Cranberry Apple Crumble is a cozy, comforting dessert that blends the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples, all topped with a buttery, golden crumble. It’s a classic fall and winter treat, often enjoyed during the holidays, yet simple enough to be made year-round. With its warm spices, rich textures, and vibrant fruit flavors, it bridges the gap between a pie and a crisp, offering the satisfaction of a baked dessert without the fuss of a crust. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed cold the next day, Cranberry Apple Crumble is a timeless dessert that brings together simplicity, flavor, and nostalgia in every bite.
The history of fruit crumbles can be traced back to World War II in Britain, when rationing made traditional pastry-based desserts like pies more difficult to produce due to limited access to butter, flour, and sugar. Instead, home cooks created simple crumb toppings using whatever was available, giving rise to crumbles as an economical and delicious alternative. While the original versions typically used apples, berries, or rhubarb, over time the combination of tart cranberries with sweet apples became popular in North America, especially during the fall and winter seasons when cranberries are in abundance. This particular flavor combination has become synonymous with holiday tables and family gatherings, a rustic dessert that reflects both history and harvest.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the fruit filling: 4 cups apples (peeled, cored, and sliced thin—Granny Smiths work well for tartness), 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. These ingredients work together to provide the perfect sweet-tart base with a bit of thickening from the cornstarch to ensure the fruit filling isn’t too runny. For the crumble topping: 1 cup rolled oats, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ cup cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces. The oats and flour form the base, while the brown sugar adds a caramel note and the butter brings that rich, crumbly texture everyone loves.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is evenly coated and set aside to allow the flavors to meld. In a separate bowl, prepare the crumble topping by mixing together oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized chunks of butter. Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the fruit, covering the surface completely. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges. Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken and the flavors to settle.
Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Apple Crumble
Use a mix of apple varieties—combining tart Granny Smith with sweeter Honeycrisp or Fuji can add depth of flavor. Don’t skip the lemon juice—it helps preserve the color of the apples and balances the sweetness. Make sure your butter is cold for the crumble topping; this ensures the right texture when baked. If your cranberries are especially tart, you can increase the sugar slightly or add a drizzle of honey to the filling. For a crispier topping, chill the assembled crumble for 15–20 minutes before baking. Always let the dessert rest after baking so the juices can thicken, preventing a soggy or runny result. And finally, serve it with something cool and creamy like ice cream or whipped cream for a contrast in texture and temperature.
Variations and Customizations
You can easily customize this crumble to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch. Incorporate other fruits like pears or blueberries into the filling for a twist on the classic. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats. Want to make it vegan? Substitute plant-based butter and ensure your sugar is vegan-certified. A splash of orange juice or a bit of zest can enhance the cranberry flavor. Spices can also be varied—add cardamom or allspice for a more exotic profile. For individual servings, bake the crumble in ramekins or small baking dishes. You can even turn the crumble into a breakfast option by reducing the sugar and serving with yogurt.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While Cranberry Apple Crumble is a dessert, it does offer some nutritional benefits. Apples are a great source of fiber, particularly pectin, which supports gut health, and they provide vitamin C and antioxidants. Cranberries are high in vitamin C, fiber, and bioactive plant compounds that may help prevent urinary tract infections and support heart health. The oats in the topping provide complex carbohydrates and beta-glucan fiber, which can help lower cholesterol. However, the recipe does contain added sugars and butter, which should be enjoyed in moderation. To lighten the dish, you can reduce the sugar, use whole wheat flour or almond flour, and substitute some of the butter with coconut oil or Greek yogurt. The dessert is also easily adaptable for people with specific dietary needs, such as those avoiding dairy or gluten.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well—no need to thaw them before mixing with the other filling ingredients. How long does it keep? The crumble can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven. Can I freeze it? Absolutely! Assemble the dish and freeze before baking, or freeze leftovers after baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly. Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can prep both the filling and the topping a day in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready. What apples are best? Tart varieties like Granny Smith hold up well and balance the cranberries’ sharpness, but you can mix with sweeter ones like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady. Can I make it without oats? Yes, simply substitute with extra flour or crushed nuts to maintain texture.
Cranberry Apple Crumble
Ingredients
- 2 apples or more, according to preference, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 12-ounce package of fresh cranberries
- ½ cup of raisins
- ¼ cup of chopped walnuts
- 1¼ cups of white sugar divided
- Ground cinnamon to taste
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup of unsalted butter melted
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
Instructions
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- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly butter a 9×9-inch glass baking dish.
- In the baking dish, add the chopped apples, cranberries, raisins, and walnuts. Sprinkle evenly with ¼ cup of sugar and a dash of ground cinnamon.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of sugar, flour, melted butter, egg, baking powder, and salt. Stir the mixture until it becomes crumbly in texture.
- Distribute the crumb mixture evenly over the fruit mixture in the baking dish.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling. Let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.