season and watch it become a treasured favorite on your dessert table for years to come.

Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp for Holiday Dessert Tables

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 83 reviews

This Cranberry Orange Pecan Crisp is a perfect holiday dessert dish featuring fresh cranberries, vibrant orange zest and juice, crunchy pecans, and a buttery, crumbly topping baked to golden perfection. Ideal for festive tables, it combines tart, sweet, and nutty flavors with a delightful texture contrast.

Author: Mari
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert, Holiday Recipes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to crisp the topping and cook the filling evenly.
Make Crisp Topping: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and brown sugar until combined. Add 1 cup of the cold butter and use a mixer on low speed to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly and coarse pea-sized clumps form.
Prepare Cranberry Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Rinse the cranberries well and place them in a large bowl. Add chopped pecans, orange zest, and fresh orange juice. Pour in the sugar-spice mixture and gently fold everything together to coat the cranberries and pecans evenly.
Assemble the Crisp: Transfer the cranberry mixture into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Distribute the remaining ¼ cup of sliced butter randomly over the fruit mixture. Then, evenly spread the buttery flour topping over the fruit mixture to cover it completely.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp and the cranberry filling is bubbling around the edges.
Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly so the filling can set. Serve warm or at room temperature. This crisp pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Use fresh cranberries rather than frozen for best texture and flavor.
For extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding to the filling.
This crisp can be made a day ahead and reheated gently before serving.
For a juicier filling, add an additional ¼ cup of orange juice.
Butter should be cold for the topping to create the best crumbly texture.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven.