Irresistible Warm Spiced Apple Cranberry Crumble in 45 Min

There’s nothing quite like the smell of warm spices filling your kitchen on a crisp fall day. My Warm Spiced Apple Cranberry Crumble has been a family favorite for years – it’s the dessert my kids beg for when the leaves start turning. I’ll never forget the first time I made it for Thanksgiving, nervously watching as my picky aunt went back for thirds. The tart cranberries and sweet apples play off each other perfectly under that buttery, crunchy topping. It’s the kind of simple, comforting dessert that makes everyone gather around the table just a little longer.

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Why You’ll Love This Warm Spiced Apple Cranberry Crumble

Oh, where do I even start? This crumble is like a hug in dessert form – the kind of treat that makes everyone’s eyes light up when you pull it from the oven. Here’s why it’s become my go-to:

• The cinnamon and nutmeg make your whole house smell like fall magic while it bakes
• It comes together in minutes – seriously, the hardest part is waiting for it to bake.
• That perfect mix of tart cranberries and sweet apples under a golden, buttery crumble topping
• It’s equally amazing straight from the oven or at room temperature the next day (if it lasts that long)
• You can throw it together with pantry staples when surprise guests show up

Trust me, once you try this warm spiced apple cranberry crumble, it’ll become your new favorite cozy dessert too. You can find more cozy dessert ideas on our baking page.

Ingredients for Warm Spiced Apple Cranberry Crumble

Let me tell you about the simple ingredients that make this crumble so special. You probably have most in your kitchen right now. For the fruit filling, you’ll need 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (I like Granny Smith for their tartness), 1 cup fresh cranberries (don’t skip these – they’re the tart surprise), 1/2 cup granulated sugar, plus 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for that warm spice kick.

The crumble topping couldn’t be easier – just 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup rolled oats for texture, 1/2 cup brown sugar (the darker the better for that caramel flavor), and 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed. Pro tip: Keep that butter cold – it makes all the difference for getting those perfect buttery crumbs.

How to Make Warm Spiced Apple Cranberry Crumble

Alright, let’s get to the fun part – making this heavenly dessert. I promise it’s easier than you think, and the results will make you feel like a baking superstar. Here’s exactly how I put together my Warm Spiced Apple Cranberry Crumble every time:

Preparing the Fruit Filling

First things first – grab your biggest mixing bowl and toss in those gorgeous apple slices and bright red cranberries. Now here’s my little trick: sprinkle the sugar and spices right over the top, then use your clean hands to gently mix everything together. You’ll know it’s ready when every piece of fruit has a light sugary coating and smells like autumn itself.

Making the Crumble Topping

This is where the magic happens. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, and brown sugar. Now take those cold butter cubes and start working them in with your fingers – don’t be shy. You want to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse breadcrumbs with some pea-sized bits remaining. Whatever you do, resist the urge to overmix – those uneven bits make the best crispy texture.

Baking and Serving

Spread your fruit mixture into a buttered baking dish (I use a 9×13 but anything similar works), then sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over everything. Pop it in your preheated 375°F oven and wait for the magic – about 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and you can see those ruby cranberry juices bubbling up around the edges. Let it cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue (about 15 minutes) – though I won’t judge if you sneak a bite sooner.

Tips for the Best Warm Spiced Apple Cranberry Crumble

After making this crumble more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll guarantee perfect results every time. First, use firm apples – Granny Smiths hold their shape beautifully, while softer varieties turn mushy. I like to taste a cranberry before mixing – if they’re extra tart, I’ll add another tablespoon of sugar to balance it out.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to your taste – sometimes I’ll add a pinch of cloves or cardamom when I’m feeling adventurous. And here’s my secret for testing doneness: the juices should be bubbling around the edges but the center topping should still have some give – it’ll firm up as it cools. If you are looking for more baking inspiration, check out our guide on Grandma’s Perfect Apple Pie.

Variations for Your Warm Spiced Apple Cranberry Crumble

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can make it your own. If you’re out of apples, try firm pears – they add a lovely honeyed sweetness. For extra crunch, mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping (about 1/4 cup does the trick). Feeling fancy? Swap half the cranberries for fresh raspberries when they’re in season – the color is stunning. You can also explore other fruit combinations in our curry recipes for inspiration.

Serving Suggestions for Warm Spiced Apple Cranberry Crumble

Oh, the possibilities. My favorite way to serve this warm spiced apple cranberry crumble is still warm from the oven with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top – the hot and cold combo is heavenly. For breakfast (don’t judge), try it with a dollop of Greek yogurt instead. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, pour some warm caramel sauce over everything – the way the sweet caramel plays off the tart cranberries will make your taste buds sing. You can find more dessert topping ideas on our caramel dip page.

Storing and Reheating Warm Spiced Apple Cranberry Crumble

Here’s the beautiful thing about this crumble – it keeps like a dream. Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Want to enjoy it warm again? Pop individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until it’s toasty and fragrant.

For longer storage, you can freeze the baked crumble for up to 3 months. I like to cut it into portions before freezing so I can pull out just what I need. When the craving hits, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat – it’ll taste just as amazing as the day you made it. If you are interested in meal prepping, see our tips on making meals that last.

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates and can change based on your exact ingredients. A serving of this warm spiced apple cranberry crumble has about 320 calories, 28g sugar, and 4g fiber – not bad for such a comforting treat. The oats and apples give you some good fiber, while the cranberries pack in vitamin C. Enjoy every bite guilt-free.

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