Cranberry Apple Crumble Recipe

Cranberry apple crumble is a classic dessert that is most often served in the fall and winter months, and is a favorite dessert in many homes during the holiday season. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples is absolutely delicious.

Add the buttery, crumbly topping and it becomes the perfect dessert to serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Best of all it is simple and easy to make.

With just a few basic ingredients this recipe is and can be prepared in under 10 minutes. Then it goes in the oven to bake until hot and bubbly and the crumb topping turns golden brown.

Choose to serve it warm. Or you can serve it at room temperature. Either way this classic dessert is sure to become a favorite!

The Difference Between Crumble and Crisp Desserts

Although many of us use the terms crumble and crisp to describe desserts that have a fruit filling and a crunchy topping, there is a difference between the two. The main difference between the two is the type of oats used in the topping.

Crumbles typically use quick-cooking oats, which are thinner and have a more delicate texture. This gives the crumble a lighter and more crumbly topping that is more like a streusel.

Crisps on the other hand typically use rolled oats, which are thicker and have a chewier texture. This gives the crisp a more substantial topping that can hold its own against the juicy fruit fillings.

In addition to the type of oats, there are a few other minor differences between crisps and crumbles. For example, crisps often have a slightly wetter filling than crumbles.

Crumbles also sometimes have nuts or spices added to the topping. However crisp toppings are typically a combination of just oats, flour, sugar, and butter. Sometimes the oats are even left out of crisps like in this Easy Apple Crisp recipe.

Now that you know what makes this recipe a crumble and not a crisp, it is time to get to the details of the recipe.

The Cranberry Apple Filling

This quick and easy filling is made with just 3 ingredients.

• Raw Cranberries
• Diced Apples
• Sugar

Cranberries are easy to find during the fall and winter months. I purchase a bag of cranberries to make my Thanksgiving Cranberry Sauce, and then freeze the leftover berries until I am ready to make this Cranberry Apple Crumble recipe.

Just be sure to wash the cranberries and pick out any damaged berries. Then dry them off with a paper towel before adding them to the baking dish.

As for what type of apple to use it is best to use a sweet, yet firm apple. Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Fuji and Pink Lady are all excellent choices. You can also use Granny Smith apples if you prefer tart rather than sweet desserts.

Cranberry Apple Crumble Topping Ingredients

• Oatmeal*
• Brown sugar
• Flour
• Chopped pecans
• Butter

What Type of Oatmeal To Use

Quick-cooking oats are often used in crumble toppings because they cook faster than rolled oats. This is because they have been rolled thinner and pre-cooked slightly.

In addition to cooking faster, quick-cooking oats also tend to produce a lighter and more crumbly topping than rolled oats. This is because they contain less starch, which can make the topping gummy or sticky.

Therefore, when making this Cranberry Apple Crumble recipe it is best to use quick-cooking oats. However, if you like a thicker topping with more of a bite, you can certainly use rolled oats.

How to Serve

Crumble recipes can be served warm or at room temperature. It is typically served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, but it can also be enjoyed on its own.

Here are some tips when serving Cranberry Apple Crumble:

• Allow the crumble to cool slightly before serving. This will allow the crumble filling to cool a bit and become firm, making it easier to serve.
• Top each serving with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The creaminess compliments the crisp texture and provides a good balance of flavor of the tart cranberries.
• Garnish the dessert with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce. This will add extra flavor and makes for an impressive presentation.

Cranberry Apple Crumble Recipe For Two

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 cups diced apples (1 large or 2 small)
• 3/4 cup cranberries, raw
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

INSTRUCTIONS

Before making the Cranberry Apple Crumble preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) because this recipe comes together quickly. Then spray a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set the dish aside while you prepare the filling.

Peel, core and dice the apples into 1/2 inch cubes. Add them to the baking dish.

Wash and drain the cranberries, being sure to remove any damaged berries. Pat the berries dry with paper towels and then add them to the baking dish with the apples.

Sprinkle the sugar on top of the fruit and toss to combine. Set the baking dish aside while you prepare the crumble topping.

In a medium mixing bowl add the quick cooking oats, brown sugar, flour, chopped pecans and butter. Mix with a fork or your hands until small pea size crumbs form.

Place the crumb mixture evenly over top of the fruit.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. The Cranberry Apple Crumble is done when the edges are bubbly and the crumb topping turns light golden brown in color.

Take the baking dish out of the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Enjoy! Mary

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