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Welcome to a cozy corner of fall flavors with this delightful Cranberry Apple Crumble recipe! Picture a warm hug in dessert form—tart cranberries mingling with sweet apples under a crispy, buttery crumble topping. This dish encapsulates the essence of autumn, making it a must-have for your seasonal recipe collection.
Crafted during a chilly fall weekend with surplus apples and leftover cranberries, this recipe has evolved into a beloved tradition in our household. The perfect balance of flavors has even won over pie enthusiasts—my husband included! The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the house as this crumble bakes is simply irresistible, beckoning family and friends to gather around the table.
Whether it’s a Thanksgiving feast, a casual family dinner, or a festive potluck, this Cranberry Apple Crumble is a versatile star. With creative adaptations like adding nuts, chocolate chips, or swapping fruits, you can tailor this recipe to suit any occasion or dietary preference. So, let’s dive into the warmth and comfort of this delightful dessert that promises to fill your home with the essence of fall!
Quick Benefits
- Perfect Balance of Tart and Sweet: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples creates a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different fruits, nuts, or spirits to suit your taste preferences or seasonal availability.
- Comforting and Satisfying: The warm fruit filling and buttery crumble topping evoke a sense of nostalgia and coziness, making it a favorite for gatherings or everyday indulgence.
- Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Prepare in advance for convenience, and freeze leftovers for future quick and delicious desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Cranberry Apple Crumble Recipe Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The tartness of the cranberries and the sweetness of the apples create a perfect balance that screams autumn in every bite.
- Family Favorite: This recipe has become a beloved tradition in the author’s family, preferred over classic pies during Thanksgiving and eagerly anticipated by both kids and adults alike.
- Adaptable and Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness, spice levels, and even swap out ingredients like the fruit or flour to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Versatile for Different Occasions: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a potluck, this cranberry apple crumble fits in perfectly and is sure to impress.
- Wonderful Aroma and Texture: The scent of this dessert baking is heavenly, and the contrast between the warm fruit filling and the crispy, buttery topping is pure comfort.
- Convenient Storage and Freezing: It keeps well for days at room temperature or in the refrigerator, and can even be frozen for later enjoyment without losing its delightful texture and flavor.
- Nostalgic and Heartwarming: This crumble isn’t just about utilizing seasonal fruits; it’s about creating memories, bringing loved ones together, and finding joy in the simple pleasure of a delicious homemade dessert.
Ingredients for Delicious Cranberry Apple Crumble Recipe
Filling
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 cups diced apples (about 3 medium)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Topping
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
How to Make Delicious Cranberry Apple Crumble Recipe
Step 1: Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Filling
Combine apples, cranberries, sugar, lemon juice, spices, and cornstarch; spread mixture in a baking dish.
Step 3: Topping
Combine oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over fruit.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Storage Tips
Once the Cranberry Apple Crumble has been baked and enjoyed, storing any leftovers properly will help maintain its freshness and flavor. At room temperature, the crumble can be covered with foil or stored in an airtight container for about 3 days. During this time, the topping may soften slightly, but it will still retain a nice texture. If you need to store it for a longer period, refrigerate the crumble for up to 5 days to keep it fresh.
For extended storage, the Cranberry Apple Crumble can be frozen successfully. Portion any leftover crumble into individual containers, then freeze them. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat the frozen portions in the microwave or oven for a quick and delicious dessert. The contrast between the warm crumble and cold ice cream is particularly delightful when reheated, making it a convenient and tasty treat for later.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you’re looking to make some ingredient substitutions for the cranberry apple crumble, there are several options to consider. For the fruit filling, you can swap out the fresh cranberries for dried cranberries if fresh ones are not available. Just be aware that dried cranberries are sweeter than fresh ones, so you may want to adjust the sugar level accordingly. You could also try using pears instead of apples for a different flavor profile, or mix in some frozen berries like raspberries or blueberries to change up the fruit combination.
For those looking to make a healthier version of this crumble, you can replace some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You could also experiment with using coconut oil instead of butter in the topping for a dairy-free option. Additionally, if you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour in place of all-purpose flour. This swap should work well in the topping and still provide a delicious crumbly texture.
Remember that baking is a fun and creative process, so feel free to play around with different ingredients to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices, nuts, or even a splash of alcohol like brandy or rum to add depth of flavor to the dish. Enjoy the process of making this cranberry apple crumble your own and sharing it with your loved ones!
Serving Suggestions
For a creative serving suggestion, try serving this Cranberry Apple Crumble warm with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce. The contrast of the cold, creamy ice cream or the rich caramel against the warm, spiced fruit and crispy crumble will elevate this dessert to a whole new level of indulgence. Another fun idea is to serve individual portions of the crumble in mason jars or ramekins, topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and a sprig of fresh mint for a charming presentation at your next gathering.
FAQs for Delicious Cranberry Apple Crumble Recipe
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before incorporating them into the dish.
Can I substitute the apples with a different fruit?
Yes, you can substitute the apples with other fruits like pears or peaches if you prefer. Different fruits may affect the overall sweetness and texture, so adjust the sugar levels accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the fruit filling and crumble topping separately ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, assemble the crumble and bake as directed. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings or busy days.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend in the crumble topping. Ensure all other ingredients used are also gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Conclusion
As you prepare to embark on making your own delightful Cranberry Apple Crumble, remember that this recipe is not just about combining ingredients—it’s about creating memories and moments that bring warmth and joy to those you share it with. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dessert for a family gathering or a simple treat to enjoy on a cozy evening at home, this Cranberry Apple Crumble is sure to bring smiles and satisfied tummies all around.
The versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations and adaptations to suit your preferences and the occasion at hand. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Whether you stick to the classic combination of cranberries and apples or venture into new territory with different fruits and flavors, the heartwarming essence of this Cranberry Apple Crumble will always remain. So, gather your loved ones, preheat the oven, and let the sweet aromas of cinnamon, apples, and cranberries fill your home as you embark on a culinary journey that’s as comforting as a hug—enjoy every delicious bite of your Cranberry Apple Crumble creation!
Delicious Cranberry Apple Crumble Recipe
A heartwarming Cranberry Apple Crumble with a buttery topping that brings the taste of autumn to your table, perfect for holidays or cozy nights in.
Prep Time15 Minutes
Cook Time40 Minutes
Total Time55 Minutes
CuisineAmerican
Skill LevelEasy
Servings8 Servings (1 9-inch crumble)
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 cups diced apples (about 3 medium)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Topping
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
Instructions
-
Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch baking dish.
-
Filling: Combine apples, cranberries, sugar, lemon juice, spices, and cornstarch; spread mixture in a baking dish.
-
Topping: Combine oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over fruit.
-
Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbly. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
