Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie Recipe

I absolutely love how this Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie Recipe combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the cozy sweetness of spiced apples in a flaky, buttery crust. It’s the kind of dessert that feels just right for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or any time you want a pie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The crumble topping adds that perfect crunchy contrast that makes every bite a treat.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the flavors melded together without being overly sweet, letting those natural fruit flavors shine. You’ll find that this Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie Recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also wonderfully forgiving for home bakers looking to impress without stress. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple you’ll come back to again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie Recipe plays a role in achieving that perfect, layered flavor. From tart apples that hold shape to brown sugar for depth, choosing the right ingredients really shows in the final pie.

• Pie Crust: I recommend using either a classic flaky pie crust or a rich all-butter pie crust for maximum flavor and texture.
• Egg wash: Just a simple combo of egg and milk to give your crust that gorgeous golden shine.
• Brown sugar: Both light and dark brown sugar work well; dark brings a deeper molasses flavor which I love.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the filling and binds the crumble topping.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that pairs beautifully with apples and cranberries.
• Unsalted butter: Use very cold butter for crumble topping so it bakes into those lovely little crisp clusters.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats: Including oats in the crumble gives a rustic texture and hearty bite.
• Apples: Choose a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balanced flavor and texture.
• Fresh or frozen cranberries: No need to thaw frozen cranberries; they’ll release their juices nicely during baking.
• Orange zest: Brightens the fruit filling by cutting through the sweetness.
• Ground allspice and nutmeg: Just enough to add complexity without overpowering the fruit.

Variations

I love putting my own little spin on this Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie Recipe depending on the season or occasion. Feel free to tweak it based on what you have or what flavors you’re craving.

• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom can add a warm, aromatic depth perfect for winter holidays—my family really enjoyed this twist last Christmas.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the crumble before baking for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Dairy-Free Version: Swap butter in the crumble for coconut oil chilled until firm; it still bakes up nicely and keeps the crumble crisp.
• Fruit Swap: Feel free to mix in blueberries or replace cranberries with fresh raspberries for a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare That Perfect Crumble Topping

Start with whisking together brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Then cut in very cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter, two forks, or even your fingers until it looks crumbly but still has some small chunks of butter. Finally, stir in old-fashioned oats for that rustic texture. Pop this mixture into the fridge while you get your pie dough ready—this chill time is key to keeping the topping nice and crisp after baking.

Step 2: Roll Out and Chill Your Pie Crust

Once your pie dough has rested and is chilled, lightly flour your surface and gently roll it out into a 12-inch round. I always work from the center outward, rotating the dough as I go to keep it even. Transfer carefully to a 9-inch pie dish and tuck it in smoothly. Fold any overhanging dough under itself around the edges to create a thick rim you can crimp or flute. Don’t forget to brush the edges with the egg wash for that glossy finish and pop it back in the fridge for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Mix and Fill Your Pie with Fruit Goodness

In a large bowl, toss the apple slices, cranberries (frozen works great here without thawing), brown sugar, flour, orange zest, and spices until everything’s evenly coated. This mixture will bubble and thicken nicely as it bakes. Spoon the filling evenly into your chilled crust, then sprinkle the cold crumble topping all over the fruit. Getting this step right means every slice will be packed with flavor and texture.

Step 4: Bake With Care for That Golden Finish

Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and position a baking sheet on the lowest rack to catch any drips. Bake your pie uncovered for 20 minutes at this high heat, which helps set the crust and get the topping started. Then, reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and shield the edges with a pie crust protector or homemade foil shield to prevent burning. Bake for 35–40 more minutes until you see the filling bubbling and the crust turns a lovely golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly, tent a piece of foil gently over it for the last part of baking. Patience here really pays off for that perfect texture.

Step 5: Cool Before Serving (It’s Worth the Wait!)

This part can be tough—I know, I’ve been there—but cooling your Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie for at least 3 hours is crucial so the filling sets up nicely and doesn’t spill when you cut it. The flavors also mellow and deepen during the rest. When ready to serve, don’t be shy about adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-special touch.

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream does wonders here. If I’m feeling fancy, I sprinkle a tiny bit of finely chopped toasted pecans on top of the crumble right before serving for added texture and nuttiness.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with warm spiced tea or fresh brewed coffee. For a festive meal, I like serving it alongside roasted turkey or ham with a light green salad to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to cut the pie into mini hand-held slices or serve in small ramekins for individual crumble pies—perfect for guests to enjoy without fuss. Drizzling a warm caramel sauce over the top elevates it into a show-stopping dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically cover leftover slices tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep them in the fridge, where they stay fresh for up to 5 days. I find the flavor actually deepens overnight, making it even better the next day!

Freezing

Freezing the whole baked pie works well if you wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it’s still delicious, though the topping can get a bit softer. For the best texture, I sometimes freeze just the filling or the dough separately and assemble fresh on bake day.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftover pie slices in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to revive the crisp crumble topping. Avoid microwaving to keep that flakiness intact—trust me, it’s worth the extra time!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cranberry Crumble Pie Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen for its comforting flavors and impressive looks without any fuss. Sharing it with friends and family always sparks that warm, cozy feeling only a homemade pie can provide. If you want a dessert that’s reliably delicious, easy to customize, and perfect for the season, I can’t recommend this pie enough—give it a try and watch everyone go crazy for it!

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