Spiced Cranberry & Apple Crumble: A Cozy Autumn Dessert

The wind whispers through the skeletal branches of the old apple tree, scattering golden leaves across the lawn. A chill kisses the air, carrying the scent of woodsmoke and damp earth – a symphony of Autumn’s arrival. This time of year always brings a sense of slowing down, of embracing the simple pleasures. Baking becomes a ritual, a way to infuse the home with warmth and delicious aromas. One of my fondest memories is helping my grandmother prepare her famous apple crumble, the fragrance of cinnamon and baked apples swirling through her cozy kitchen. Today, I’m sharing my own twist on this classic: a Spiced Cranberry & Apple Crumble that perfectly captures the essence of the season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cranberry apple crumble is a celebration of fall flavors, easily prepared from-scratch with pantry staples. The tart cranberries beautifully complement the sweet apples, while warm spices create a truly cozy food experience. Perfect for a thanksgiving dessert or any harvest meal gathering, this recipe can easily be adapted to be gluten-free or even vegan!

Ingredients List

For the Filling:

• 6 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, no need to thaw)
• ⅓ cup organic brown sugar (Coconut sugar can be used in place of brown sugar.)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose blend)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (or vegan butter alternative)

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose blend)
• ½ cup rolled oats (not instant)
• ½ cup organic brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes (or vegan butter alternative)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice. Gently fold in the cranberries to prevent them from bleeding into the apple mixture. Add the butter pieces and toss to combine.

2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the apple-cranberry mixture into a greased 9-inch baking dish or a 10-inch cast iron skillet.

3. Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes.

4. Cut in the Butter: Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for a perfectly crumbly topping! If you don't have a pastry cutter, use two knives to cut the butter into the flour mixture.

5. Spread the Topping: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apple-cranberry filling.

6. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent the baking dish with foil.

7. Cool Slightly: Let the crumble cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream (or coconut whipped cream for a vegan option). For a festive touch, sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts after baking. Consider adding a splash of bourbon or apple brandy to the apple mixture for an extra layer of flavor. If you want to switch things up, try using pears in place of some of the apples!

Visual Appeal

Imagine a golden-brown, bubbling crumble, fresh from the oven. The vibrant red of the cranberries peeks through the crispy oat topping. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance. Placed on a rustic wooden board alongside a steaming cup of tea, this dessert evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a cozy autumn afternoon. This rustic dessert is the definition of hygge.

A Call to Connection

I hope this Spiced Cranberry & Apple Crumble brings warmth and joy to your home this Autumn. I'd love to hear your thoughts and variations! What are your favorite additions to a classic apple crumble recipe? What Thanksgiving traditions do you look forward to most? Share your stories and experiences in the comments below – let's create a little homemade, seasonal cooking community right here on Better Homes and Harvests! This fall baking recipe is ready for your creative additions. We focus on farm-to-table flavors from pantry staples.

Tried this Spiced Cranberry & Apple Crumble recipe? Let us know what you think in the comments below! Don't forget to share this recipe with your friends and family for a cozy Autumn treat.