This apple cranberry crumble is a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for any occasion. You’ll love the warm, spiced apples and tart cranberries topped with a buttery, crisp crumble. It’s an easy apple dessert recipe that always impresses.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Apples: Use firm, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for the best texture. You can substitute with pears for a different fruit crumble.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work equally well. If using frozen, do not thaw them first.
- Oats: Rolled oats are best for a chewy crumble. Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but the texture will be less robust.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness. Granulated sugar can be used, but brown sugar provides more flavor.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Essential for that warm, cozy flavor. Feel free to adjust amounts to your preference.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 6 medium apples (about 6 cups sliced), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: 350
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking dish, large mixing bowls, pastry blender or fork
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures your apple cranberry crumble doesn’t stick.
2. Make the Crumble Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set this aside.
3. Combine Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently toss the sliced apples and cranberries with granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Ensure all the fruit is evenly coated. This creates the delicious base for your apple dessert recipes.
4. Assemble the Crumble
Pour the fruit filling into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Generously sprinkle the crumble topping over the fruit layer. Make sure the topping covers the fruit completely.
5. Bake the Crumble
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the fruit is tender and bubbling, and the topping is golden brown and crisp. A knife inserted into the fruit should meet little resistance. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Crumble: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch.
- Ginger Spice: Include 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger in the filling for a warm, spicy kick.
- Different Fruit Combinations: Try adding a handful of raspberries or blackberries with the apples and cranberries.
- Maple Sweetness: Substitute some of the sugar in the filling with maple syrup for a rich, earthy flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover apple cranberry crumble covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you use frozen apples for this apple dessert recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen sliced apples. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using.
Q: How do you know when the crumble is done baking?
A: The fruit filling will be bubbling around the edges, and the topping will be golden brown and firm to the touch. You can also carefully insert a small knife into the fruit to check for tenderness.
Q: Can you prepare the crumble ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the filling and topping separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble and bake just before serving.
Q: What do you serve with apple cranberry crumble?
A: It’s delicious on its own, but you can also serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Q: Why is my crumble topping soggy?
A: A soggy topping can be caused by too much butter or not enough baking time. Ensure your butter is very cold and cut into small pieces, and bake until deeply golden.
Q: Can you freeze apple cranberry crumble?
A: Yes, you can freeze baked crumble for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat.