Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite fall dessert: **Cranberry Apple Crumble**! There’s something so cozy about the warmth of baked apples mingling with the tartness of fresh cranberries, topped with a crisp, buttery crumble. This dessert always reminds me of family gatherings during the holidays. I can still picture my grandma in her apron, whisking away in the kitchen while I would sneak bites of the sweet filling whenever she wasn’t looking!
Every bite is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy, and it’s so simple to whip up. It never fails to impress, whether I’m serving it to family, friends, or just treating myself on a lazy Sunday afternoon. So, are you ready to create some sweet memories of your own? Let’s dive into this recipe!
What’s in Cranberry Apple Crumble?
Apples: For this recipe, I prefer using tart apples like Granny Smith. They’re firm and flavorful, making them perfect for baking!
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, these little guys add a zesty kick. If you’re using fresh, just rinse and check for any bad berries before adding them to your crumble.
Brown Sugar: This gives the filling a rich caramel flavor and helps with that lovely syrupy texture.
Cinnamon: Can you really have a fall dessert without cinnamon? It adds warmth and a hint of spice that just sings with the apples.
Butter: I mean, what’s a crumble without butter? It helps achieve that savory crumble topping along with a bit of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Flour: This binds everything, creating the base for your crumbly topping. I often use all-purpose flour, but you can swap it out for a gluten-free version if needed.
Oats: Rolled oats add a wonderful texture to the crumble and a bit of heartiness.
Is Cranberry Apple Crumble Good for You?
While we can’t exactly call this dessert health food, it does have some redeeming qualities!
Apples are packed with fiber and vitamin C, making them a great addition to your diet. Plus, thanks to their natural sweetness, they help reduce the amount of added sugar we need.
Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and have been known to promote urinary tract health. Throw in that tangy flavor, and you’ve got yourself a winning combo!
Now, let’s not sugarcoat it: the sugar and butter do add up, so moderation is key. Splitting this crumble with friends or family definitely makes it more enjoyable (and healthier purely by sharing)!
Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Crumble
– 4 medium apples (about 4 cups, peeled and sliced)
– 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1 cup brown sugar, divided
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Pinch of salt
*Serves: 6-8*
How to Make Cranberry Apple Crumble?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial; you don’t want to bake your crumble in a fridge-cold oven!
2. In a large bowl, combine your sliced apples, cranberries, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir gently until the apples and cranberries are evenly coated.
3. Transfer this fruity delight into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
4. In another bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar, flour, oats, melted butter, and salt. Combine until you get a crumbly texture.
5. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apple-cranberry mixture.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Your kitchen will smell divine!
7. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, it will be tempting to dive right in!
Sweet Tips & Variations
– For an extra layer of flavor, try adding some chopped nuts to your crumble topping – walnuts or pecans are great options!
– If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in a splash of vanilla extract or some nutmeg to the filling.
– Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the ultimate indulgence.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe! It’s perfect for chilly evenings and makes your home smell delightful. If you make it, let me know how it turns out; I’d love to hear about your experience with my favorite cranberry apple crumble! Happy baking!
