Spiced Apple & Cranberry Crumble

Looking for easy thanksgiving desserts? My Spiced Apple & Cranberry Crumble with Maple Pecan Streusel is a delightful twist on apple pie! Perfect for Thanksgiving and absolutely scrumptious. Get the recipe!

Spiced Apple Crumble: A Thanksgiving Desserts Twist!

Alright, let's dive headfirst into the scrumptious world of thanksgiving desserts ! Ever found yourself staring blankly at a dessert table, wondering what to bring that’s a bit different ?

Spiced Apple & Cranberry Crumble: Ditch the Boring Dessert Routine!

This isn’t just any crumble, mind you. It’s Spiced Apple & Cranberry Crumble with Maple Pecan Streusel . Think autumnal heaven in a dish! We are talking the comforting flavors of fall.

Crumble’s trace their origins back to the uk, dating as far back as world war ii. the reason? because, many ingredients were rationed, crumbles are a great way of using minimal ingredients to create something delicious.

This recipe lands somewhere between medium difficulty. prep takes about 25 minutes, baking's around 45-50. you'll get about 8 generous servings out of this.

It’s the kind of thing that looks impressive, but it's not overly complicated. that maple pecan streusel, though, that's where the magic really happens.

It takes a bit more concentration, but honest to god, it's worth it.

Spiced Apple & Cranberry Crumble Recipe Card

Spiced Apple Crumble: A Thanksgiving Desserts Twist! Recipe Card
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Preparation time:

25 Mins
Cooking time:

45 Mins
Servings:
🍽️
8 servings

⚖️ Ingredients:

  • 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and sliced (approximately 3 lbs / 1.36 kg)
  • 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries (about 6 oz / 170g)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • ¼ cup packed light brown sugar (50g)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15g)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15ml)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3g)
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (1g)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (0.5g)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar (100g)
  • ½ cup rolled oats (40g)
  • ½ cup chopped pecans (50g)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (1.5g)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (1.5g)
  • ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes (113g)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup (30ml)

🥄 Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Apple & Cranberry Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Toss well to ensure the fruit is evenly coated.
  2. Make the Maple Pecan Streusel: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, oats, pecans, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or your fingers, until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the maple syrup.
  3. Assemble the Crumble: Pour the apple and cranberry filling into the baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the maple pecan streusel evenly over the top of the filling.
  4. Bake the Crumble: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
  5. Cool and Serve: Let the crumble cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly.

Why You'll Crave This Apple Crumble All Year Round

Apples are packed with fiber, so you can fool yourself into thinking you are being healthy. seriously, though, this crumble is perfect for thanksgiving dinner.

It’s much more interesting than another pumpkin pie. and this is a fun way to get in those mini apple dessert recipes flavors without making a whole pie.

What makes this recipe special? the combination of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and that nutty maple topping. oh my gosh , it’s divine! you could even serve it for sunday lunch.

Imagine that with a dollop of vanilla ice cream. mmm.

Speaking of which, this could totally be one of your summer dessert ideas , just adjust the fruit, maybe use peaches and berries! and if you're into experimenting, this is easily adaptable to multiple desserts in one pan .

Time to get cooking, shall we?

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to create this amazing spiced apple & cranberry crumble with maple pecan streusel.

This recipe is totally doable, even if you're not a professional baker, promise!

Ingredients & Equipment

Okay, so first things first, let's gather our troops. We're talking apples, cranberries, spices. Think autumnal flavours exploding in your mouth. It's easier than it sounds, I swear.

Main Ingredients

For the Apple & Cranberry Filling:

  • Apples: 6 medium (about 3 lbs / 1.36 kg ). Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or Braeburn work a treat.
  • Cranberries: 1 ½ cups fresh (about 6 oz / 170g ).
  • Granulated Sugar: ½ cup (100g) .
  • Light Brown Sugar: ¼ cup packed (50g) .
  • All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons (15g) .
  • Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
  • Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (3g) .
  • Ground Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon (1g) .
  • Ground Ginger: ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) .
  • Salt: Just a pinch!

For the Maple Pecan Streusel:

  • All-Purpose Flour: 1 cup (120g) .
  • Light Brown Sugar: ½ cup packed (100g) .
  • Rolled Oats: ½ cup (40g) .
  • Chopped Pecans: ½ cup (50g) .
  • Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon (1.5g) .
  • Salt: ¼ teaspoon (1.5g) .
  • Cold Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick) cut into cubes (113g) . Make sure it's cold !
  • Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .

