Name: Cozy Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble Recipe for Fall Baking
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 Fuji apples, peeled, cored, and diced; 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced; 2 cups fresh cranberries (can be frozen); 6 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; Zest of one lemon; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour); 1 1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed; 2/3 cup old-fashioned oats; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced into small cubes (2 sticks); 1 cup pecans, chopped

Jump to Recipe

I’m so excited to share this special treat with you because The recipe that I’m sharing with you today is adapted from Joy’s Pear Cranberry Pecan Crumble from her book and includes changes to suit my tastes. It’s a beautiful combination of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans baked into a golden, buttery crumble that feels like a warm holiday hug. This dessert isn’t just about flavor; it’s about nostalgia, comfort, and a little festive magic in every bite. Plus, the tweaks I made bring a personalized touch that makes it uniquely mine, and now, I’m passing that joy directly to you.

The recipe that I'm sharing with you today is adapted from Joy's Pear Cranberry Pecan Crumble from her book and includes changes to suit my tastes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are delightfully straightforward but each packs an essential punch in flavor and texture, creating a balanced and festive crumble that sings with every spoonful.

Fuji and Granny Smith apples: A perfect duo where Fuji apples bring natural sweetness and Granny Smith apples add a firm tartness, creating vibrant texture contrast.
Fresh cranberries: Their tart bite adds a burst of color and holiday spirit, balancing the sweetness of the apples beautifully.
Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: The granulated sugar gently sweetens the fruit, while the brown sugar adds deep caramel notes to the crumb topping.
Lemon juice and zest: These brighten the fruit mixture with fresh tang and lively aroma, lifting the entire dish.
Flour and oats: These build the crumble’s tender yet hearty texture, with oats contributing a rustic chewiness.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt: Classic warming spices that evoke cozy, familiar holiday scents and enhance all the other flavors.
Unsalted butter: The cold cubes are essential to creating that melt-in-your-mouth, golden crumble topping.
Pecans: Toasty, crunchy, and slightly buttery nuts bring a satisfying texture and nutty richness to the dessert.

How to Make Cozy Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble Recipe for Fall Baking

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit Filling

Begin by peeling, coring, and dicing your Fuji and Granny Smith apples to create a mix of sweet and tart fruit that’s perfectly balanced. Toss them with fresh cranberries in a large baking dish. Then, sprinkle granulated sugar, cinnamon, and fresh lemon zest over the fruits before drizzling with lemon juice. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until the fruit is evenly coated in this vibrant, aromatic mixture. This step infuses the fruit with a bright, tangy-sweet flavor that makes every bite memorable.

Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl or your food processor, whisk together the flour, light brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the cold, diced butter cubes and cut them into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs about the size of peas. This process is key because it creates the tender, buttery texture we all love in a crumble. Then, stir in the chopped pecans, coating them in the spiced mixture, which adds a satisfying crunch and nutty richness to the topping.

Step 3: Assemble the Crumble

Take about one-third of your crumb topping and mix it into the prepared fruit in the baking dish. This step ensures that flavorful crumble bits meld into the fruit, creating pockets of buttery goodness within the filling. After mixing, evenly sprinkle the remaining two-thirds of the crumb topping over the fruit’s surface, allowing it to blanket the tart mixture beautifully.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish on the oven’s center rack and bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges—this signals that all those wonderful flavors have melded together. Let it cool for about 20 minutes before serving so the juices thicken slightly and the crumble sets up just right.

How to Serve Cozy Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble Recipe for Fall Baking

Garnishes

To elevate this crumble even further, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is an absolute must. The cool creaminess beautifully contrasts the warm, spiced crumble, making each mouthful enchanting. Freshly chopped pecans sprinkled on top add gorgeous texture and a nutty crunch that’s simply irresistible.

Side Dishes

This Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or a rich cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. If you’re serving it as part of a holiday dessert spread, consider adding a platter of assorted cheeses and nuts to complement the dessert’s sweet and tart profile.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, try serving individual portions in small ramekins topped with a sprig of fresh rosemary or a dusting of powdered sugar for that snowy-holiday look. You could also layer the crumble with Greek yogurt and honey in clear glasses to create a beautiful parfait that showcases the flavors and textures in a fun, modern way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This crumble keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen over time, which means leftovers are just as delightful as fresh out of the oven.

Freezing

If you want to prepare the crumble ahead of time, freeze it unbaked in an appropriate baking dish covered tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will keep nicely for up to three months. When ready to bake, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed with baking instructions.

Reheating

Warm leftover servings in the oven at 300°F for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and the topping re-crisped. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crumble topping delightfully crunchy, as microwaves tend to make it soggy.

FAQs

Can I substitute the apples with pears like the original recipe?

Absolutely! The recipe that I’m sharing with you today is adapted from Joy’s Pear Cranberry Pecan Crumble from her book and includes changes to suit my tastes, mainly because I prefer apples over pears. But if you love pears, go ahead and swap in six to eight ripe pears. Just keep in mind pears will add a softer, grainier texture than apples.

Can I make this crumble gluten-free?

Yes, definitely! I personally used gluten-free all-purpose flour, and it worked wonderfully without sacrificing texture or flavor. Just ensure your oats are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivity.

Is it okay to use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones for this recipe. Just thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid if very watery to avoid making the filling too soggy.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Yes, the recipe scales easily. I actually doubled it myself for a larger gathering to ensure everyone had seconds. Just adjust your baking dish size and baking time accordingly, keeping an eye on the golden topping and bubbling filling as your cues.

How do I get the crumble topping extra crispy?

Cutting the butter into pea-sized chunks and keeping it cold before baking is essential. Also, don’t mix the topping too much once the butter is combined to avoid overworking it. If you want extra crunch, you can eyeball an additional handful of pecans or oats gently folded in before sprinkling on top.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you feel inspired to try making this warm, comforting Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble because The recipe that I’m sharing with you today is adapted from Joy’s Pear Cranberry Pecan Crumble from her book and includes changes to suit my tastes. It celebrates the joy of holiday baking with vibrant flavors and cozy textures that bring people together. Whether baked for a festive gathering or a cozy night in, this crumble is bound to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection. Happy baking and even happier tasting!

Cozy Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble Recipe for Fall Baking

★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Author: Naomi
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in this festive Apple Cranberry Pecan Crumble, boasting a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors with a buttery, nutty crumble topping. Adapted from Joy Wilson’s Homemade Decadence, this easy-to-make dessert combines fresh apples, cranberries, lemon zest, and pecans for a comforting holiday treat that’s sure to impress your family and guests.

Instructions

Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
Prepare fruit filling: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the diced Fuji and Granny Smith apples with the fresh cranberries. Sprinkle the granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest over the fruit. Toss gently to evenly coat all the fruit with the mixture.
Make crumble topping: In a medium mixing bowl or food processor, whisk together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add the cold, diced butter cubes and cut the butter into the mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until pea-sized crumbs form. Finally, stir in the chopped pecans to coat them evenly.
Combine crumble and fruit: Take about one-third of the crumble mixture and add it directly into the fruit filling in the baking dish. Stir gently to incorporate the crumbs with the fruit. Then, sprinkle the remaining two-thirds of the crumble evenly over the top of the fruit layer.
Bake: Place the assembled crumble in the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Cool before serving: Remove the crumble from the oven and allow it to cool for about 20 minutes. This resting time helps the filling set and makes serving easier.

Notes

You can substitute 6 to 8 pears for the apples if you prefer, though the original recipe uses a mix of Fuji and Granny Smith apples.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Using cold butter is essential for achieving a crumbly topping texture.
The crumble can be served warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator and gently reheat before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American