Sweet and Spiced Apple Cranberry Crumble

Nothing says cozy like a warm, fruit-filled dessert, and this Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble with Pecan Topping hits all the right notes. Juicy apples and tart cranberries are lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, then crowned with a buttery, crunchy pecan topping. Perfect for holiday dinners, casual family gatherings, or a comforting treat on a chilly evening, this crumble is a must-bake. The combination of soft fruit, sweet spices, and nutty topping will make it an instant favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and tangy combination: Tart cranberries paired with naturally sweet apples.
• Perfectly spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves for warmth.
• Crunchy topping: Pecans add texture and rich flavor.
• Easy to make: Minimal prep with simple ingredients.
• Ideal for all occasions: Holidays, potlucks, or casual dessert nights.

Ingredients

• 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter.
2. Prepare fruit filling: In a large bowl, combine apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice. Toss until fruit is evenly coated.
3. Make crumble topping: In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped pecans.
4. Assemble crumble: Spread the fruit mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit.
5. Bake the crumble: Bake for 35–40 minutes until topping is golden brown and fruit is bubbling.
6. Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

• Fruit substitutions: Use pears, blueberries, or raspberries instead of apples or cranberries.
• Nut variations: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour for the topping.
• Extra sweetness: Drizzle a little caramel sauce over the crumble before serving.
• Make ahead: Assemble the crumble and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftover crumble in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze unbaked crumble for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• With ice cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream complements the warm fruit perfectly.
• Whipped cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy contrast.
• Tea or coffee: Ideal alongside a cup of hot beverage for cozy dessert moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly. There’s no need to thaw them before baking.

Can I make this crumble vegan?

Yes, replace butter with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil.

How do I prevent the topping from burning?

Cover loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes, then remove foil to brown the topping.

Can I make individual servings?

Yes, divide the fruit and crumble into ramekins and bake for 25–30 minutes for single servings.

Ready to Make It?

This Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble with Pecan Topping is a warm, comforting dessert that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Sweet, tart, and perfectly spiced, it’s a dessert that will wow family and friends. Pin this recipe to your Pinterest boards and enjoy a homemade treat everyone will love.

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