Description
This Cranberry Apple Crumble is the quintessential autumn dessert, a warm and comforting symphony of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and a buttery, crumbly topping. It’s a recipe that evokes feelings of cozy evenings, crackling fireplaces, and the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. The contrast of textures – the soft, yielding fruit filling against the crisp, golden topping – is simply irresistible. This crumble is incredibly versatile, perfect for a casual weeknight dessert, a festive holiday gathering, or even a special brunch treat. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make, using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon, apples, and baked goodness!
Why you will love this recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this Cranberry Apple Crumble. First and foremost, it’s the explosion of flavors that dance on your palate. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly complements the sweetness of the apples, creating a harmonious balance that keeps you coming back for more. The addition of raisins adds a chewy texture and a hint of caramel-like sweetness, while the walnuts provide a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth. The crumbly topping, with its buttery richness and subtle cinnamon spice, is the perfect finishing touch, tying all the elements together in a warm and comforting embrace.
Beyond the incredible flavor, this recipe is also incredibly easy to make. It requires minimal prep work and comes together in under an hour, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights. The ingredients are simple and readily available, and the steps are straightforward and easy to follow, even for novice bakers. Plus, it’s a forgiving recipe – you can easily adjust the sweetness or tartness to your liking, and the crumble topping is incredibly versatile. You can use different nuts, add oats for a heartier texture, or even experiment with different spices.
Finally, this Cranberry Apple Crumble is a dish that evokes a sense of nostalgia and tradition. It’s a dessert that reminds us of childhood memories, family gatherings, and the simple pleasures of life. It’s a recipe that’s meant to be shared, enjoyed, and savored with loved ones. It is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala), peeled, cored, and chopped into 1-inch pieces. (Adjust according to preference; 3 apples will create a fuller crumble)
- 1 12-ounce package of fresh cranberries, rinsed and picked over
- ½ cup of raisins (golden or dark), for added sweetness and texture
- ¼ cup of chopped walnuts (or pecans), for a nutty crunch
- 1 ¼ cups of granulated white sugar, divided (¾ cup for the topping, ¼ cup for the fruit mixture)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, to taste, for a warm, spicy note
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour, the base of the crumble topping
- ¼ cup (½ stick) of unsalted butter, melted, for richness and moisture in the topping
- 1 large egg, for binding the crumble topping
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder, to help the crumble topping rise and become light
- ¼ teaspoon of salt, to enhance the flavors
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your crumble will bake evenly and the topping will become golden brown. While the oven is preheating, lightly butter a 9×9-inch glass baking dish. This will prevent the crumble from sticking and make it easier to serve. Alternatively, you can use an 8×8-inch dish if you prefer a thicker crumble.
Step 2: Combine the Fruit Filling: In the prepared baking dish, combine the chopped apples, fresh cranberries, raisins, and chopped walnuts. Make sure the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the dish. This will ensure that each bite is filled with a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Step 3: Sweeten and Spice the Fruit: Sprinkle ¼ cup of the granulated white sugar evenly over the fruit mixture. This will help to draw out the juices from the fruit and create a delicious, syrupy sauce as it bakes. Add a dash of ground cinnamon to the fruit mixture as well. Cinnamon complements the flavors of apples and cranberries beautifully, adding a warm and comforting note to the filling.
Step 4: Prepare the Crumb Topping: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup of granulated white sugar, all-purpose flour, melted butter, egg, baking powder, and salt. Use a fork or your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture becomes crumbly in texture. You want the mixture to resemble coarse breadcrumbs, with small clumps of butter distributed throughout. This will create a light and airy crumble topping that will crisp up beautifully in the oven. Don’t overmix the ingredients; the key to a good crumble topping is to keep it light and airy.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake: Distribute the crumb mixture evenly over the fruit mixture in the baking dish. Gently press down on the crumb topping to help it adhere to the fruit filling. This will also prevent the topping from drying out during baking. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so be sure to check on the crumble periodically. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
Step 6: Cool and Serve: Once the crumble is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to thicken slightly and prevent it from being too runny. Serve the crumble warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. The warm, comforting flavors and textures of the crumble are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- Serve alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea.
- Enjoy as a dessert or as a special breakfast treat.
- Garnish with fresh mint or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Tips:
- Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
- If you don’t have fresh cranberries, you can use frozen ones. Just be sure to thaw them slightly before using.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet crumble, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the filling and the topping.
- For a heartier crumble topping, add ½ cup of rolled oats to the flour mixture.
- Store leftover crumble in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- If the topping is browning too fast during baking, cover the dish with foil.
- Add orange zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Experiment with different nuts, like pecans or almonds, for a unique twist.
- Make individual crumbles in ramekins for a sophisticated presentation.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
50 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 4-5g
- Sodium: 100-150mg
Conclusion
This Cranberry Apple Crumble is a delightful dessert that is sure to please everyone who tries it. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight treat or a festive holiday dessert, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. The combination of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and a buttery, crumbly topping is simply irresistible. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm and comforting slice of this delicious crumble! It is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall and share some joy with your loved ones.
Questions and Answers about Cranberry Apple Crumble
Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?
A: Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly well in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them completely beforehand, but I recommend letting them sit out at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, just to soften them slightly. If you add them directly from frozen, the baking time might increase slightly, so keep an eye on the crumble and bake until the fruit is tender and the topping is golden brown. Frozen cranberries are a great alternative, especially when fresh cranberries are out of season or difficult to find.
Q2: I don’t have walnuts on hand. What other nuts can I use in the crumble topping?
A: No problem at all! This recipe is very adaptable. Pecans are a fantastic substitute for walnuts, offering a similar buttery and slightly sweet flavor. Almonds (slivered or chopped) are another great option, providing a more subtle, slightly nutty taste. You could even use hazelnuts for a unique and sophisticated flavor profile. Just make sure the nuts are roughly chopped to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the crumble topping. You can also omit the nuts altogether if you have allergies or simply prefer a nut-free crumble.
Q3: How can I make this crumble ahead of time?
A: You can easily prepare the cranberry apple crumble ahead of time in a couple of ways. First, you can assemble the entire crumble – fruit filling and topping – cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and saves you time on the day you want to serve it. Alternatively, you can prepare the fruit filling and the crumble topping separately and store them in the refrigerator. Then, when you’re ready to bake, simply assemble the crumble and pop it in the oven. This method is particularly useful if you want to bake the crumble right before serving for the freshest possible taste.
Q4: My crumble topping is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: If you notice that the crumble topping is browning too quickly, don’t panic! The easiest solution is to loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to deflect some of the heat and prevent the topping from burning while the fruit filling continues to cook. You can also try lowering the oven temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Just be sure to increase the baking time accordingly to ensure that the fruit is cooked through. Keeping a close eye on the crumble and adjusting the baking conditions as needed will help you achieve a perfectly golden brown topping every time.
Q5: Can I add oats to the crumble topping for a heartier texture?
A: Absolutely! Adding rolled oats to the crumble topping is a great way to add a heartier texture and a subtle nutty flavor. Simply substitute about ½ cup of the all-purpose flour with rolled oats. You can use either old-fashioned rolled oats or quick-cooking oats, depending on your preference. The oats will add a delightful chewiness to the crumble topping and make it even more satisfying. This is a great option if you’re looking for a more substantial dessert or if you want to add some extra fiber to your diet.
