Is there anything more comforting than a warm, bubbly crumble on a chilly autumn evening? This Apple Cranberry Crumble recipe is the perfect answer! It's a delightful blend of sweet and tart, with a buttery, crisp topping that's simply irresistible. It's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for beginner cooks looking for delicious and healthy meals, yet impressive enough to serve at any gathering. This recipe is a celebration of fall flavors, a perfect addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire, and a testament to the magic of homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), 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 (optional, helps thicken the filling)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour (if using). Toss until the apples and cranberries are evenly coated.
Make the crumble topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble and bake: Pour the apple cranberry filling into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filling.
Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the topping browns too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Cool and serve: Let the crumble cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat!
Tips for the Best Apple Cranberry Crumble:
- Choose your apples wisely: Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the cranberries. Honeycrisp apples add a juicy sweetness.
- Don't overmix the crumble topping: Overmixing will result in a tough topping. Just work the butter into the dry ingredients until it's evenly distributed.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a less sweet crumble, reduce the amount of sugar.
- Add nuts for extra crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts would be a delicious addition to the crumble topping.
Variations:
- Spiced Apple Cranberry Crumble: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Apple Cranberry Oat Crumble: Increase the amount of oats in the topping for a heartier, more substantial crumble.
- Gluten-Free Apple Cranberry Crumble: Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour in both the filling and the topping.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Around 300-350 calories (depending on serving size and ingredients used)
This delicious Apple Cranberry Crumble is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's the perfect quick dinner idea, showcasing the beauty of homemade cooking and offering a taste of autumnal bliss. Enjoy!