Delicious Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble : A Holiday Baking Must-Have

There’s something magical about the aroma of apples, cinnamon, and pecans wafting through the kitchen during the holidays. One dessert that captures this warmth and comfort is the Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble. With its tart cranberries, sweet apples, and buttery pecan crumble topping, this festive dessert is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re planning your holiday baking list, looking for a cranberry pie with thick pecan crumble, or craving a cozy fruit crisp that doubles as comfort food, this recipe has you covered.

Not only is this crumble stunning on the dessert table, but it’s also one of the easiest desserts to prepare. No need to fuss with pastry dough like you would for a traditional pie. Instead, fresh fruit is topped with a crunchy pecan streusel and baked until golden. It’s rustic, elegant, and oh-so satisfying.

If you love holiday desserts, you may also enjoy this comforting apple crisp with oatmeal or festive pumpkin truffles.

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Why This Apple Cranberry Crumble Dessert Belongs on Your Holiday Baking List

When the weather turns chilly, few desserts bring as much joy as a warm crumble fresh from the oven. This particular apple cranberry crumble dessert is holiday-ready because:

• Seasonal ingredients: Apples and cranberries are classic winter fruits.
• Crowd-pleaser: It’s sweet enough for dessert but tart enough to keep it refreshing.
• Versatile: Serve it warm with ice cream, at brunch with whipped cream, or cold the next day.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prep the filling or topping in advance.
• Healthier than pie: Less sugar and butter than a double-crust pie, while still indulgent.

If you’re planning a dessert buffet, pair this crumble with Halloween brownies or a creamy blueberry cream cheese bar.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble

Here’s everything you need to make this festive crisp recipe.

Fruit Filling

• Apples – 5 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
• Fresh or Frozen Cranberries – 1 ½ cups (if frozen, do not thaw first)
• Granulated Sugar – ½ cup (adjust to tartness of fruit)
• Brown Sugar – ¼ cup, for depth of flavor
• Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
• Nutmeg – ½ teaspoon
• All-Purpose Flour or Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons (to thicken the filling)
• Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon

Crumble Topping

• All-Purpose Flour – 1 cup
• Rolled Oats – ½ cup
• Brown Sugar – ½ cup, packed
• Chopped Pecans – ½ cup
• Butter – ½ cup (1 stick), cold and cut into cubes
• Cinnamon – ½ teaspoon
• Pinch of Salt

Optional add-ins:

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for a richer filling
• A handful of dried currants if you want to turn this into an apple cranberry currant crumble pie

For more fruit-forward bakes, check out this refreshing cucumber shrimp salad or hearty stuffed acorn squash.

How to Make the Perfect Thick Pecan Crumble Topping

The crumble topping is what makes this dessert shine. To get the perfect thick pecan crumble, follow these tips:

1. Use cold butter. It should be firm enough to cut into flour and oats.
2. Combine dry ingredients first (flour, oats, sugar, pecans, and spices).
3. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Chill the topping before baking for extra crispiness.

The pecans toast beautifully in the oven, creating a nutty crunch that balances the tart-sweet fruit. For another nutty treat, try pecan cheesecake bars, perfect for dessert lovers.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Apple Cranberry Crumble

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the fruit filling: In a large bowl, toss apples, cranberries, sugars, flour, lemon juice, and spices until evenly coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the crumble topping: In another bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, pecans, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture forms pea-sized crumbles.
4. Assemble: Spread the crumble topping evenly over the fruit mixture.
5. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and fruit is bubbling.
6. Cool slightly before serving so the juices thicken.

Looking for a savory contrast to this sweet dish? Pair it with garlic parmesan chicken skewers.

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Apple Cranberry Currant Crumble Pie Variation

Want something closer to a pie? Transform this recipe into an apple cranberry currant crumble pie by using a store-bought or homemade pie crust as the base, filling it with the apple-cranberry mixture, and topping with the pecan crumble before baking.

Another creative pie-style idea is this muffin tin mini apple pie, which makes a perfect hand-held holiday dessert.

Sheet-Pan Apple Crumble Recipe for Feeding a Crowd

If you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a sheet-pan apple crumble recipe is the way to go. Simply double the fruit filling and crumble topping, bake in a rimmed half-sheet pan instead of a casserole dish, and cut into neat squares for easy serving.

For a different sheet-pan option, try cheesy pasta bake with pumpkin tomato sauce, a savory dish to balance your dessert spread.

Tips for Baking the Best Fruit Crisp at Home

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balance.
• Always add a little flour or cornstarch to the filling to avoid runniness.
• For a crunchy topping, don’t overmix the butter—chunks are good.
• Bake until the fruit is bubbling; this ensures the filling is fully cooked.
• Serve warm for the coziest experience.

You might also enjoy this crispy smashed potato salad, a savory side that complements rich holiday desserts.

Serving Suggestions for Apple Cranberry Crumble Dessert

This apple cranberry crumble dessert is versatile. Try serving it with vanilla ice cream, freshly whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even Greek yogurt for a breakfast-style treat. For festive flair, serve it alongside other winter favorites like pumpkin cinnamon rolls or apple fritter donuts.

Best Pairings: Drinks and Sides for a Holiday Crisp Recipe

Pair your fruit crisp with cozy beverages such as spiced chai tea, hot apple cider, herbal teas with cinnamon or orange peel, or warm vanilla milk.

For holiday drinks, you might love lavender lemonade in warmer months or a seasonal pumpkin spice cold brew.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Crumble Desserts

• Using too much sugar: Remember, cranberries are tart but apples bring natural sweetness.
• Overbaking: The topping can burn if left too long.
• Forgetting thickener: Skipping flour or cornstarch can make the filling watery.
• Cutting too soon: Letting it rest 10 minutes helps the filling set.

Storage and Reheating: Keeping Your Cranberry Apple Crisp Fresh

At room temperature, this dessert can be stored covered for up to 1 day. In the refrigerator, it will keep up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to re-crisp the topping. You can also freeze the baked crumble: let it cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.

If you’re looking for freezer-friendly recipes, you’ll also love these freezer breakfast sandwiches.

Healthy Ingredient Swaps for a Lighter Crisp Recipe

Replace part of the butter with coconut oil, use maple syrup or honey instead of refined sugar, swap all-purpose flour for almond flour or oat flour, or add chia seeds for fiber.

For more guilt-free desserts, check out these pumpkin protein muffins.

Why This Recipe Stands Out in Holiday Cranberry Recipes

There are many cranberry recipes around the holidays, but few deliver the cozy, rustic charm of this cranberry pie with thick pecan crumble topping. It’s a dessert that feels both traditional and modern, indulgent and wholesome.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cranberry Crumble

Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes—just use them straight from the freezer.
Which apples are best? Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix for balance.
Can I make it ahead? Yes, assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What’s the difference between crisp and crumble? Traditionally, a crisp recipe includes oats, while a crumble uses just flour, butter, and sugar. This recipe combines both.

Final Thoughts: Celebrate the Holidays with Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble

The Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble is the ultimate cozy dessert. It combines the tartness of cranberries, the sweetness of apples, and the crunch of pecans into a dish that’s festive yet simple. Whether you’re making a sheet-pan apple crumble recipe, a cranberry currant crumble pie, or a small family crisp, this recipe will become a holiday tradition you’ll bake again and again.

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