Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie Recipe

I absolutely love this Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie Recipe because it blends the tart freshness of cranberries with the sweet warmth of baked apples, creating a cozy dessert that feels like a big, comforting hug in every bite. Whenever autumn rolls around, this pie becomes my go-to treat for family gatherings and chilly evenings spent curled up with a cup of tea.

You’ll find that this recipe strikes the perfect balance between a flaky buttery crust, a luscious fruit filling, and a satisfyingly crunchy crumble topping. If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both impressive and easy enough to make at home, this Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie Recipe is totally worth trying – I promise it won’t disappoint!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together to create layers of flavor and texture. Whether you’re grabbing fresh apples or deciding between light or dark brown sugar, a little tip on each helps you pick the very best for your pie.

• Pie Crust: Use a flaky unbaked crust or all-butter for a richer flavor; homemade or store-bought both work great.
• Brown Sugar: Choose light or dark based on your preference; dark adds deeper molasses notes.
• All-Purpose Flour: For binding the crumble and thickening the filling without altering taste.
• Ground Cinnamon: A warming spice that amplifies the apple and cranberry flavor perfectly.
• Unsalted Butter: Very cold and cubed to create a tender and crisp crumble topping.
• Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: Adds a lovely texture and heartiness to the crumble.
• Apples: I recommend a mix like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for tartness and sweetness balance.
• Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: Don’t thaw frozen cranberries before mixing to keep that extra pop and texture.
• Orange Zest: It brightens the filling and ties the flavors together beautifully.
• Ground Allspice, Nutmeg: Small amounts add complexity and warmth without overpowering.
• Egg and Milk for Egg Wash: To give your crust that shiny, golden finish.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. Sometimes I swap the topping oats for chopped nuts, or switch up the apple varieties depending on what I have on hand—giving the pie a fun new twist each time.

• Nuts in Topping: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts gave the crumble a delightful crunch and richer flavor – my family couldn’t get enough!
• Gluten-Free Option: I’ve tried using a gluten-free pie crust and almond flour in the crumble, and it worked surprisingly well without sacrificing texture.
• Sweetener Swap: You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper caramel-like sweetness.
• Spice Variations: Feel free to increase cinnamon or add a pinch of ginger for extra warmth during winter months.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust

Start by prepping your pie crust as you normally would or use a store-bought unbaked crust. When rolling it out, I found that using gentle, even pressure and rotating the dough often helps it stay nice and round without tearing. Once it fits into your 9-inch pie dish, tuck the edges under and shape them with your fingers to get a thick, beautiful rim. Brushing the crust edges with a simple egg wash gives the crust a glossy finish that looks just like from a bakery.

Step 2: Mix the Crumble Topping

In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Then cut in the chilled, cubed butter until the mixture looks crumbly—kind of like coarse meal with some pea-sized lumps. Stir in the oats last for a hearty, textured topping. For best results, pop this in the fridge while assembling the pie to keep the butter cold.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, toss your sliced apples, cranberries, brown sugar, flour, orange zest, and spices until everything is evenly coated. Using a mix of tart and sweet apples gives the filling a balanced flavor, but feel free to experiment as this recipe is forgiving. I love the zing the orange zest adds—it really brightens the deep fruit flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Spoon the fruit filling into your chilled crust, spreading it evenly. Then sprinkle the cold crumble topping all over the filling—you want a nice even layer to get that satisfying crunch on top. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven to 375°F (190°C). Protect the pie edges with a crust shield or homemade foil shield to keep them from burning while the filling bubbles. Continue baking until juicy and golden, about 35–40 minutes more. Let it cool for at least 3 hours; I learned the hard way that slicing too soon makes it watery.

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving this pie warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or a few extra cranberries on top for a pop of color and extra zing—makes it look festive and irresistible!

Side Dishes

When it comes to pairing, this pie shines alongside cozy drinks like hot apple cider or spiced tea. For a full holiday spread, try it with roasted turkey or ham and fresh salads to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve individual portions in mini ramekins topped with the crumble and a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s elegant and totally Instagram-worthy! You can also cut lattice strips from extra pie dough to place atop the filling before adding crumble for a pretty pattern.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie tastes even better the next day after flavors meld. I keep mine covered with plastic wrap at room temperature for about a day, or refrigerate it for up to five days. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

I’ve had great success freezing the baked pie wrapped tightly in foil and plastic wrap for up to three months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Just a heads up: the crumble topping can get a bit softer after freezing, but the flavors remain fantastic.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices into a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, which helps refresh the crust crispness better than a microwave. This method keeps the pie tasting homemade and freshly baked.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it brings together the flavors and textures that everyone at my table adores. It’s a bit of work, sure, but that payoff—a pie with a flaky crust, juicy fruit filling, and crunchy topping—makes it totally worth it. If you want something cozy, impressive, and honestly delicious, I can’t recommend this pie enough. Give it a try, and soon it’ll be a staple dessert you reach for again and again!

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