As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like basking in the warmth of a cozy kitchen filled with the tantalizing aromas of fall. One dish that captures this essence perfectly is Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble with Pecan Topping. This delightful dessert features a beautiful balance of tart cranberries and sweet apples, beautifully complemented by a medley of warm spices. Topped with a golden, nutty pecan crumble, it’s a dish that brings comfort and joy to any gathering.
This crumble is the epitome of simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the fruits to shine while the spices and crunchy topping add depth and texture. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening with family or serving it at a festive gathering, Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble is sure to delight your taste buds and evoke a sense of nostalgia. Let’s dive into how to create this masterpiece that will surely become a favorite in your fall dessert repertoire!
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble
This dessert is not just delicious; it offers a range of benefits that make it irresistible:
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of sweet apples and tart cranberries provides a unique taste that excites the palate.
- Simple to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this crumble can be whipped up quickly, making it ideal for busy weekends or unexpected guests.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve!
- Nutty Topping: The pecans add a wonderful crunch and depth, enriching the overall flavor profile.
- Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or spice levels according to your preference!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into this delicious dessert, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and gather all necessary tools to ensure success. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it warmed up. Next, you’ll need a large mixing bowl for combining the fruit and ingredients. A 9×13 inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe, as it allows for even baking and ample room for all the delightful layers. You will also need smaller bowls for mixing the crumble topping and a cutting board for dicing the apples. Having a sharp knife handy will make preparing the fruits easier.
Ensure all your ingredients are measured and ready to go. This will streamline the process and avoid any last-minute scrambling in the kitchen. With the right setup, you’re prepared to create this cozy dessert effortlessly!
Ingredients
This Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble is made with simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- 4 cups diced apples (mix of sweet and tart)
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the perfect baking temperature for your crumble, allowing for that golden, crispy topping that we all love.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, fresh cranberries, white sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss the ingredients together gently, ensuring that each piece of fruit is coated with the sugar and spices. The multi-layered flavors from the apples and cranberries create a wonderfully tangy base that contrasts beautifully with the sweet topping.
Step 3: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Once mixed, pour the fruit mixture into your greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to spread it evenly so that there’s a uniform layer of fruit that will bake perfectly.
Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, prepare the crumble topping. Combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and chopped pecans. Add the softened unsalted butter and mix together until the ingredients begin to clump and become crumbly. The combination of the oats and pecans will add a fantastic crunch to the top of your crumble!
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Evenly spread the crumble mixture over the prepared fruit layer. Make sure to cover all the fruit so it steams and softens while baking, while the topping crisps up beautifully. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling underneath. Keep an eye on it towards the end to ensure it doesn’t over-brown!
Variations
While the classic recipe is delightful, here are some interesting variations to consider:
- Protein: Add protein powder to the crumble mixture for extra nutrition or mix in some chopped almonds or walnuts along with the pecans for diverse nutty flavors.
- Vegetables: Incorporate shredded carrots or zucchini into the fruit mixture to boost the health quotient and add subtle moisture.
- Spices: Play around with spices! Nutmeg could be swapped out for ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
Cooking Notes
Here are some helpful notes to ensure your cooking experience is seamless and enjoyable:
- Use a combination of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor; Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work wonderfully together!
- Fresh cranberries can be slightly bitter, so adjust sugar to your taste depending on how tart your fruits are.
Serving Suggestions
This crumble is best served warm, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Here are some serving ideas:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top complements the warm crumble perfectly!
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.
Tips
To make your cooking experience even better, consider these tips:
- Prepare the fruit mixture the night before and store it in the fridge for an even more developed flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour.
- Double the recipe for gatherings or leftovers to enjoy throughout the week!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 125mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! Frozen cranberries can be used, just add a few additional minutes to the baking time to ensure they’re heated through.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute butter for coconut oil and use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of white sugar.
What is the best way to reheat this crumble?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. It brings back the crispiness of the topping!
Conclusion
Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble with Pecan Topping is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of cozy gatherings, cherished flavors, and the delightful spirit of fall. Whether enjoyed on a quiet evening or shared with loved ones, this crumble is sure to create lasting memories and smiles. Don’t shy away from experimenting with your ingredients and let your culinary creativity shine! I encourage you to try this recipe, share your experiences in the comments, and perhaps even tweak it to make it your own. Enjoy the warmth of this dish and the joy it brings!
Print
Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble with Pecan Topping
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This delightful dessert features a beautiful balance of tart cranberries and sweet apples, beautifully complemented by a medley of warm spices.
Ingredients
- 4 cups diced apples (mix of sweet and tart)
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, fresh cranberries, white sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss the ingredients together gently.
- Once mixed, pour the fruit mixture into your greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and chopped pecans. Add the softened unsalted butter and mix until crumbly.
- Spread the crumble mixture over the fruit layer. Bake for 35–40 minutes.
Notes
Use a combination of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor; Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work wonderfully together!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Protein: 4 g