Apple Cranberry Crumble: A Sweet and Tangy Comfort Dessert
Let’s talk about a dessert that hits all the right notes—sweet, tangy, cozy, and totally comforting. This Apple Cranberry Crumble is one of my favorite desserts to make when I’m craving something that feels indulgent but is still packed with wholesome ingredients. The juicy Granny Smith apples pair perfectly with tart cranberries, all topped with a buttery, golden crumble that’s just chef’s kiss.
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is. It’s the kind of dessert you can whip up on a whim with pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients. Plus, it’s easily customizable—make it gluten-free, swap in a different fruit, or even serve it for breakfast (trust me, I’ve done it).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Apple Cranberry Crumble is everything you want in a dessert: quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s a healthier twist on a classic crumble that doesn’t sacrifice taste, making it perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to casual get-togethers.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Share your photos and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see your creations.
Apple Cranberry Crumble
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Equipment
- pie dish or 8x8 baking pan
- 2 mixing bowls
- cheese grater
- peeler or pairing knife
Ingredients
- 10 med Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and cut legthwise
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¼ cup organic coconut palm sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- cooking spray
- pinch salt
Crumble Topping
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 4 tbsp cold unsalted vegan butter
- ¼ cup whole wheat or gluten free flour
- ¼ cup organic brown sugar
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉
- Using a pie dish or 8x8 baking pan coated with cooking spray.cooking spray
- To make the Topping: Mix flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt until combined work in the butter with a cheese grater and combine with your fingertips until the topping is crumbly.¼ tsp cinnamon, 4 tbsp cold unsalted vegan butter, ¼ cup whole wheat or gluten free flour, ¼ cup organic brown sugar, pinch salt
- Peel the apples lengthwise then thinly slice.
- Toss apple slices in a large bowl with cranberries, lemon juice, organic sugar, nutmeg, and cinnamon with a pinch of salt. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with topping. (If there is extra filling, placed them in ramekins and bake as directed.)10 med Granny Smith apples, 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, ¼ cup organic coconut palm sugar, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp lemon juice, pinch salt, ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Bake until filling is bubbling and topping is golden brown about 25 minutes.
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More About This Recipe
Tips for Making the Best Crumble
- Choose the Right Apples:
Granny Smith apples are my go-to for this recipe because their tartness balances perfectly with the sweetness of the crumble. If you prefer a sweeter crumble, try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. - Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice:
Lemon juice enhances the flavor of the apples and cranberries while preventing the apples from browning. - Work the Butter into the Topping:
Grating cold butter into the crumble mixture ensures an even distribution, creating those irresistible crispy bits on top. - Double the Topping:
If you’re a crumble lover (who isn’t?), go ahead and double the topping—it’s worth it. - Customize It:
Swap cranberries for blueberries or raspberries, or add a handful of chopped nuts to the topping for extra crunch.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing Bowls: One for the fruit filling and one for the crumble topping.
- Cheese Grater: Perfect for grating cold butter into the topping.
- Pie Dish or 8x8 Baking Pan: To hold the crumble.
- Peeler and Paring Knife: For peeling and slicing the apples.
Health Benefits of Apple Cranberry Crumble
This crumble isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth—it’s packed with ingredients that offer some serious health perks:
- Apples: Fiber-Packed and Heart-Healthy
Granny Smith apples are low in sugar and high in dietary fiber, which helps support digestion and keeps you feeling full longer. They’re also a great source of vitamin C, which supports immunity and skin health.. - Cranberries: Antioxidant Powerhouses
Cranberries are known for their high levels of antioxidants, which may support urinary tract health and may even reduce inflammation. - Coconut Palm Sugar: A Better-for-You Sweetener
Unlike refined sugars, coconut palm sugar contains trace amounts of minerals like potassium, zinc, and calcium. It’s also lower on the glycemic index, which means it won’t spike your blood sugar as quickly. - Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Spices with Benefits
These warm spices don’t just add flavor—they’re loaded with antioxidants and have been linked to blood sugar regulation and anti-inflammatory properties.