Spiced Apple Cranberry Crumble with Maple Oat Topping

Recipe Introduction: Fall Inspired Desserts Done Right

Ever get that craving for something warm and comforting as the leaves start to turn? I sure do! This spiced apple cranberry crumble is exactly what you need.

Honestly, it's become my go-to for fall dessert recipes , and it's about to become yours too. It captures all those quintessential autumn crumble recipe vibes.

This recipe is more than just a dessert, it's a celebration of fall. The tartness of cranberries pairs perfectly with sweet apples! Originating as a simple way to use up seasonal fruits, crumbles are a classic comfort food with deep roots in British and American cuisine.

It’s a medium difficulty bake, taking about 1 hour 20 minutes total, and yields 6-8 servings. Perfect for a cozy night in or a Thanksgiving dessert option.

Why You'll Love This Apple Cranberry Dessert

Okay, let's get this show on the road! This apple cranberry dessert is packed with antioxidants from the cranberries, making it a slightly virtuous treat! It’s ideal for a casual get-together or a special occasion.

What makes it special? The maple oat crumble topping , which adds a delicious nutty and subtly sweet flavor. It's what sets it apart from your average crumble.

Plus, the aromas of cinnamon nutmeg desserts baking in the oven? Pure bliss! And because it is easy fall baking , it ensures the user, enjoys the processes.

Ready to Bake? Let's Talk Ingredients

This apple crumble recipe features a medley of apples and cranberries simmered with warm spices. Then there is a crispy, buttery oat topping, infused with maple syrup.

The Ingredients list is simple. But the end results are great! Time to see the ingredients needed.

Okay, let's get this show on the road! We're diving headfirst into making some absolutely delicious fall inspired desserts . And honestly, it all starts with having the right ingredients and tools.

Channeling my inner Prue Leith, let's take a look at what we need.

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Autumn Arsenal

Think of this section as your shopping list and tool crib. It's all about prepping for autumnal baking success. We're aiming for that cozy, comforting vibe that only a warm fall dessert can provide.

Main Ingredients: Spiced Apple Cranberry Crumble Edition

First, let’s talk about the stars of our spiced apple cranberry crumble .

• Apples: You'll need 4 medium ones (about 600g/21oz ), like Granny Smiths or Honeycrisp. Honestly, a mix is even better! You're after that perfect sweet tart balance.
• Cranberries: Grab 1 ½ cups (150g/5.3oz) of fresh or frozen cranberries.
• Sugar: ⅓ cup (65g/2.3oz) of granulated sugar.
• Flour: 2 tablespoons (15g/0.5oz) all-purpose flour.
• Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons.
• Spices: 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ginger.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g/1oz) unsalted butter.
• Flour (topping): 1 cup (120g/4.2oz) .
• Oats (topping): ½ cup (50g/1.7oz) rolled oats (not instant!).
• Brown Sugar (topping): ½ cup (100g/3.5oz) packed light brown sugar.
• Spices (topping): ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt.
• Butter (topping): ½ cup (113g/4oz) cold unsalted butter.
• Maple Syrup (topping): 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup.

For the apples, you want them firm to the touch. No mushy apples allowed! And make sure your cranberries are plump and juicy.

You want to make a easy fall baking , you need great ingredients!.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce

The spices are key to that autumn crumble recipe flavor. Cinnamon and nutmeg are your foundation. Don't be afraid to add a pinch of cloves.

It adds depth! You can substitute mace in the same quantity, if you want a subtle twist. Want a little more warmth? Up the ginger slightly.

A bit of lemon zest will brighten everything up.

If you don't have lemon juice, use apple cider vinegar. It will give you the acidity you need.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need fancy gadgets.

• A 9 inch pie dish is ideal, but any oven safe dish will do.
• A couple of mixing bowls.
• A saucepan for the fruit filling.
• A pastry blender or your fingers for the crumble topping.

Honestly, that's it. If you don't have a pastry blender, just use your fingers. Cold butter is critical!

Think of this apple cranberry dessert as a celebration of flavors. This is more than just an Thanksgiving dessert , is a treat for all season.

Grab your ingredients, round up your equipment, and let's get baking!

Spiced Apple & Cranberry Crumble: Fall Inspired Desserts Done Right!

Okay, let's get this show on the road! Fall is officially here, and that means one thing: fall inspired desserts .

Forget pumpkin spice lattes for a sec, we're talking real comfort food, the kind that warms you from the inside out.

This spiced apple & cranberry crumble with a maple oat topping is it . Channeling my inner Prue Leith, I've reviewed this recipe and trust me, it’s a winner.

Honestly, this recipe is like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for a chilly evening.

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

Essential mise en place is your best friend. Chop your 4 apples (I like a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for tartness and sweetness), measure out your 1 ½ cups cranberries , and get all your spices ready.

Time saving tip? Chop the apples ahead of time and toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Always remember, safety first! Watch those fingers when chopping.

step-by-step to Crumble Perfection

1. Combine apples, cranberries, ⅓ cup sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ginger in a bowl.
2. Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 5- 7 minutes . Dot with 2 tablespoons butter .
3. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup flour, ½ cup oats, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt .
4. Cut in ½ cup cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Stir in 2 tablespoons maple syrup . Chill for 10 minutes.
6. Pour the fruit into a 9 inch baking dish .
7. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly.
8. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 40- 45 minutes , until golden and bubbly.

Expert Crumble Tips (You'll Thank Me Later)

Want to take your crumble to the next level? Use really cold butter for the topping. It creates those lovely, distinct crumbs.

A common mistake? Over baking. Watch for that golden brown colour and bubbly filling. You know? This recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving desserts! It is also great to consider Apple crumble recipe, Autumn crumble recipe, Maple oat crumble topping, and Spiced apple cranberry crumble

This crumble is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. That said, let it cool for at least 15 minutes before digging in.

It lets the filling thicken up a bit. You can even make the filling a day ahead. Honestly, this tastes like home.

Enjoy!

Recipe Notes: Let's Get This Show On The Road!

Okay, channeling my inner Prue Leith , I've compiled some extra bits of info for you. These tips should really help you nail this spiced apple cranberry crumble .

Honestly, making a crumble is easier than it looks. But attention to detail makes all the difference.

Fab Serving Suggestions

Plating and presentation are vital, you know? Think rustic chic. Serve warm in individual bowls. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a must.

Or, why not try lightly whipped cream? A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a festive touch. Want to get super fancy? Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top.

Complementary drinks? Try a mug of spiced apple cider! Maybe even mulled wine!

Savvy Storage Tips

This autumn crumble recipe is best enjoyed fresh. But life happens, right? If you have leftovers, no worries.

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing ? I don't usually recommend it with crumbles. The topping can get a bit soggy. But if you must, freeze individual portions.

Wrap them tightly in cling film. Then place them in a freezer bag.

Reheating is simple. Pop it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. Or microwave for a minute or two.

Variations: Keep it Fresh

Feel free to adapt this apple cranberry dessert to suit your needs!

gluten-free ? Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Boom, sorted!

Looking for a seasonal twist? Use pears or plums instead of apples. A fall inspired desserts is so much more than just apples! A maple oat crumble topping goes well with other fruits too.

Nutrition Lowdown: Quick and Dirty

Let's keep it real. This is dessert. It's not a salad. Still, it's good to know what you're getting. One serving has roughly 350-400 calories.

It’s also got some fiber from the oats and fruit, so that's a win. Cinnamon and nutmeg do offer some health benefits.

A little bit of what you fancy does you good, eh?

So there you have it. All you need to know to make an epic apple crumble recipe . Get in that kitchen and whip up some warm fall desserts ! Enjoy your delicious cinnamon nutmeg desserts ! Making this will be so easy fall baking .

Before you know it, you will have some tasty Thanksgiving desserts . You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this apple and cranberry crumble ahead of time? Like, is it a good make-ahead fall inspired dessert?

Absolutely! You can prepare the apple and cranberry filling and the crumble topping separately up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator in airtight containers. When you're ready to bake, simply assemble the crumble and pop it in the oven. Just like Blue Peter, you can prepare in advance!

Help! My crumble topping turned out too dry. What did I do wrong and how can I fix my fall inspired desserts dish?

A dry crumble topping usually means there wasn't enough moisture. This could be due to using too much flour or not enough butter. Try adding a tablespoon or two of melted butter or maple syrup to the crumble and mixing it gently until it clumps together better. Next time, double check those measurements!

I'm catering for a few folks with dietary restrictions. Can I easily adapt this for gluten-free or vegan diets?

Yes, with a few simple swaps! For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. For a vegan crumble, use vegan butter or coconut oil for the crumble topping and ensure your maple syrup and brown sugar are vegan friendly (some brown sugars are processed using bone char). It is as easy as that!

How should I store leftover apple and cranberry crumble? And how long will it keep?

Store leftover crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for a quick treat.

You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Is there a way to make this spiced apple and cranberry crumble healthier without sacrificing the taste?

Definitely! You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling and topping by about 25% without significantly impacting the flavor. Also, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour in the crumble topping will add fiber.

Finally, load up on the apples and cranberries for a bigger portion of fruit which is a great way to add nutrients without many calories!

Can I substitute any of the fruit in this recipe? I'm not a huge fan of cranberries in my fall inspired desserts.

Of course! If cranberries aren't your cup of tea, you can easily substitute them with other tart fruits like raspberries, blackberries, or even chopped plums. You could also use dried cranberries or raisins, but you might want to soak them in warm water or apple juice for a few minutes to plump them up before adding them to the filling.