Cozy Autumn Apple and Cranberry Crumble
The scent of cinnamon and baked apples wafting through the air... it's a sure sign that autumn has arrived in full force. As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold, and the days grow shorter, there's nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, homemade dessert. This year, our apple trees have gifted us with an especially bountiful harvest, and the local cranberry bogs are overflowing with ruby-red gems. Naturally, my thoughts turned to combining these seasonal treasures into something truly special.
I remember helping my mom make apple pies every Thanksgiving, the kitchen filled with laughter and the sweet aroma of baking fruit. Now, with my own little homestead, I'm creating new traditions, blending cherished memories with the joy of using ingredients grown right here on our land. This Cozy Autumn Apple and Cranberry Crumble is a tribute to those moments, a simple yet delicious way to celebrate the season's gifts. This recipe is a delicious and easy way to savor the best that autumn has to offer. Give it a try!
Prepping the kitchen for apple and cranberry crumble making!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Uses up a surplus of apples and cranberries: Perfect for utilizing your harvest or supporting local farmers.
- Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions: No complicated techniques required, making it ideal for busy weeknights or beginner bakers.
- Crowd-pleasing dessert: Everyone will love the combination of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and a buttery crumble topping.
- Easy to modify for gluten-free diets: Simply use gluten-free all-purpose flour and oats in the crumble topping.
Ingredients List
For the Apple and Cranberry Filling:
- 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (can be substituted with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (whenever possible, use organic oats.)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, prepare the apple and cranberry filling.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Gently toss to coat all the fruit evenly.
A close-up of a freshly baked apple pie.Transfer the filling to a baking dish. You can use a 9x13 inch baking dish or a 10-inch cast iron skillet. Dot the top of the filling with the butter pieces.
Make the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Cut in the butter: Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don't overmix the oat topping – a few lumps are okay!
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple and cranberry filling. Make sure to cover the entire surface.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Let the crumble cool slightly before serving. This will allow the filling to thicken and prevent it from falling apart.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream. A drizzle of caramel sauce adds an extra touch of indulgence. This crumble pairs perfectly with a cup of hot apple cider or a glass of mulled wine on a chilly autumn evening. For a unique twist, enjoy it for breakfast with a side of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola. Or, try pairing it with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese - the combination of sweet and savory is surprisingly delightful!
Closing
Autumn is a time for gathering, for celebrating the abundance of the harvest, and for sharing delicious food with loved ones. This Cozy Autumn Apple and Cranberry Crumble is a perfect embodiment of these sentiments. It's a simple, comforting dessert that brings together the flavors of the season in a harmonious and heartwarming way.
Homemade baked goods offer a unique rustic charm.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different fruit combinations – pears, blackberries, or even a touch of quince would all be delicious additions. And remember, the best part of cooking from scratch is the joy of creating something special with your own hands.
We'd love to see your creations! Share your photos on Instagram using #BetterHomesAndHarvests.
Take a moment to savor the simple pleasures of the season and enjoy this comforting dish with loved ones. Happy baking!
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Keywords: seasonal cooking, from-scratch, farm-to-table, pantry staples, harvest meal, homemade, cozy food, Apple, Cranberry, Crisp Recipe, Gluten Free Dessert