Winter's chill calls for comforting desserts, and this cranberry orange crumble is the perfect answer. Bursting with the tartness of cranberries and the bright zest of oranges, this easy recipe is a delightful homemade treat that's perfect for a cozy night in or a festive gathering. It's a delicious dish, simple enough for even beginner cooks, and guarantees a warm, happy feeling on a cold evening.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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, combine the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix gently until well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
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:
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Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the cranberry filling.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
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Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Crumble:
- Frozen Cranberries Work Great: If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw them! Just add them straight to the bowl.
- Zest Enthusiasts: Don't be shy with the orange zest! It adds a lovely aromatic depth to the filling.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet crumble, reduce the sugar in both the filling and the topping by a tablespoon or two.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the filling for an extra warm spice flavor.
Variations:
- Apple Cranberry Crumble: Add 2-3 diced apples to the cranberry filling for a delicious twist.
- Lemon Cranberry Crumble: Substitute lemon zest and juice for the orange.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour for both the filling and the crumble topping. Make sure your oats are certified gluten-free as well.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy and delicious cranberry orange crumble is the perfect addition to your winter dessert repertoire. It's a simple yet impressive dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!