When grabbing your apples, give them a gentle squeeze. they should feel firm, not soft or mushy. that's the sign of a good apple.

You want that perfect balance of tartness and sweetness to really sing in your thanksgiving desserts. honestly, good ingredients make all the difference, especially when dreaming up mini apple dessert recipes !

Seasoning Notes

Cinnamon and nutmeg are the backbone here. they bring that warm, cosy vibe. you know? like a hug from grandma.

A touch of ginger adds a little zing. a dash of these make fantastic mini apple pie cheesecake bites .

Don't have nutmeg? a little allspice will do in a pinch. out of ginger? don’t sweat it, just leave it out.

It will still taste incredible! you can also look at apple crisp mini cheesecake options for more inspiration!

For flavour enhancers, a splash of vanilla extract (not listed above) in the filling will take it to the next level.

Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch baking dish .
  • Large and medium mixing bowls .
  • Pastry blender (or just use your fingers!). Honestly, I often just use my fingers, it’s more fun!
  • Vegetable peeler .
  • Apple corer (optional).

Don’t have a pastry blender? no worries. just use two knives or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture.

A fork can work too! you can use a pie dish if you want! and if you want to explore multiple desserts in one pan , consider using a larger baking dish and making a few smaller crumbles at once.

Now that’s a summer dessert ideas !

If you fancy playing around with some amazing mini apple cheesecake recipes , why not add a dessert Oreo base? It is a game changer!

Now, about mini cheesecake recipes ; they’re not just for after Thanksgiving dinner. Oh my gosh, you could knock up loads of those any time of year!

So, there you have it. Now, go forth and create something amazing! Let's make some cracking Thanksgiving desserts !

Spiced Apple &amp  Cranberry Crumble presentation

Right then, let's dive into this spiced apple & cranberry crumble with maple pecan streusel! i reckon it's just the ticket for thanksgiving desserts .

You know, sometimes a full-on pie is a bit much after all that turkey, yeah? this crumble hits the sweet spot.

Crumble Cooking: Getting Sorted

Prep Power-Up: Your Mise en Place

Honestly, the secret to nailing this (and any recipe, really) is getting your mise en place sorted. it's a fancy french way of saying "get your act together before you start".

Peel and slice those apples. get your cranberries ready. weigh out all your ingredients. trust me, future you will thank you.

Time-Saver Alert!

Peel and slice the apples ahead of time. toss them with a bit of lemon juice to stop them browning.

You could even make the streusel the day before! just keep it in the fridge. less stress on the big day! for a tasty twist, use this technique to create mini apple pie cheesecake bites .

Crumble Time: Let's Get Baking!

  1. Fruity Goodness: Toss sliced apples and cranberries with sugar, flour, lemon juice, and spices. Easy peasy!
  2. Streusel Magic: Mix flour, brown sugar, oats, pecans, cinnamon, and salt. Rub in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in maple syrup. Oh my gosh , it smells amazing already!
  3. Assembly Time: Pour the apple mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle that glorious streusel all over.
  4. Bake It: Pop it in the oven at 375° F ( 190° C) for 45- 50 minutes . Keep an eye on it! If the topping browns too fast, cover it with foil.
  5. Cool and Devour: Let it cool slightly before serving. This helps the filling thicken.

Crumble Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Apple Variety is Key: Use different apples! Granny Smiths for tang, Honeycrisp for sweetness.
  • Streusel Chill Time: Chilling the streusel before baking? This is a top tip to ensure an ultra-crisp topping!
  • Don't overbake it, please! The filling should be bubbly and the topping golden. Nobody likes a dry crumble, you know?

I made this last year for our thanksgiving desserts , and it was a right hit! loads more popular than the classic pumpkin pie.

Even my fussy aunt mildred loved it. another idea is multiple desserts in one pan , for a bit of fun.

If you're looking for mini apple dessert recipes , you can use this same recipe and bake it in individual ramekins.

This also works great as a summer dessert ideas option if served cold with some ice cream. consider alternatives like mini apple cheesecake recipes using this crumble topping! for an interesting twist, try adding a crushed dessert oreo layer for an extra bit of chocolatey indulgence with mini apple crisp cheesecake recipes

Now, get baking! this spiced apple & cranberry crumble is sure to be a winner, and it’s a fab alternative to more traditional thanksgiving desserts.

