Cranberry and Apple Crumble

Last Updated on January 13, 2026 by becky

A cranberry and apple crumble recipe featuring a warm fruit filling and spiced crumble topping. Serve this cranberry crumble for breakfast or brunch, or pair with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream for a rustic dessert.

Why Make This Cranberry and Apple Crumble?

Cranberries always seem to multiply in my fridge and freezer around Christmastime, so in the weeks afterward I’m forever looking for ways to use up the extras, like turning them into muffins, curds, and compotes. This cranberry and apple crumble recipe offers another easy way to repurpose an excess of these tart red berries for an easy January dessert.

A crumble is the British cousin of the American crisp. Both feature fruit baked under a streusel-like topping, but a crisp typically includes oats or nuts for extra texture. (If you enjoy a classic crisp, you might want to try my strawberry rhubarb crisp recipe once springtime rolls around.) This version features the former—a traditional flour-and-butter crumble topping, dusted with Demerara sugar for extra sweetness and crunch, while tart cranberries and Granny Smith apples blend with sugar and spices to create a soft fruit filling.

I love this crumble warm from the oven for dessert (with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream, of course) but it’s just as appropriate for brunch. And the leftovers taste great for breakfast the next morning, too!

Cranberry Crumble Recipe Ingredients

To make this cranberry apple crumble, start by gathering the following:

• Apples – I recommend Granny Smith apples because they pair nicely with the tart cranberries. Before preparing the filling, take time to peel, core, and dice each apple into 1/2-inch cubes.
• Cranberries – Fresh or frozen cranberries work equally well. Like my cranberry parfait, cranberry compote, and cranberry apple hand pies, this crumble offers an easy way to repurpose all of those berries left in the fridge or freezer at the end of the holiday season.

• Sugars – You’ll need granulated sugar (or caster sugar, measured by weight) for the filling, plus Demerara sugar to make and garnish the crumble topping. If you can’t find Demerara, you can substitute Turbinado Sugar or Sugar in the Raw.
• Spices – For filling and topping you’ll need ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and homemade or store-bought mixed spice.
• All Purpose Flour – All purpose flour (or plain flour, in the UK) forms the base for the crumble topping.
• Butter – You’ll need 105 grams (about 7 tablespoons) of unsalted butter, cold, cubed, and worked into the dry ingredients using the rubbing-in method.

Preparing the Fruit Filling

To make the fruit filling, you’ll start by combining the cubed apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, and spices, then placing the pot on the stovetop over medium heat:

Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the apples turn fork-tender and the berries break down. (This will take 10-15 minutes, to be patient!) You’ll know the filling is ready to go when it reaches a soft, spoonable consistency and turns a vibrant shade of cranberry red:

Serving and Enjoying Cranberry Apple Crumble

For dessert: Serve crumble warm from the oven, accompanied by whipped cream, homemade vanilla ice cream, double cream, brandy butter, or custard left over after making homemade lemon custard cream biscuits. You can also keep things simple and dust each portion with powdered sugar, or sprinkle with extra Demerara sugar just before serving.

For breakfast or brunch: Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold. Enjoy plain or pair with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a few slices of Granny Smith apple, plus a strong cup of black tea or coffee.

Make-Ahead and Storage Suggestions

Store leftover crumble in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Eat cold, or rewarm in the oven or microwave.

Other crisp and crumble recipes you might enjoy:

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Mixed Berry Crisp

And if you do make these, or any of my recipes, don’t forget to tag me @bastecutfold or use the hashtag #bastecutfold on Instagram. I always love to see what you’re making!

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