The Best Cranberry Apple Crumble Recipe for Cozy Fall Nights

Sweet autumn afternoons call for comforting desserts, and this cranberry apple crumble recipe delivers pure warmth with every delightful bite.

Tart cranberries mingle perfectly with soft, caramelized apples underneath a golden, buttery crumble topping.

Cinnamon and brown sugar weave magic through each layer, creating a dessert that feels like a cozy embrace.

Seasonal fruits shine in this simple yet elegant treat that comes together quickly and impresses everyone at the table.

Fresh cranberries bring a vibrant pop of color and tangy brightness to the classic apple crumble.

The crisp, crumbly topping provides a delectable contrast to the tender, spiced fruit underneath.

Bake this crowd-pleasing dessert and watch as friends and family request seconds before the first serving is finished.

Cranberry Apple Crumble Flavor Ideas

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend. Use certified gluten-free oats for the crumble topping.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Replace sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar for added depth.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar. Add extra cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance natural sweetness.
• Berry Swap: Substitute cranberries with mixed berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a different fruity profile.

Cranberry Apple Crumble Presentation Tips

• Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair this warm crumble with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast and creamy texture.
• Breakfast Transformation: Enjoy leftovers as a decadent morning treat by adding a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for extra crunch.
• Festive Dessert Presentation: Serve in individual ramekins for an elegant touch during holiday gatherings, garnishing with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
• Wholesome Pairing Suggestion: Complement the dessert with a warm cup of cinnamon tea or spiced apple cider to enhance the seasonal flavors and create a comforting experience.

How to Store Cranberry Apple Crumble

• Store the cranberry apple crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to keep the topping crisp and prevent moisture from making it soggy.
• Wrap the cooled crumble securely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes. This helps maintain the crispy topping and keeps the filling warm and delicious.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing. Just add them directly to the filling mixture and bake as directed.

• How do I know if the crumble is done baking?

Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit filling around the edges. When the fruit is tender and the topping is crisp, the crumble is ready.

• What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal. They hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweet cranberries.

Cranberry Apple Crumble Delicious Qualities

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a warm, homemade dessert that captures the essence of autumn with its perfect blend of tart cranberries and sweet apples.
• Master Quick Baking: Whip up this simple crumble with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it ideal for bakers of all experience levels.
• Create Family-Friendly Treat: Enjoy a crowd-pleasing dessert that brings everyone together, offering a delightful balance of fruity flavors and crispy topping.
• Versatile Serving Option: Serve as a cozy dessert after dinner, a special holiday treat, or a delicious weekend brunch accompaniment that impresses without stress.

Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Crumble

• Apples: Crisp and sweet base that provides a classic dessert foundation.
• Cranberries: Tart berries that add a vibrant, tangy flavor to the crumble.

• Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the fruits and helps create a caramelized texture.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the fruit flavors and prevents browning of the apples.

• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the fruits with a cozy aroma.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the fruit filling and create a smooth, glossy texture.

• Rolled Oats, All-Purpose Flour: Provide structure and a hearty, textured base for the crumble.
• Brown Sugar, Salt: Add depth of flavor and balance the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, crumbly texture and helps bind the topping together.

How to Make Cranberry Apple Crumble at Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C).

Grab your trusty 9-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Fruity Magic

• Sliced apples
• Fresh cranberries
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon juice
• Warming spices
• Cornstarch

Toss all these goodies together in a big bowl, mixing until every piece is perfectly coated.

Spread this vibrant mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Craft the Crumbly Topping

• Rolled oats
• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like rough, sandy crumbs.

Sprinkle this delightful topping generously over the fruit layer.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it transform for 35-40 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden brown and the fruit filling starts bubbling around the edges.

Let the crumble rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle and flavors to mingle.

Top Tips for Cranberry Apple Crumble Success

• Replace cranberries with cherries or mixed berries for a different flavor profile without changing the recipe's core structure.
• Add chopped pecans or sliced almonds to the topping for extra crunch and nutty depth.
• Use gluten-free oats and replace wheat flour with almond flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Reduce sugar for a tarter dessert or use honey/maple syrup as natural sweetening alternatives.
• Top warm crumble with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic, comforting dessert experience.

Cranberry Apple Crumble Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Seasonal cranberry apple crumble brings warmth to autumn tables with its perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. Buttery crumble topping and juicy fruit filling create a comforting dessert you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fresh Produce:

• 4 cups (946 ml) diced apples (about 3 medium)
• 1 cup (236 ml) fresh cranberries

Sweeteners and Spices:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) cornstarch
• 1 cup (90 g) old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (113 g) cold butter, cubed

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Combine diced apples and tart cranberries with granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl, ensuring all fruit is evenly coated.
3. Transfer the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer to promote consistent cooking.
4. Create the crumble topping by whisking together rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl.
5. Cut cold butter into small cubes and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse, pebble-like crumbs.
6. Generously sprinkle the crumble topping over the fruit, covering the entire surface to create a textured, golden layer.
7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a bubbling fruit filling and a golden-brown topping.
8. Remove from the oven and let the crumble rest for 10 minutes, allowing the filling to set and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Customize fruit selection by swapping cranberries with cherries or mixed berries for a unique twist.
• Use gluten-free oats and flour to transform this dessert into a celiac-friendly treat.
• Enhance the crumble’s texture by toasting oats briefly before mixing into the topping for deeper, nuttier flavor.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dairy-free alternative to elevate the dessert’s richness and contrast.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg