When the seasons shift and cooler air rolls in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, fruit-filled dessert straight from the oven. This Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble captures all the cozy, comforting flavors of fall and winter in every bite. It’s rustic, homey, and just sweet enough to satisfy without overwhelming. The tartness of cranberries mingles beautifully with tender apples, all topped with a buttery, golden oat crumble.

Perfect for family dinners, holiday tables, or even a casual weeknight treat, this crumble is one of those reliable, crowd-pleasing desserts you’ll come back to again and again. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make and can easily be prepped ahead of time.

Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect flavor balance – The combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples hits all the right notes.
Easy to make – Minimal prep, no fancy tools, just simple, satisfying baking.
Versatile – Great for holidays, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
Crowd-pleasing – It’s warm, nostalgic, and always a hit.
Make-ahead friendly – Prep it in advance and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.

Tip: You can find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Ingredients

Fresh cranberries
Diced apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties works best)
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Rolled oats
All-purpose flour
Brown sugar
Unsalted butter
Salt

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cranberries, diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the fruit is well coated.
Pour the fruit mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix with a fork or your hands until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the fruit.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. It’s delicious warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Variations

Add nuts – Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for added crunch.
Make it gluten-free – Substitute a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Swap the fruit – Try adding pears or using only apples if cranberries aren’t available.
Lower the sugar – Reduce the granulated sugar slightly if your apples are very sweet.
Spice it up – Add ground ginger or clove for a spicier crumble.

Heating and Storage

Storing:

Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or place the entire dish in a 325°F (160°C) oven until warmed through.

Freezing:

Freeze the unbaked crumble in a well-wrapped baking dish. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the bake time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes! No need to thaw them—just toss them in with the apples as you would with fresh cranberries.

What apples work best for this crumble?

A mix of sweet and tart apples (like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith) gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the crumble, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I need to peel the apples?

It’s optional. Peeling gives a softer texture, but leaving the skins on adds a rustic feel and extra fiber.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

You can, but the texture will be softer. Rolled oats give a better crunch.

What can I use instead of butter?

Use a plant-based butter alternative or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

Is this dessert very sweet?

It’s nicely balanced. The cranberries add tartness, which keeps it from being overly sweet.

Can I add orange zest?

Yes! Orange zest adds a fresh, citrusy brightness that pairs well with the cranberries.

Will this work in a smaller baking dish?

Yes, but adjust the bake time accordingly and be sure not to overfill.

What should I serve it with?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce all make great pairings.

Conclusion

This Spiced Cranberry Apple Crumble is everything you want in a cozy dessert — warm, spiced, fruity, and topped with a buttery crunch. It’s easy to throw together, flexible enough to suit your tastes, and sure to become a seasonal staple. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this crumble delivers comfort in every bite

Chef sara