Dessert

Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble With Pecan Topping Recipe

ByNaomi Fletcher October 23, 2025October 23, 2025

Introduction

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble, a delightful dessert that perfectly balances tart cranberries with sweet, juicy apples and a crumbly pecan topping. Easy to make and ideal for any occasion, this cozy treat will fill your home with the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg and impress your guests every time.

A round white bowl filled with a layered fruit crumble dessert. The bottom layer shows a slice of green pear. The middle layer has bright red cranberries scattered throughout. The top layer is a golden-brown oat crumble, sprinkled evenly with whole pecan halves and more cranberries. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. In the background, out of focus, is a white plate holding a slice of the dessert and more cranberries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups fresh cranberries
4 cups diced apples (mix of sweet and tart varieties)
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until the fruit is evenly coated.
Step 3: Transfer the fruit mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 4: In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, salt, softened butter, and chopped pecans until crumbly.
Step 5: Spread the crumble topping evenly over the fruit mixture.
Step 6: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
Step 7: Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix.
Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred, or omit nuts for a nut-free dessert.
Try adding a pinch of allspice for a deeper warming flavor.
Switch cranberries with tart cherries or pomegranate seeds for a different fruity twist.

Storage

Store leftover crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or place the whole dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crisp on top.

How to Serve

A round white bowl holds a baked dessert with a crumbly, golden-brown oat topping mixed with whole pecans scattered across the surface. Bright red cranberries are spread evenly on top and along the sides, some nestled into the oat crumb layer. Underneath the topping, a thick layer of soft, cooked fruit including a piece of sliced green pear is visible through a missing section near the front. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface, and in the background, there is an out-of-focus white plate with a small piece of the dessert and more cranberries. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute cranberries with another fruit in this recipe?

Yes, you can use tart cherries or pomegranate seeds as alternatives. These substitutions provide a similar tartness and create a delicious variation of the dish.