Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dessert that marries the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples, you’re going to love this Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping. It’s a delightful combination of cozy spices, fresh fruit, and a crunchy, buttery pecan-studded crumble that hits all the right notes. Whether it’s a holiday treat or a cozy weekend indulgence, this dish brings warmth and a burst of bright flavors to your table, guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple and classic ingredients come together in this Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping, each bringing a special touch. From the tart cranberries to the buttery pecans, every element adds depth to the texture and flavor you’ll adore.

• 2 cups fresh cranberries: These add a vibrant tartness and beautiful red color that brightens the dish.
• 4 cups diced apples: A blend of sweet and tart apples gives complexity and a tender bite inside.
• 1 cup sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the tart fruit perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the fall flavor profile elegantly.
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty and sweet aroma for an extra cozy depth.
• 1 cup rolled oats: Provides a hearty and chewy texture in the topping.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The structural base for the crumble to hold it all together.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a caramel-like richness to the crunch.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Essential for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth crumble.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
• 1 cup chopped pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the topping.

How to Make Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Fruit

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, toss together fresh cranberries, diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. This mix is where the magic begins — the fruit gets coated in warm spices and sugar, setting the stage for that balance of tart and sweet. Make sure everything is evenly mixed so every bite bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Fruit Layer

Grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the fruit mixture evenly inside. This ensures the fruit cooks uniformly and bubbles up beautifully as it bakes, creating that irresistible, juicy filling underneath the crumble topping.

Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Crumble Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and softened butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture turns crumbly. Then stir in chopped pecans. This pecan topping is the crown of this dessert, bringing a sweet, nutty crunch that perfectly complements the soft, spiced fruit below.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Evenly spread the pecan crumble topping over the fruit mixture in your baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden brown and the fruit filling bubbles happily around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is downright irresistible.

How to Serve Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping

Garnishes

Serve this crumble warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream melting over the top. A dollop of freshly whipped cream sprinkled with a pinch of cinnamon or crushed pecans adds a decorative and delicious touch that impresses every time.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs beautifully with a hot cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a festive touch, a drizzle of caramel sauce alongside can turn this into an indulgent delight perfect for special occasions.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, serve the Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping in individual ramekins or mason jars — it’s charming and makes each serving feel special. You can also layer the filling and crumble in a clear glass trifle dish to show off the jewel tones of the cranberries and apples beneath that crunchy pecan topping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the crumble cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually meld more over time, but the crumble topping might soften slightly. Recrisp by reheating in the oven before serving.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Prepare the crumble completely but don’t bake it right away. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen, just add extra baking time until the topping is golden and the filling bubbles.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for convenience, or place the whole dish in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes to restore that freshly baked texture and melt-in-your-mouth crunch of the pecan topping. Avoid reheating in a microwave if keeping the topping crisp is a priority.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well in this recipe; just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the apples to avoid a watery filling.

What types of apples work best for this crumble?

A mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith creates the best balance of flavors and textures in the crumble filling.

Can I make the topping nut-free?

Definitely! Simply omit the pecans and increase the oats slightly to keep that satisfying crunch without the nuts.

Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?

Yes, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar if desired. The crumble will still be deliciously crumbly and flavorful!

How can I make the topping extra crunchy?

Try toasting the oats and pecans lightly before mixing them with the other ingredients. Also, avoid overmixing once the butter is added, so the crumble remains crumbly and crisp after baking.

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping is one of those magical desserts that’s both hearty and elegant, bursting with warmth and seasonal character. Whether it’s a quiet night in or a festive celebration, this crumble invites cozy moments and happy smiles. I can’t recommend it enough—give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple!

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