Hey there, fellow bakers and food lovers! Today, we’re diving into a delightful dish that embodies everything cozy and heartwarming: Cranberry Apple Crumble. Picture this: the vibrant tartness of fresh cranberries mingling with the sweet, comforting flavor of warm apples, all topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble. It’s the perfect dessert for those chillier days when you want something sweet to wrap your hands around. Trust me, this recipe not only fills your belly but also warms your heart. So grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you make this Cranberry Apple Crumble? Well, let me count the ways! First off, the combination of cranberries and apples is a match made in flavor heaven, it’s both tangy and sweet, creating a medley that dances around your taste buds. Secondly, this crumble is incredibly simple to whip up, even if you’re not an experienced baker. It’s perfect for a weeknight dessert or that cozy gathering with friends and family.
But let’s be real; one of the best reasons to bake this dish is the aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes. The scent of warm apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg will have everyone coming back for seconds! Plus, it’s an easy dish to make ahead of time, allowing you to savor those moments spent sharing laughter and stories instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
How to Make Cranberry Apple Crumble
Ready to make your own Cranberry Apple Crumble? Follow this straightforward guide, and you’ll be rewarded with a delectable dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is when the magic begins!
- In a large bowl, combine the cranberries, sliced apples, and half of the brown sugar in a baking dish. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything well.
- In another mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, the remaining brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix them together until evenly combined.
- Add the softened butter to the bowl and mix everything until it becomes crumbly. You want to feel that delightful crumbly texture before you add in the pecans.
- Stir in the chopped pecans for that extra crunch and nutty flavor. Who doesn’t love a bit of texture in their dessert?
- Now it’s time to sprinkle the crumble mixture generously over the fruit in the baking dish. Make it look nice; presentation counts!
- Slide your creation into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the aroma is making your heart sing.
- Once it’s done, let it cool slightly before serving warm. This is a perfect dessert to enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
How to Serve Cranberry Apple Crumble
Serving your Cranberry Apple Crumble is almost as enjoyable as baking it. The most popular way to serve it is warm, right out of the oven. You can dish it up in bowls and add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top, allowing it to melt just a bit. This combo of warm and cold creates blissful bites that’ll have you swooning! You could also drizzle a little caramel sauce or maple syrup on top for an added touch of sweetness, yum!
How to Store Cranberry Apple Crumble
If by some miracle, you have leftovers (which is rare with this scrumptious dessert), storing it is easy! Allow it to cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Fresh out of the oven again, it will taste nearly as good as the first time!
Tips to Make Cranberry Apple Crumble
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh cranberries and seasonal apples for the best flavor. If they’re out of season, frozen cranberries work just fine!
- Customize the Fruit: Feel free to switch up the fruits! Pears, blueberries, or even raspberries can add a fun twist to the traditional combo.
- Watch the Bake Time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the crumble during the last few minutes of baking. You want that perfect golden brown color!
Variation
For a fun variation, consider adding spices like ginger or allspice to the crumble mixture. Alternatively, switch out the pecans for walnuts or almonds to suit your taste. Want to make it a little healthier? Substitute half of the butter with applesauce or replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy crumble.
2. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Many brands make great options that work well in crumbles.
3. How can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare the fruit layer and crumble topping separately, refrigerate them, and then assemble before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
Now that you’ve got all the tips and tricks for making the ultimate Cranberry Apple Crumble, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start baking! Enjoy the process, and remember, each bite is a little piece of love created just for you and your loved ones. Happy baking, friends!
Print
Cranberry Apple Crumble
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy, heartwarming dessert combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweet warmth of apples, topped with a crunchy buttery crumble.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cranberries, sliced apples, and half of the brown sugar. Stir gently to mix.
- In another bowl, combine rolled oats, all-purpose flour, remaining brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
- Add softened butter to the dry mixture and mix until crumbly.
- Stir in chopped pecans into the crumble mixture.
- Sprinkle the crumble mixture over the fruit in the baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and fragrant.
- Let it cool slightly before serving warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg