Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping Recipe

If you’re looking to fall in love with a dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet with a cozy, spiced crumble, then this Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping is your new best friend. Imagine juicy cranberries and tender apples mingling with fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg, all wrapped up under a buttery, pecan-studded topping that crisps to golden perfection in the oven. This delightful dish feels like a warm hug on a plate, celebrating the very soul of autumn and making every bite a festive experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a vital part in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this crumble unforgettable. From the fresh fruit to the crunchy pecan topping, each component brings its own magic to the mix.

• Fresh cranberries (2 cups): bright and tart, cranberries add a vibrant flavor punch and lovely color contrast.
• Diced apples (4 cups): a mix of sweet and tart apples creates the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
• Sugar (1 cup): sweetness that complements the tart fruit without overpowering.
• Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): warm spice that enhances the apple’s natural flavors.
• Nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): adds depth and a subtle hint of earthiness to the spice mix.
• Rolled oats (1 cup): for that classic, chewy crumble texture.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup): creates the structure needed for a crisp topping.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup): brings a caramel-like richness to the pecan topping.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): the key to that melt-in-your-mouth crumble topping.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): balances the sweetness and enhances all the spices.
• Pecans (optional, about 1/2 cup chopped): for added crunch and a nutty flavor to elevate the topping.

How to Make Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), setting the stage for the ultimate cozy bake. In a large bowl, toss together fresh cranberries, diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until every piece of fruit is lovingly coated. This spice and sugar mixture not only sweetens but also infuses the fruit with warming fall aromas, promising a filling bursting with flavor and comfort.

Step 2: Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread your spiced fruit mixture evenly across the bottom. This ensures even cooking and lets all those beautiful juices begin to mingle and bubble under the heat. This base is where the magic starts as the fruit softens and releases their natural juices that will marry perfectly with the crumble topping.

Step 3: Make the Pecan Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, and softened butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. If pecans are on your list, stir them in now to give that nutty crunch that adds a new dimension of texture and flavor. This topping is rich, buttery, and perfectly crunchy once baked.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit mixture in the dish. Pop everything into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the topping turns a golden brown and the fruit filling bubbles enthusiastically around the edges. The aromas filling your kitchen will be nothing short of irresistible—true home comfort food at its finest.

How to Serve Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping

Garnishes

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream on top of your warm Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping is an absolute game changer. The cold, creamy contrast with the hot, spiced fruit and crunchy topping is pure bliss. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or some chopped pecans for that extra festive flair.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai tea or a robust coffee. For a more indulgent affair, try serving it alongside a drizzle of caramel sauce or alongside a rich custard for an extra luscious experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by serving individual portions in cute ramekins or mason jars. Layer the crumble with yogurt or custard for a parfait-style dessert. For a party, consider serving it in mini cast iron skillets for rustic charm and convenience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crumble topping might soften a bit but the flavors will only deepen, making it delicious even the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping before baking. Cover tightly with foil, freeze for up to 2 months, then bake directly from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the baking time—perfect for preparing in advance.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers, warm your crumble in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. This will help refresh the crunchy topping while keeping the fruit filling bubbling hot.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just fine. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the apples to avoid a watery filling.

What if I don’t have pecans?

No worries! You can either omit nuts or substitute with walnuts or almonds for a similar crunch and flavor profile.

Can I make this dessert vegan?

Yes! Swap the butter for a vegan alternative and use a plant-based sugar to keep things fully vegan while still delicious.

How do I keep the topping crispy?

Serve the crumble fresh from the oven or reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain that satisfying crispness on top.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep or parties?

Definitely! It can be made ahead and baked the day of serving or baked in advance and reheated, making it perfect for entertaining or quick dessert fixes.

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping is one of those recipes that feels like a loving embrace—sweet, warming, and just the right amount of crunchy. I encourage you to give it a try and share it with friends and family, because it’s the kind of dessert that creates memories and makes every meal feel extra special. Once you taste it, I’m sure it will become a seasonal favorite in your home, just like it is in mine.

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