Introduction
When it comes to comforting desserts, few can rival the charm of an Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie. 🍎🍒 This indulgent recipe combines the natural sweetness of apples with the tangy burst of cranberries, all topped with a buttery crumble that’s both crunchy and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, preparing a midweek treat, or simply enjoying some time in the kitchen, this pie is a showstopper.
A Unique Twist on a Classic
The addition of cranberries to the traditional apple pie elevates it to something extraordinary. The tart cranberries balance the sweet, juicy apples, creating a harmonious flavor that appeals to all palates. Topped with a buttery crumble made of sugar, butter, and oats, this pie boasts a texture that’s both light and crisp.
This dessert isn’t just delicious—it’s simple to make. With no need for a second pie crust, it’s beginner-friendly yet impressive. Looking for inspiration for the main course before this sweet finish? Try the savory Crockpot Steak Bites for a hearty pairing.
Why This Recipe Works
The aromatic blend of apples, cranberries, and cinnamon will fill your kitchen with a welcoming warmth. Ready to bake? Let’s begin!
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to have the right tools and ingredients ready. Having everything prepared ahead of time ensures a smooth baking process and perfect results. The Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie requires only a handful of basic kitchen tools and high-quality ingredients to achieve its irresistible taste.
Equipment and Tools
To create this dessert, you’ll need the following kitchen essentials:
- Mixing bowls: For preparing the crumble and filling.
- Pie dish: A standard 9-inch dish works best for even baking.
- Pastry blender: Useful for cutting butter into the crumble topping.
- Knife and cutting board: For slicing apples and preparing cranberries.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key for perfect results.
Ensure these tools are clean and within reach to make the process seamless. If you’re looking for other simple yet impressive dishes, check out these Stuffed Potato Cakes for a crispy, cheesy delight.
Key Ingredients Overview
- Apples: Opt for firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect texture.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work, offering a tangy contrast to the sweet apples.
- Butter, sugar, and oats: These form the crumble topping that makes this pie unique.
Now that you’re ready with tools and ingredients, let’s move on to assembling this delicious dessert!
Ingredients
The beauty of the Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. By combining sweet, tart, and buttery elements, this dessert creates a harmonious balance that everyone will love. Below is the full list of ingredients needed, along with tips to help you choose the best options for your pie.
Main Ingredients
- Apples (4 cups, sliced)
- Use firm and tart varieties like Granny Smith for balance or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.
- Peel and slice evenly for consistent texture.
- Cranberries (1 cup)
- Fresh cranberries are ideal, but frozen ones work well too.
- Rinse and sort to remove any soft or overripe berries.
- Granulated Sugar (¾ cup)
- Sweetens the filling while balancing the tartness of the cranberries.
For the Crumble Topping
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup)
- Provides structure to the crumble.
- Rolled Oats (½ cup)
- Adds texture and crunch.
- Brown Sugar (½ cup)
- Enhances the pie with a rich, molasses-like sweetness.
- Butter (½ cup, cold and diced)
- Key for creating that buttery, crumbly texture.
Optional Spices and Extras
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tsp) and Nutmeg (¼ tsp) for warmth.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) to enhance the flavor.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for more buttery, flavorful recipes, try these Bourbon Chicken Bites, perfect as a savory pairing.
Instructions
Creating an Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie is easier than you might think. By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a delicious, golden pie that’s sure to impress. From preparing the filling to baking it to perfection, this guide ensures you get the best results every time.
1: Prepare the Filling
- Peel and Slice the Apples: Use a sharp knife or peeler to remove the apple skins. Slice them into even pieces for consistent baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices, cranberries, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until the fruits are evenly coated.
- Let it Rest: Allow the mixture to sit for 10–15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and softens the fruits slightly.
Pro Tip: For a complete festive meal, pair this pie with these Stuffed Potato Cakes as a side dish.
2: Make the Crumble Topping
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, rolled oats, and brown sugar.
- Cut in the Butter: Add cold, diced butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Set Aside: Keep the crumble topping in the refrigerator while assembling the pie.
3: Assemble and Bake
- Prepare the Pie Dish: Grease a 9-inch pie dish lightly or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Add the Filling: Spread the apple-cranberry mixture evenly in the pie dish.
- Top with Crumble: Sprinkle the prepared crumble topping over the fruit mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. For an extra treat, serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
Understanding the nutritional breakdown of your Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie can help you enjoy this dessert while staying mindful of your dietary goals. Below is an approximate analysis of the pie’s key nutrients, along with suggestions for making it a bit healthier if needed.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 35g
- Protein: 3g
This pie is rich in carbohydrates, thanks to the apples, cranberries, and crumble topping, making it a great option for satisfying your sweet tooth. The oats add a bit of fiber, while the butter contributes to the creamy richness in the crumble.
Healthier Alternatives
- Reduce Sugar: Use a sugar substitute or reduce the granulated and brown sugar by half without compromising flavor.
- Whole Grain Oats: Swap regular oats for whole-grain oats to increase fiber content.
- Butter Substitutes: Use a plant-based butter alternative or reduce the amount slightly for a lighter version.
For more inspiration on balancing indulgent and healthy dishes, check out this recipe for Crockpot Steak Bites, which offers tender, flavorful bites with fewer calories.
Serving and Storage
Once your Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie is baked to golden perfection, the next step is enjoying it to the fullest. This pie’s versatility makes it suitable for a variety of occasions, from festive gatherings to a simple family dinner.
How to Serve
- Classic Pairing: Serve the pie warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy contrast to the fruity filling.
- Elegant Touch: Dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce for a more indulgent treat.
- Serving Temperature: While the pie is delicious warm, it’s equally satisfying at room temperature or chilled.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 30 seconds, or heat the entire pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe Variations
The beauty of the Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie lies in its versatility. You can easily tweak this recipe to suit dietary needs or seasonal preferences without compromising its deliciousness. Here are some creative variations to try:
Gluten-Free Option
- Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Use certified gluten-free oats for the crumble topping.
Vegan-Friendly Version
- Replace butter with a plant-based butter alternative or coconut oil.
- Swap honey or dairy-based toppings with agave syrup or non-dairy whipped cream.
Seasonal Fruit Swaps
- In summer, replace cranberries with fresh raspberries or blueberries for a lighter twist.
- For a winter touch, add chopped pears to the apple mixture.
These easy substitutions allow you to enjoy this pie year-round. For more creative recipes, try these Stuffed Potato Cakes as a versatile side.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between apple pie and apple crumble?
Apple pie typically features a top and bottom crust made of pastry dough, while apple crumble has a single layer of fruit filling topped with a buttery, crumbly mixture of flour, oats, and sugar. The crumble topping adds a crunchy texture that sets it apart from the classic pie.
2. Should you cook apples before putting them in a pie?
For this recipe, cooking the apples isn’t necessary. The natural juices released during baking combine with the cranberries to create a flavorful filling. However, pre-cooking can reduce excess moisture for other recipes.
3. What is the crumble on top of apple pie made of?
It’s a mix of butter, sugar, oats, and flour, creating a buttery and crunchy texture.
4. What are six ways you can ruin apple pie filling?
Overloading sugar, undercooking, skipping spices, using the wrong apples, forgetting cornstarch, or uneven slicing.
Conclusion
The Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie is a perfect blend of sweet, tart, and buttery goodness that’s easy to make and universally loved. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday celebration or craving a comforting dessert, this pie is sure to impress. With its crunchy crumble topping and rich apple-cranberry filling, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aroma fill your kitchen. Share your creations with family and friends, and don’t forget to check out these Stuffed Potato Cakes for a savory pairing!