Name: Apple-Cranberry Crumble
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 3 medium Apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Use firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.); 1 cup Cranberries, fresh or frozen; 1/4 cup Granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons Brown sugar; 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon Ground nutmeg; 1 tablespoon Lemon juice; 1 tablespoon All-purpose flour (for thickening); 3/4 cup All-purpose flour; 1/2 cup Rolled oats; 1/2 cup Brown sugar, packed; 1/2 teaspoon Ground cinnamon (for topping); 1/4 teaspoon Ground ginger (optional); 1/2 cup Unsalted butter, melted

Jump to Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, and our Apple-Cranberry Crumble delivers this heartwarming experience in every bite. This classic dessert is juicy, fruity, and has just the right amount of sweetness to leave you feeling satisfied, not stuffed. Whether you’re baking for a weeknight treat or a family gathering, this easy crumble comes together in no time and is sure to put smiles on faces young and old. Did you know cranberries, once a North American staple only enjoyed during festive seasons, are packed with antioxidants? Now, they can add a surprising pop of flavor to your everyday baking!

What makes this recipe especially appealing is its speedy prep—just like our beloved Easy Blueberry Cobbler, another reader favorite. Both are baked fruit desserts but the Apple-Cranberry Crumble stands out for its tangy zing and beautiful colors. By the end of this post, you’ll be craving a warm bowl of crumble topped with cold vanilla ice cream. Let’s dive into this simple, crowd-pleasing recipe!

What is Apple-Cranberry Crumble?

Ever wondered who decided to join apples and cranberries and tuck them under a crumbly, buttery topping? Well, someone with excellent taste, that’s for sure! Apple-Cranberry Crumble gets its name from two star ingredients—tart cranberries and sweet apples—nestled under a golden, crunchy blanket. The word “crumble” sounds fun, right? Maybe it’s because you can’t eat it neatly; it’s meant to be scooped, shared, and enjoyed a bit messily. As the old saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this dessert proves it true for everyone. Ready to fall in love with your new favorite bake? Try this recipe and you’ll see what all the fuss is about!

Why You’ll Love This

The true magic of this Apple-Cranberry Crumble lies in the perfect harmony of tart cranberries and sweet, tender apples topped with a buttery oat streusel that crisps up beautifully in the oven. Making this at home not only saves you money but ensures every serving is bursting with fresh flavor and just the right touch of homemade love—unlike store-bought versions that can taste generic. The crumbly topping features rolled oats, brown sugar, and warm spices, adding that irresistible texture and fragrance to every bite.

Plus, you can personalize your crumble with extra spices or nuts for a twist, and it’s just as comforting as our Best Peach Crisp! Serve this dessert at the end of a meal or as a sweet brunch addition—it fits every occasion. Get ready to savor every spoonful and don’t forget to check out our other fruit-inspired recipes for even more cozy baking adventures!

How to Make

Quick Overview

Apple-Cranberry Crumble is delightfully simple, with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. It’s the ideal hassle-free dessert: toss, top, and bake! The crisp topping combines oats, brown sugar, and spice, creating a rich texture that pairs perfectly with the soft, tangy filling. You’ll only need about 15 minutes of prep before popping the dish into the oven for 30–35 minutes, making it suitable for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Expect a deliciously warm, comforting dessert with every spoonful—ready in under an hour!

A warm serving of Apple-Cranberry Crumble in a bowl with melted vanilla ice cream on top

Ingredients

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for thickening)

3/4 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish (about 8×8 inches).
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples and cranberries. Sprinkle with granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon flour. Toss until everything is well coated.
Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
For the topping, in another bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup flour, oats, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and ground ginger if using.
Pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients, mixing with a fork until clumps form and the mixture is evenly coated.
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly.
Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!

What to Serve Apple-Cranberry Crumble With

Looking to round out your dessert experience? Apple-Cranberry Crumble is utterly delicious with a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream. The creamy, cold texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, tangy center. A dollop of whipped cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt also pairs well for a lighter option. For an extra-special touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle some toasted pecans over the top. For drinks, hot apple cider or a steaming cup of chai tea makes a cozy pairing—perfect for chilly evenings!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Use firm apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
Adjust the sugar to taste, especially if you prefer a tart crumble—cranberries add a zing, but you can sweeten as needed.
Substitute pears or blueberries for a slightly different flavor profile.
If your butter isn’t fully melted, you may get uneven topping clumps—make sure it’s liquid for even mixing.
Bake until the juices are bubbling up around the edges to ensure the fruit is cooked through.
Want a crispier topping? Bake for a few extra minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Avoid packing the topping too tightly; you want beautiful nooks and crannies for a perfect crumb.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover Apple-Cranberry Crumble can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. If you plan to freeze, wrap the cooled crumble tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven to restore its crispy top. Enjoy that just-baked taste even days later!

FAQs

Can I use other fruits besides apples and cranberries?
Absolutely! Try swapping in pears, blueberries, or cherries for a different flavor twist. Just keep quantities the same for best results.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but if you like extra fiber (and a rustic look), feel free to leave the peels on.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

What’s the best way to serve the crumble?
Serve it warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or yogurt. It’s also great as a breakfast treat with a cup of coffee!

Can I prepare the crumble topping ahead of time?
You can! Store the unbaked topping in the fridge up to 2 days ahead, then sprinkle it over the fruit and bake as directed.

Conclusion

Apple-Cranberry Crumble is the ultimate easy dessert—bursting with tartness, sweetness, and that wonderfully crispy texture on top. With quick prep, simple ingredients, and flexible serving options, this recipe is perfect for busy families or anyone craving a wholesome homemade treat. Whether you’re a crumble connoisseur or new to fruit desserts, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to explore other cozy recipes on the blog to keep your baking game strong all year round. Happy baking!