It's also easier than making apple crisp mini cheesecake . enjoy, you lovely lot!

Right then, let's chat about those all-important recipe notes for our Spiced Apple & Cranberry Crumble with Maple Pecan Streusel. Think of these as little lifesavers, yeah?

Recipe Notes Deconstructed

Plating Like a Pro

Right, presentation matters! warm crumble in a rustic bowl? spot on. top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting just a bit? chefs kiss.

Honestly, a simple dusting of icing sugar does wonders too. for drinks think mulled wine, hot toddies or even just a nice cuppa, this dessert is a blank canvas to be pair with amazing drinks.

This recipe reminds me of summer dessert ideas , when its hot outside, throw the vanilla ice cream, and if its cold, a cup of warm mulled wine.

Storage Sorted

Got leftovers? lucky you! pop that crumble into the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. fancy freezing it? you can! just wrap it well (individual portions are easiest) and it'll keep for a month or two.

Reheating is a doddle – oven or microwave until warmed through. just keep an eye on it so it doesn't dry out.

Remixing the Recipe

Feeling adventurous? want dietary adaptations ? swap out some of the flour for almond flour for a nutty gluten-free version.

For a seasonal twist, try pears or plums instead of apples – equally delicious! it reminds me of those mini apple dessert recipes .

Or why not try creating multiple desserts in one pan ?

Nutritional Nuggets

Alright, let's break it down simply. each serving's about 350-400 calories. you're getting some good fibre from the apples and cranberries, and those pecans offer healthy fats.

It has a bit of protein and fiber from the oats. it's comforting food that feels good. not a health food, but a treat for the soul.

Looking for the perfect ending to your thanksgiving desserts spread? this apple & cranberry crumble will do the trick. maybe you want to try mini apple cheesecake recipes .

Or even something like mini apple crisp cheesecake or mini apple crisp cheesecake recipes . it's proper easy, proper tasty, and your guests will love you for it.

Get baking! what about turning them into adorable mini apple pie cheesecake bites ? or using a dessert oreo base? so many options! this will remind you of all the mini cheesecake recipes you can explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Spiced Apple & Cranberry Crumble ahead of time for my Thanksgiving desserts spread?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire crumble (filling and streusel) a day ahead, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Then, bake it as directed on Thanksgiving Day. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge. Consider it your "get out of jail free" card for a stress-free Thanksgiving.

What are the best apples to use in this crumble? I'm a bit clueless, like a lost tourist in London!

No worries, we've all been there! A mix of tart and sweet apples works best. Granny Smiths provide a lovely tartness, while Honeycrisp or Braeburn add sweetness and a nice texture. You can also use other apple varieties that are good for baking, just avoid apples that are very soft and mushy when cooked, such as McIntosh.

How do I store leftover Thanksgiving desserts crumble and how long will it last?

Leftover crumble can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quicker treat, but the topping might not be as crispy.

My streusel topping always ends up a bit sad and soggy. How can I make it crispier for my Thanksgiving desserts?

Ah, the dreaded soggy streusel! A couple of tricks can help: First, make sure your butter is cold when you make the streusel, as that will prevent it melting too fast. Secondly, chill the streusel in the fridge for about 30 minutes before sprinkling it over the filling. The butter stays cold for longer during baking and this allows the topping to be crisper. If your topping is browning too quickly during baking, loosely tent the dish with foil.

Can I make this crumble gluten-free? I've got a few gluten-avoiding rellies coming for Thanksgiving dinner!

Yes, absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in both the filling and the streusel with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it's a blend that contains xanthan gum, or add a teaspoon of xanthan gum yourself, as this helps to bind the ingredients together. Also, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats in the streusel topping to be on the safe side.

Is there a way to reduce the sugar in this dessert, or is that like asking for a rainy summer in England?

While we don't want to completely remove the sweetness, you can certainly make some adjustments! You can reduce the amount of sugar in both the filling and the streusel by about 25% without significantly affecting the outcome. Also, choose naturally sweeter apples and consider adding a touch more spice (cinnamon, nutmeg) to enhance the perceived sweetness. Just remember, sweetness is part of the crumble's charm, so don't go overboard!


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